Without health there is no happiness. An attention to health, then, should take the place of every other object.

-THOMAS JEFFERSON, Third US President (1801-09), 1743-1826

We celebrate not the trail, but the wild places it passes through.

RAY JARDINE, The Pacific Crest Trail Hiker's Handbook, 1996

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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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     August Hike

Duke Creek Falls

          Raven Cliff Falls
      & Dukes Creek Falls

         RSVP HERE

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.

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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.  We are currently exploring new trails and expect to have one fro you next month...stay tuned!  

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:                 

  

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.  NEVER wear new boots/shoes on a hike!  Break them in before wearing them on the trail.

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.

Good Food Leads to Good Nutrition
Optimum nutrition is the foundation for good health and good health is, in large part, the result of good ea ting habits.  Simplified, diet is what we eat, nutrition is what the cells and tissues of our bodies actually assimilate...that's where good health begins!

The six (6) stages if nutrition:  1] Diet,  2] Digestion,  3] Absorption, 4] Circulation, 5] Assimilation, and 6] Elimination.  More on these in the upcoming newsletters.