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New Look - New Attitude - New Adventure
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September 2011
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Inspiration...
It's easier to go down a hill that up it, but the view is much better at the top. Arnold Bennet, English writer 1867-1931 Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. Izaak Walton, English biographer, 1593-1683 All that glitters is not gold. All who wander are not lost. William Shakespeare, English dramatist & poet 1564-1616 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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HH Exclusives...
- The REI Employment opportunities is a pre-announcement to the public. If you are interested in part time or temporary work, check it out now.
- The Flint River Adventure is a real deal. If you want to campout, canoe, zipline, hike and more, plus it includes meals and transportation for only $60...you can't beat it! Space is limited...check it out now!
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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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Youth in the
American Great Outdoors
Photo Album
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YAGO Hiking Group
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 | | OPALs Hike at Raven Cliffs Falls |
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OPALs Photo Album
OPALS YouTube Channel
Check Out... Senior Idol-GA
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Older People w/ Active Lifestyles
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We Are Going to the Mountain Top!
A Symbolic Gesture to Celebrate the King Memorial
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Greetings!
As you know the opening celebration of the National King Memorial in Washing D.C., was postponed due to the bad weather. Well, you may or may not have planned to go, but right here in Georgia, on this Labor Day weekend, we are going to have our own celebration by going to the mountain top...the top of Arabia/Bradley Mountain where we will have a 360 degree panoramic view of 'the promised land.'
It is an easy climb and an easy hike...we will make it to the top together!
Come on out and join us on this historic hike in celebration of the King Memorial (and my birthday!).
We will meet at the Davidson-Arabia Nature Reserve and begin our trek from there. It's only a mile to the trail head with half of it on the newly built boardwalk. See the location details below.
The hike is short enough and easy enough that you will still have enough energy and adequate time to enjoy any planned festivities for the holiday weekend. See you Saturday...
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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September Hike
 Arabia & Bradley Mountains Saturday, September 3rd Rated: Easy/Moderate Distance: 4.0 miles approx. Departure: 8:00 a.m. Meeting Location: Davidson-Arabia Mountain Preserve *Parking Lot (the large one to your right after you turn in) 3787 Klondike Road Lithonia, GA 30038
An easy climb of 140 feet to the mountain top. By the time you reach the halfway point it should be apparent why we love this trail. The unimpeded 360 degree views are simply stunning.
At first glance Arabia Mountain may seem as though its a lot like Stone Mountain. The massive rock outcrop has vernal pools, red moss, even the rare Georgia oak that grows on its neighbor to the north, but underneath it all there is a small difference of 350 million years. While Stone Mountain is a granite pluton formed during the Alleghenian Orogeny, Arabia Mountain is part of a massive belt of much older gneiss (pronounced "nice").
Although designated as one peak on USGS maps, most users familiar with the area consider the rock formation to be two peaks: Arabia Mountain to the northeast, and Bradley Mountain to the southeast, connected by a low saddle.
Like Panola Mountain and Stone Mountain, Arabia Mountain was quarried for decades before the property was turned over to the DeKalb park system. Structures and excavations from the quarry operations can be seen throughout the park. Parts of the mountain were used for filming the 1992 horror film "Pet Sematary Two".
You are gonna love this hike...it is unlike any of our other hikes!
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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. It is going to be pretty hot, but because we will start at 8:00a, just 45 minutes after sunrise, we expect to be done by the time the temperature hits the forecast high of 96 degrees Fahrenheit.
*We will walk one mile to the trail head. There is no parking fee.
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Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO)
September Hike - see hike info above
 | | YAGO - Youth in the American Great Outdoors |
YAGO speaking of their experience on the August hike at Raven Cliffs Falls in the North Georgia Mountains. |
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Youth are generally ages 7 - 17 and must have an adult chaperone. Younger boys and girls are welcomed at the discretion of the guardian adult.
After conversation with some parents/chaperones, it was determined that with school back in session, we will temporarily suspend the exclusive 2nd Saturday hikes and have the youth join us on the first Saturday.
Click here for more information or call Gregory at 770.256.4777 or Carolyn at 678.231.4973.
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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:
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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. NEVER wear new boots/shoes on a hike! Break them in before wearing them on the trail.
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.
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.
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Membership Structure
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.
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