Hartfield's Hikers New Logo Hartfield's Hikers New Logo 
Living Life to the Fullest!!!
October 2014
News, Views and Tips
Lifestyle Blog
Favorite Web Sites
Welcome to New Members
Inspirational Quote
My Favorite Health Product
Comments - Suggestions
About the Edfior
Hartfield's Healthy Habits
Awesome Autumn Hike
Adventure Fun in Puerto Rico
JUST FOR YOU...
FREE State Park Parking Passes
Health Tidbits
Hiking Tips & Insights
Day Hiking Checklist
Hikling Boots
How to Choose Trekking poles
Basics of Hydration
How to Choose a Day Pack
Outdoor Gear Rental
 

Lifestyle Blog  

My blog about Living Life to the Fullest!!!  where I share my inspiration, motivation and rejuvenation on this wonderful journey.

  Read my latest blog...

Favorite Web Sites 

WELCOME

Sweetwater Creek Hike Group

A BIG WELCOME
& THANK YOU
To All Our New & Existing Members!


OPALS
(Older People with
Active Lifestyles)

Baby Boomers

Adventurers

Hikers

Travelers

TV Viewers

Radio Listeners

Readers

Friends

Contributors

Supporters

Organizations

Partners

It is because of you that we continue to grow and know our work...and fun, is spreading joy and happiness to those we touch, if not physically, with our hearts and spirits.  Thank you for choosing to be a part of our family and community!
Inspirational Quote

CH at Rock City

"In every walk with nature
one receives far more
than he seeks.
John Muir
The 'All Natural' Daily Supplements I Take   

ProVitality - New

GNLD NeoLife's Pro Vitality™ Pack makes it easy for me to receive the critical nutrients most often missing from my diet.  It helps me maintain my high energy and vitality with four amazing products in one simple pack -- the Vitality Pack!

 

It is ALLERGY FREE!!!

 

It contains no gluten!  Wheat allergies are usually an allergy to the portion of wheat protein known as gluten.  The wheat germ oil used in these supplements contains no wheat gluten.    

 

Each packet provides:

  • Tre-en-en® Grain Concentrates 
    Feed your cells - Energize your life.
  • Carotenoid Complex™ 
    Protect your cells - Optimize your immunity
  • Omega-III Salmon Oil Plus™ 
    Balance & regulate your cells - Maximize your good health
  • Formula IV Plus® 
    Nourish your cells - More than just a multi
Powerful nutrients that support:
  • Abundant Energy
  • Powerful Antioxidant Protection
  • Lifelong Heart Health
  • Optimum Immune Strength
  • Healthy Brain Function
  • Flexible, Healthy Joints
  • Clear Vision
  • Youthful Skin, Hair & Nails
  • Lifelong Cellular Health
 

 Fast Facts about ProVitality   

 

For more information, or any questions, contact me by email or telephone at 678.231.4973 
Comments & Suggestions 

Comments2

Share your comments and suggestions here.  Some will be posted, as space allows.Thanks...in advance!

Submit here...

Calendar 
RSS Feed Signup  

Stay Updated with our


 
Sign Up so you will not miss any of our  exciting events, health tips, and other sharing and caring  information.   

s on topics of interest to y
About the Editor 

Carolyn-WhiteBlouse_125

Carolyn Hartfield is a Natural Health and Holistic Nutrition Practitioner, a Lifestyle Coach a Health & Wellness Advocate and an Outdoor Adventurer who enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences through her writings, and engaging speaking presentations.

Carolyn has been featured in newspaper and magazine articles, radio shows, and at various conferences. She is  previous host of her own Blog Talk Radio show.

Carolyn is a certified Outings Leader through the Sierra Club, certified in Wilderness First Aid through the National Outdoor Leadership School, Wilderness Institute, and certified as a National Interpretive Guide.  She is a member of the Sierra Club, the American Hiking Society, and the Family Wellness Network.

Carolyn is truly 'Living Life to the Fullest!!!' You must believe, and act accordingly, that dreams can come true!

  Carolyn sitting on tree at Sweetwater
Life is GREAT!  I have been enjoying myself soooo much, I am trying to calm down a little so I can get my newsletters out in a more timely manner!  After some thought, my future newsletters will be condensed, with more info available on my Blog. I am gong to give this a try to see how it works out.  This is an extension of my metamorphosis.  I will get it right soon...

But, nonetheless, I do hope you will join me this Saturday, October 4th for a new trail that Paulette and I scouted earlier this week.  It is at Vogel State Park, The Bear Hair Gap Trail.  It is only 4.1 miles and rated moderate.  The last half is really pretty easy.

