Awesome Autumn, and the beautiful fall leaf colors...this is the highlight of our November 1st hike.  We will visit one of the top Georgia State Parks to view the vivid leaf colors...Amicalola.

Spectacular scenery and the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast at 729 feet is what to expect on our upcoming Amicalola hike this Saturday, November 1st.  Hope to see you on the hike!

Did You Know...
Have you ever wondered what makes the leaves change colors in the fall.

Not all leaves turn vivid colors in the fall. Only a few of our many species of deciduous trees-notably maple, aspen, oak, and gum-produce stellar performances for our annual autumn spectacular in North America.

Several factors contribute to fall color (temperature, precipitation, soil moisture), but the main agent is light, or actually the lack of it. The amount of daylight relates to the timing of the autumnal equinox.

The combination of reduced light, lack of nutrients, and no water add up to the death of the pigment chlorophyll, the "green" in leaves.  Once the green is gone, two other pigments show their bright faces. These pigments, carotene (yellow) and anthocyanin (red), exist in the leaf all summer but are masked by the chlorophyll. (The browns in autumn leaves are the result of tannin, a chemical that exists in many leaves, especially oaks.) For more detailed information vivit the Old Farmer's Almanac website.

May you be blessed, as you continue to bless others. And as always, I wish for you optimal health, and a life full of love, peace, and joy. 

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.

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.

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

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