Hartfield's Hikers New Logo

 

New Look - New Attitude - New Adventures!

July 2011

Inspiration...

 

"The influence of fine scenery, the presence of mountains, appeases our irritations and elevates our friendships."
                      Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trails educate the young and old Americans alike about the value and importance of the natural environment.
                                 American Trails

"All that glitters is not gold.  All who wander are not lost."         
                       William Shakespeare
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In This Issue
Inspiration...
In the News...
Did you know...
YAGO Photo Album
July Hike
YAGO July Hike
The Perfect Trail Mix
NEW 'Next Level' Hikes
Hiking & Health Tips
Membership

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Check out the article written about us...in the Champion Newspaper

 

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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!

Click Photos to View
Event Slideshow 
Gahuti Mountain Trail
Gahuti Mountain Trail - Next Level Hike
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National Trails Service Day 2011
National Trails Service Dayat Red Top Mountain
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Youth in the

American Great Outdoors 

Photo Album

YAGO at Iron Hill Trail at Red Top Mtn

YAGO Hiking Group 

 

 

Quick Links

   

OPALs Logo 

Older People w/ Active Lifestyles

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REI 

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Earthwise Productions, Inc.  

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Georgia Conservancy Logo 


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Declare Your Independence! 
 Greetings!  

 

Hope you had a great weekend in celebration on July 4th, the 235th anniversary of Independence Day!

I urge you to also give honor to our service and law enforcement men and women who defend our freedom.  

Now, let's somewhat shift the conversation...as we value our independence as a country, how much do you really value your independence as an individual? I would like you to take a moment and review your personal level of independence.  Are you dependent on medications to keep you healthy?  Dependent on a cup of coffee to give you energy in the morning?  Dependent on diet products to manage your weight?  Are you an independent thinking person, not easily influenced by others, but more by your own experiences, research and investigations?  How about the freedom to invest your time in things and people you enjoy rather than spend it on activities that are not so pleasing to you or people who are not as supportive as you would like them to be?

After contemplating your answers, and if you are ready to exercise your freedom of choice and free your mind and spirit, join us on our upcoming hikes.  You are guaranteed to enjoy the feeling of being surrounded by all things natural.

See the hike info below and plan to join us.   

Also, if you haven't already, take the President's National Physical Fitness and Sports  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!

Carolyn's Signature

Carolyn, The Hiking Lady

Founder, Hartfield's Hikers
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July Hike

Sweet Water CreekSweetwater Creek

Saturday, July 9th

Rated: Easy/Moderate

Distance:  4 miles 

 

Departure:  8:00 a.m.

Meeting Location: 

IHOP  

970 Thornton Road

Lithia Springs, GA 30122-2622   

  
Click here for more information and to RSVP.  Also, know that Sweetwater Creek is a state park thereby qualifying for a FREE parking pass from the Public Library system, just go in and check it out as you would a library book.      

 


  

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) 

July Hike
Sweetwater Creek 

Saturday, July 9th

Rated: Easy/Moderate  

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.  Click here for more information or call Gregory at 770.256.4777 or Carolyn at 678.231.4973.


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 The Perfect Trail Mix 

 

 

The Trail Blazer

 

1½ cups raisins
1 cup almonds
1 cup pretzel sticks
½ cup peanuts
½ cup dark chocolate chips

 

The relatively high ratio of fast-digesting carbs makes this the ideal mix to eat before a big hike, jog, or workout. The added bonus is that the salt from the pretzels will help replace the sodium you lose to sweat.   

 

150 calories
7 g fat (1 g saturated)
105 mg sodium
21 g carbohydrates
4 g protein
2 g fiber

 

Taken from Eat This, Not That in the online Women's Health Magazine.  For more information and the full article, click here

 


'Next Level' Hikes 

 
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:    Pay Now    
  
Basic Member  $20.00:            Pay Now    
  
Non-Member:  $25.00:             Pay Now    
  
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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.

Buy Now
 
Carolyn-WhiteBlouse_125 
     "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."