If you indicated an interest in the November Horseback Riding...we had to cancel the cabin stay part of it...get more information here and register.  

May you continue to be blessed, as you bless others, experience optimal health, and savor in the spices of life full of love, peace, and joy.  Also, wishing you an awesome autumn!

 

Living Life to the Fullest!!!

 

  Carolyn's Signature

P.S.:  Check out the links in the sidebar to some other great sites, including my blog for updates, and the meetup sites if you are interested in participating in a variety of fun activities and cultural events, with some great, fun-loving and friendly people.
___________________________________________________
 
Hartfield's Healthy Habits
Composed, Collected & Confident 
Carolyn Hartfield
Even at age 66, i am always learning new things, and having new experiences, almost daily. The lessons of being patient and poised when negative thoughts enter my mind about a person or situation, have paid off tremendously!  Inevitably, my negative thoughts are wrong.  If I had acted upon them, I would have literally made a mountain out of a mole hill, and caused undue problems.  However, being composed, and controlling myself, in addition to not allowing myself to be distracted, but being assured of my decision, has truly paid great dividends for me.  My research confirms for me that being in the outdoors, getting adequate sleep, and eating nutritious meals definitely helps in the overall scheme of a great life! As a result, I am able to be composed, collected and confident!

Also, I eliminate negative conversations, people and thoughts from my circle and psyche.

Yea...I am still lovin' the song 'Happy'.  Many mornings I play it as I am getting my day started.  it is still here for you to enjoy: Listen here...

My Healthy Habit Tips:
  1. Be Composed; be in control of your emotions
  2. Be Collected; maintain your composure at all times
  3. Be Confident in your feelings and belief that you will be successful!

"Be Cool, Calm & Collected."       


Awesome Autumn Hike
Bear Hair Gap Trail
Vogel State Park
Blairsville, GA
 
Saturday, October 4
Rating:  Moderate to Easy
Distance: 4.1 Miles 

Instructions & Introductions:   8:00a.m. 
Departure:  8:15a.m.

Meeting Place
:
Hong King Market Parking Lot 
5495 Jimmy Carter Blvd.
Norcross, GA 30093

Beginning at the Backcountry Trailhead, we will follow the green-blazed access trail to where the green-blazed Bear Hair Gap Trail begins its nearly a 4 mile loop up and over the lower ridges of Blood Mountain. Wildflowers abound in season and long-distance vistas can be seen after the leaves have fallen. The trail leaves the park and travels onto the Chattahoochee National Forest which is open to hunting. While it is advisable to wear bright colored clothing, other than white, or safety orange vests during hunting season, the trail is far enough away that no incidents have occurred...to my knowledge and inquiry.
  
 
As always, wear comfortable (not new) shoes and layered clothing. We will carpool, so please be prepared to donate $10 to the driver that covers gas and parking.  Speaking of parking, there is a $5 fee for parking unless you go to your local library and check-out a State Park Parking Pass for free parking. 
And, feel free to tip your hike leader(s), to show your appreciation for a job well done! 
 

Don't forget the Leave No Trace ethics and principles to which we adhere... what you carry in, you carry out, with the exception of taking your memories of the adventure, your new friendships, and of course, any photos you may take.

 
Please feel free to call me, should you have any questions or concerns.  I can be reached at 678.231.4973.  
 Register for the Hike Here  

FEATURED EVENT...


Adventure Fun in Puerto Rico
Hike the Rainforest, and much more
February 20 - 23, 2015

 

____________________________________________________________ 

Upcoming Events Preview

Oct 10-12    Sapelo Island Service Weekend w/Georgia Conservancy
Oct 12         NOLS Exploration Film Tour
Oct 18         REI Garage Sale - All REI Stores
Oct 25         Relive the Legacy:  The Appalachian Trail
Oct 25-26    Wilderness First Aid Certification - REI Atlanta Store
Nov 8          Horseback Riding in Blue Ride Mountains
Nov 14-16   Sapelo / Cabretta Island Weekend Adventure Trip
Nov 9-15     LeadHERship Cruise - Leisure & Learning - Carnival
Feb 20-23    Adventures in Puerto Rico - Rainforest Hike & more...

For more information on a specific event, please send an email to: CH@CarolynHartfield.com
___________________________________________________________

JUST FOR YOU...


FREE State Park Parking Passes
Did you know that you can go to your local library and check out a Georgia State Park parking pass, just as you would a book and use it for entry to any of the state parks.  You do have to have a valid library card. Parking fees are usually $5.00.  You can call and have them hold it for you, as each branch does not have many, and they are checked out all the time.  Click here to find a branch in your area.

Or, of course, you can purchase an Annual State Park parking pass.


