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New Look - New Attitude - New Adventures!
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May 2011
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"There may be more to learn from climbing the same mountain a hundred times than by climbing a hundred different mountains." Richard Nelson
"If one advances in the direction of his dreams, one will meet with success unexpected in common hours." Henry David Thoreau
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Check out the article written about us...in the 
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Did you know...
Hiking is the easiest and least expensive outdoor recreation activity, according to the American Hiking Society, and the mental health benefits are as just as bountiful as the physical ones.
Your body will feel better, your head will be clearer, and your stress level will have decreased. As you notice improvements in your body and state of mind, more than likely you will want to start eating healthier foods. Don't believe it? Go for a hike, and experience it for yourself!
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Click Photos to View Event Slideshow
 | BNN Memorial Day Hike |
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 | Adventure Weekend including Zip Lining at Pigeon Forge, TN |
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 | Len Foote Hike Inn Weekend at Amicalola Falls & Appalachian Trail |
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 | Bicycling on the Silver Comet Trail |
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 | Campout at Red Top Mountain |
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_ Youth in the
American Great Outdoors
Photo Album
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YAGO Hiking Group
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Member Shout Out |
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Carmen Lawson
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Top honors to Carmen Lawson, organizer of youth for our Youth in the American Great Outdoors. She works with the youth at Greater Deliverance Baptist Church, Rev.James Dixon, pastor in Atlanta.
She is always enthusiastic and diligent in gathering the youth for the second Saturday monthly hikes and the third Saturday educational/informational sessions arranged by Gregory McCoy.
Thanks to Carmen for helping us give inner city youth a lifetime experience that has the potential to build their confidence and open their minds to great possibilities for their future!
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Older People w/ Active Lifestyles
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June is Men's Health Month... & June 4th is National Trails Day!
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Greetings!
This is the month we give special attention to the men in our lives! Father's Day is June 19 and all month we celebrate Men's Health.
In the last 5 years I have lost two very good friends, both men, due to health issues. A.J. a renown dancer and actor and 'The Mayor of Sweet Auburn'...Charles Johnson, both due to cancer, and both unexpectedly. A very good friend lost his father, and just within the last 30 days, another blacked out at the steering wheel while driving and found out, among other things, he has congestive hearth failure, he is blessed to still be alive! Let us urge our fathers, husbands, brothers, sons and friends to visit a doctor for a check-up.
In honor of the men in our lives, we have several events over the Father's Day weekend in which to celebrate them:
- Friday, June 18; The Conasauga Snorkel in the crystal clear waters of the Conasauga River in the Cohutta Mountains...get more info and RSVP.
- Saturday, June 19; A 'Free' Wellness Breakfast with all organic food at Studio 723 in Midtown...Get more info and RSVP.
- Sunday, June 20; A Special Wilderness Hike on the easy and scenic Iron Mountain Trail at Red Top Mountain...Get more info and RSVP.
Also...this Saturday, June 4, our regularly scheduled hike day, is the Annual National Trails Day. This year we will work with our partner REI, among others, and perform maintenance on the trails at Red Top Mountain.
On Saturday, June 11 we take our YAGO (Youth in the American Great Outdoors) group on their monthly hike, lead by Gregory McCoy. Get more info below.
On Thursday, June 23 we will join the Georgia Conservancy for a hike and overnight to the Len Foote Inn at Amicalola Falls. Get more info and RSVP.
On Saturday, June 25 we will have our 'Next Level' hike on the Gahutti Trail at Fort Mountain. This one is for our hikers who are ready for trails that are a little more challenging...Get More Info.
Although May was National Physical Fitness and Sports month, let us continue our fitness regime and, if you haven't already, take the President's Challenge and earn the President's Active Lifestyle award. Get more info...
Hartfield's Hikers continues to lead the way in getting men, women and youth out in nature, away from the rigorous day-to-day grind. Join us and you too will be exhilarated by the beauty of the great American outdoors. In addition to hiking trails, we also join other groups on great adventures that result in healthier bodies, sharper minds, a spiritual closeness with nature...and camaraderie with great people!
Please mark your calendar and join us!
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Carolyn, The Hiking Lady
Founder, Hartfield's Hikers |
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June Service Day & Hike
 Red Top Mountain
Saturday, June 4th
Rated: Easy/Moderate
Departure: 8:00 a.m.
Meeting Location:
IHOP
2530 Cobb Pkwy.
(Get Map)
Smyrna, GA 30080
Join us as we volunteer for the American Hiking Society's National Trails Day at Red Top Mountain State Park from 8am-12pm. This event is being held through the partnerships of the American Hiking Society, REI, Georgia State Parks , Friends of Georgia State Parks and Friends of Red Top Mountain State Park.
Here are some helpful tips and information that will allow you to get the most out of your day in the park.
