Hartfield's Hikers New Logo

 

New Look - New Attitude - New Adventure

September 2011

In This Issue
Inspiration...
Take Our Survey
Opportunities...
Upcoming Events...
HH Exclusives
Did you know...
Flint River Adventure
Arabia Mountain Photo Album
October Hike
Hike Esentials
YAGO Hike
[About YAGO
'Next Level' Hikes
Hiking & Health Tips
Membership
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Inspiration...

 

To pursue is to explore, and the first step is to seek the mountain top.

Benton MacKaye, Founder  

of the Appalachian Trail 1879-1975

 

The best antidote to fear is confidence---confidence that what you are working for is truly important. And, it is!

 

Peter Harnick  

Converting Rails to Trails 1989

 

I've never been interested in just doing with less. I'm interested in doing more with less.  We don't have to become vegetarians and ride bicycles to save the Earth.

Amory Lovins   

Smithsonian, April 1990  

 

A straight path never leads anywhere except to the objective.

 

Andre Gide

Journals, 1922 

 

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

American Essayist, 1803-82

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Take Our Survey      

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Opportunities  

   

 Employment at REI 

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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.
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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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Flint River
Adventure Weekend 
Flint River

 Photo Slideshow  

 

Arabia Mountain MLKJr Gesture of Support

Arabia Mountain MLKJr.,
National Memorial Commerorative Hike
 
 
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_OPALs

aka Baby Boomers

Baby Boomer Hike at RavenCliffs Falls
OPALs Hike at Raven Cliffs Falls

OPALs Photo Album

OPALS YouTube Channel 

 Check Out... Senior Idol-GA 

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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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Autumn...A Time of Harvest
A Time of Peace & Harmony
A Time of Gathering Together 
 Greetings!  

 

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.                            John Muir

Come join us as we hike the Blood Mountain trail and look a God's colorful canvas of fall colors.

As John  Muir states in the quote above, you will experience Nature's peace and your cares will drop off like autumn leaves. 

Though this is one of our most challenging hikes, know that you can do it and the reward of reaching the top is unmatched as is all the beautiful vivid colors of the leaves on the trees in the forests with the clear blue sky and scattered white clouds as a backdrop.

 

See you Saturday morning... 

 

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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October Hike

Blood Mountain1

  Blood Mountain

 

      Saturday, October 1st 

       Rated: Moderate/Difficult

       Distance:  4.0 miles    

       Departure:  8:00 a.m.

 

Meeting Location:  

Hong Kong Market Parking Lot 

5497 Jimmy Carter Blvd. 

Norcross, GA 30093                     

         RSVP HERE

About 2 miles to the top, this hike has proven to be one of our most favored.  You will experience an enjoyable day trip with many scenic vistas on the climb up Blood Mountain (4,461 feet). The trail is generally steep and rocky in many places, but it is easy to follow. Near the summit you will be rewarded with superb vistas from rock outcrops, including views of Mount Yonah, Tray Mountain, Lake Winfield Scott, and Slaughter Mountain.

An old stone cabin, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as an Appalachian Trail shelter and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits near the top. This is the highest point on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. It is the state's most-hiked portion of the Appalachian Trail.

 

You are gonna love this hike!   

 

 


Hike Essentials

As always, a great, friendly, positive attitude is number one!  Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots (definitely no new shoes or boots!), and of course comfortable layered, lightweight clothing.  Bring plenty of water, snacks and your lunch.  We will have lunch on the mountaintop. If applicable, bring any medications you are required to take during the day.

Please eat a healthy breakfast to help sustain your energy.  It is going to be great hiking weather. 

 

Free Parking Passes are available for checkout at your local library branch.


Youth in the American Great Outdoors (YAGO) 

October Hike - see hike info above

 

Check out what everyone has to say about the hikes on the
OPALs YouTube Channel.
 
YAGO - Arabia Mountain MLKJr Gesture of Support Hike - Sept 2011
YAGO - Arabia Mountain MLKJr Gesture of Support Hike - Sept 2011


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.

 

'Next Level' Hikes 

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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 for 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:    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.  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 eating 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.  Check out Hartfield's Healthy Haven for the supplements Carolyn takes and suggests.
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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.

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."