Health Tidbits
Take advantage of the weather. Fall can be a treat for the senses: the crisp air, apple picking, pumpkin carving, a gorgeous canopy of fall foliage, and the crunch of leaves underfoot. These months are a great time to venture outdoors and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Rejuvenate yourself. Fall is the time to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. Treat yourself to a massage after your exercise/fitness regime, or any time. Learn to meditate. Treat yourself to other activities that promote wellness. Strive to feel good physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually!

Remember the 30-day rule...It takes about four weeks for the body to adapt to lifestyle changes.  So with that said, strive for the 3 Cs: Commitment, Convenience, and Consistency.  Having all three will lead to any successful health and wellness program.

Love much, Laugh often, Learn something new, and Live Long & Strong!

Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Tips
Male Hiker
As day hikers, we need high energy foods that are easy to carry and require little or no preparation. Foods that are convenient for quick stops and snacks are often the best.  These items include fresh or dried fruit, granola bars, cheese cubes, crackers, and trail mix (a mix of nuts, raisins and/or other dried fruit) are good for snacks. Bagels, pita bread, flour tortillas or English muffins are good with peanut butter, cheese, tuna, hummus or other items spread on them for a more healthy lunch.

Super important are fluids...water.  For easy to moderate hikes, you may find that you consume 2 or more liters of water. Dehydration is to be avoided at all costs. it can result in loss of energy at a minimum and can lead to reduction in the body's ability to properly function, and finish the hike.

Autumn Hike Tips:
  1. Fall weather often brings highly changeable hiking conditions. Check the weather forecast for the day and location you're hiking.
  2. Get an early start. When you're on the trail bright and early, behold the many birds. They are usually most active and in best songster form during the first few hours of daylight.
  3. Layer, now more than ever. Layering, as an outdoor dress methodology, is important in every season, particularly in autumn.
  4. Remember your rain wear. Pack it, even if the weather cast is predicting clear days. Fall sunlight can be intense so also remember your sunscreen and sunglasses.
  5. Autumn is the season for those convertible pants, the ones with zip-off legs that convert to shorts. A hat will keep your head warm in the morning, and cool in the afternoon.
  6. In some state park and hunting is allowed. In others it's not. You should wear at least one article of hunter orange. When you're wearing a pack it's difficult for the orange to be seen, so wear an orange hat or clip it to your pack. You also can wind orange surveyor flagging tape around your pack or hang it from your backpack.
  7. Switch to a high-fat diet. Calorie-dense foods like chocolate, nuts, and cheese metabolize slowly, prolonging digestion's hour-long, body-warming effect.

Day Hiking Checklist
Download a copy of the suggested Day Hiking Checklist from REI.  Click here to download a copy.

Warm Weather Hiking Attire
Wear a synthetic layer next to your skin to wick away moisture from perspiration. If you must hike in cotton T-shirts and shorts, carry other clothing to change into should the weather turn cool. Cotton soaks up moisture and doesn't dry readily, leaving you wet and chilly when activity slows or should the wind pick up. It is also a good idea to have dry clothes and footwear in the car to change into at the end of some of the more strenuous hike!

Hiking Boots...

...How to Choose

You want to be sure you know the options when choosing hiking boots. Consider 'summer' hiking boots. Read this article from REI.

...Breaking in Your New Hiking Boots

You never want to hike in brand new boots.  Read this article from REI on  how you should break in your new boots.
Click Here to read the article from REI.

...Hiking Boot Care
You want to take proper care of your boots. Read this article from REI on how to care for your boots.
Click Here to read the article from REI.


How to Choose Trekking Poles and Hiking Sticks

Trekking poles are standard equipment for many hikers. They enhance your stability and support on all types of terrain.

Read this article from REI to help you learn what to consider when shopping for trekking poles and staffs. 

 

The Basics of Hydration

Your body is more than 60% water, and even light physical activity can deplete that percentage. No fluid means no function!

This loss of fluid is called dehydration. And hydrating, or adding fluids, is the key to keeping it from happening to you.

 

 Click Here to read the article from REI.

How to Choose a Day Pack

For any activity that involves more gear than you can carry in your pocket, especially for hiking, you need a daypack.

 

Daypacks may look similar at first glance but have lots of functional differences. Read the article from REI that is designed to give you some helpful tips on finding the right one  for your needs.

 

 Click Here to read the article from REI.

Outdoor Gear Rental
Want to go camping but don't have a tent or sleeping bag?  No problem... rent your equipment from REI, for a nominal fee for the weekend. You can get, based on availability: 
  • Tents REI
  • Backpacks
  • Sleeping Bags/Pads
  • Camping Stoves 
Just call the REI store nearest you, and see what they have available.