- Remember to bring some water in a reusable water bottle with you. (We will have bottles for you, if you need one). Drinking plenty of water the day before and eating a healthy breakfast the day of will be key to having an enjoyable experience.
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes or hiking boots.
- Remember to apply sunscreen.
- Wear breathable pants of a synthetic material if possible.
- Work gloves will be available, but if you already own a pair, bring them with you.
- If you have an extra rake or garden hoe please bring it with you to the park.
Park personnel has identified several areas that need work. There will be projects for volunteers who want to contribute with lots of physical effort and projects for those looking for an experience that may be less strenuous.
Please click here to RSVP. There will be food, fun and other festivities for all volunteers, including the opportunity to hike the trail.
As always, wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, and of course comfortable layered, lightweight clothing. Bring plenty of water, snacks and your lunch. Please eat a healthy breakfast to help sustain your energy. Remember... we car pool and each rider is asked to donate at least $8-$10 toward gas and the parking fee of $5 (you can get a free State Park pass from your local library). It will take approximately 45 minutes to reach the park.
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Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO)
June Hike Iron Hill Trail at Red Top Mountain
Saturday, June 11th
Rated: Easy
Distance: 4.0 Miles
Youth are generally ages 7 - 17 and must have an adult chaperone. Younger boys and girls are welcomed at the descretion of the guardian adult. See above for more information or call Carolyn at 678.231.4973.
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5th Annual Great American Backyard Campout
June 11 - 13
Red Top Mountain
Sponsored by The Edge of Night Camping Club
Email Evonne Blythers for more info
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Advanced Hikers...ready to explore more challenging hikes. On the 4th Saturday of the month we are starting our 'Next Level' hikes which will be generally rated Moderate to Difficult or Strenuous.' They will be trails we have never done before the first of which is Gahutti at Fort Mountain. These hikes will require you to RSVP at a cost of $15 for Hartfield's Hikers Supporting Members, and $20 for Basic members and $25 for non-members.
-Supporting membership means you have joined by making a donation and have received your free gift.
-Basic membership means you have joined our mailing list and participated in at least one hike or other activity.
Due to the nature of the new trails, the number of hikers will be limited. Your payment holds your space. RSVP Now!
Supporting Member $15.00:
Basic Member $20.00:
Non-Member: $25.00:
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Good Hiking & Health Tips
Hiking
A hiking stick or trekking poles are good to have when the trail is rated moderate or higher. They really work especially well when you are going down hill. They can take a lot of stress off of your knees, especially if you are a few pounds overweight.
Hike clothing should not be cotton. Cotton soaks up your sweat...and you will sweat...and holds it. Instead, wear breathable lightweight clothing, For the upcoming hot weather, choose to wear a polyester shirt that will wick the sweat away quickly. Also, your clothes should be loose-fitting to allow more air flow.
Health Hot weather hikes...start drinking water the day before your hike and have plenty of water with you on the hike. DO NOT drink caffeinated drinks, they dehydrate you!
Hot weather snacks should be salty to help avoid dehydration. Gatorade mix or some other electrolyte powder, mixed at about half strength in your water will help replenish what you sweat out.
Granola, Oats/Other grains, Raisins & Peanuts/other nuts, (GORP) is considered the ideal energizing snack food for hikers. It is really your own homemade trail mix. |
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Membership Restructure
There is NO COST to become a basic member or friend of Hartfield's Hikers and to continue receiving our newsletters and joining us on our monthly 1st Saturday day hikes.
First Saturday Hikes will continue to be No Charge. These hikes will be rated easy to moderate. A description of the hike and rating will always be provided.
We love what we do and are dedicated to keeping it going. As a result of hiker inquiries and increased expenses, we are implementing a fee to help cover our costs. Currently we have the 'Supporting' member subscriptions for only $15 a year to help us with ongoing operational expenses.
Supporting member subscriptions will get first notification of special events and planned trips, of which sometimes the space is limited. Additionally, as we reach out to our partners, sponsors and advertisers for special discounts and other added benefits, supporting members will be the first to receive the added value and benefits from these and other relationships we continue to build.
Please accept our invitation to become a Supporting Member.
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"The Hiking Lady" |
Normally, we hike the first Saturday of every month unless posted otherwise. Our hikers are all ages, from youth to seniors.
We simply ask you to make note of the length of the hike and the level of difficulty rating. We are as fast as the slowest person...no need to feel pressured. We enjoy nature and the company of each other as we hike the trails.
Both Carolyn and Paulette, the Sweep (the person in the back to ensure no one is left behind) are 'Certified' Outings Leaders with the Sierra Club and Certified in Wilderness First Aid through the Wilderness Medical Institute. We hike as a team to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the hikers are assured.
Carolyn is available for speaking engagements on practical ways to improve your current state of health and wellbeing. Her profession is Integrated Marketing Specialist.
| "A loving attitude, enjoying life, and learning something new everyday is my goal." |
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