MAY’S NEWSLETTER
ATA's 2017 season runs May
26th through October 15th
We are currently
taking reservations for the 2017 season, please call 1-888-855-8655 or
email John for more information
This season is ATA’s 10-year anniversary providing personalized hiking
vacation and excellence
Appalachian Trail Adventures (ATA) offers a distinctive adventure vacation with guided daily hiking, kayaking, and caving in the Green Mountains of Vermont that targets families and individuals who are adventurers, families, and those seeking an active vacation, including hikers who do not feel comfortable hitting the trails alone. ATA provides an affordable all-inclusive hiking or fitness vacation giving a real Vermont outdoor adventure. That's why it has the best hiking vacation at the lowest possible prices, starting at $242.00 per night, per person, including taxes and gratuities.
Unlike most spas, ATA's owner John Keough is engaged daily with the guests, encouraging them on the trail and kayaking. ATA offers a variety of options to help customize one's vacation. The most common is the Hiking Vacation that consists of an air-conditioned room with three daily spa meals, snacks, a guided novice, intermediate or advanced hike and an afternoon of kayaking, an excursion or caving. Massages, yoga classes and tennis lessons are available a la carte.
2017 Hiking
Vacation Rates
Nightly rates are per person, including taxes and gratuity. The Hiking Vacation consists of an air conditioned room at the Summit Lodge with three daily meals; snacks; guided novice, intermediate or advanced hike; and an afternoon of kayaking, caving or an excursion. Massages ($75.00+), yoga classes ($30.00), tennis lessons ($70.00) are available a la carte.
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Single
Occupancy
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Double
Occupancy
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|
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1-2 NIGHTS
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$285.00
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$255.00
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3-6 NIGHTS
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$280.00
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$251.00
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7+ NIGHTS
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$274.00
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$242.00
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Aeolus Update
At the recent veterinarian appointment Aeolus and I
received some bad news, he has a stage 3 heart murmur. It was explained there
are six stages to a heart murmur and how having one of his arteries partially
blocked is causing his heart to work harder and getting larger. A symptom is
coughing from a sound sleep or when lying down. Those positions make it hard
for the heart to work. An ultra sound cost $500 that would show what’s going
inside. However, we can’t afford it, electing to put him on medication that
should allow a semi normal life.
Besides that, its dog park season and boy is Aeolus a social dog. Still at six years old he gets so excited seeing a dog or even human while driving in the car. He is absolutely going nuts when an old friend stops over, who hasn’t visited in a while. It was a warm spring day, thinking it was a good idea to bring him along when I went skiing. It was warm enough that he would be fine in the car but he got so excited thinking he was going for a hike. Jumping all over the car looking out every window, making all sorts of noises. This is one of his favorite hikes so I felt awful, but I didn’t think he would recognize things with the snow, boy was I wrong. I bet he’s waiting to get back at those porcupines that got him last season.
Aeolus is named after a cave where myself and a friend dug open a blocked passage discovering the largest cave in New England back in 2000. The cave is located just north of Manchester, VT and named after the mountain, Mount Aeolus.
Aeolus or Eolus (Greek: Aiolos [jjolos]), was the Custodian of the winds in Greek mythology. A minor deity, he is the son of a king called Hippotes, and lived on one of the rocky Lipara islands, close to Sicily. In the caves on this island were imprisoned the winds, and Aeolus, directed by the higher gods, let out these winds as soft breezes, gales, or whatever the higher gods wished. Being visited by the Greek hero Odysseus, Aeolus received him favorably, and on the hero's departure presented Odysseus with a bag containing all the adverse winds, so that his friend might reach Ithaca with a fair wind. Odysseus did as Aeolus bid, but in sight of his homeland, having been untroubled by foul weather, he fell asleep and his men, curious, opened the bag, thus releasing all the fierce winds, which blew their ship far off course (Odyssey X, 2; Vigil I, 52).
The Summit Lodge
Long considered Killington's classic four-season
resort hotel, the
Summit Lodge is an ideal destination for your Vermont vacation that is why ATA has
chosen it for their home base. Located in the heart of Killington, the lodge is
situated high on a private knoll with magnificent views of Vermont's second
highest mountain and the surrounding Green Mountains. With eleven acres and
forty-five comfortable rooms, the facilities and grounds are extensive
including an outdoor heated pool, Jacuzzi whirlpool, saunas, two tennis courts,
massage therapy, two restaurants and bars, duck pond, game room, a bocci
court, horseshoes and shuffleboard. A sit-down breakfast and a bag lunch are
supplied by the Summit's chef, while dinner is hikers choice to dine at
either the Foundry Restaurant or the Summit Lodge.
The new owner of the Summit Lodge, Emmett O’Dwyer is making significant improvements after his recent purchase during the spring of 2017. He has spent a lot of time and money improving the business, changing the way the staff view management and the way the guests feel in the lodge. The staff feel secure in their jobs and a sense of pride with changes and updates.
It's really refreshing to have someone show energy in their business venture and is willing to commit to improvements and enhancements to the Lodge. It is nice to see an owner who is present and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. It's really enjoyable for the staff to feel respected and have an employer and manager who listen and care. The Summit’s executive Chef is just loving all his “new toys” with the entire kitchen being upgraded from the walk-in refrigerator all the way down to the toaster.
O’Dwyer has already invested a lot of time into the lodge itself. With the bones of the building up-to-date they have moved onto making improvements to the cosmetics inside and out by painting, adding new carpet, new furniture and updating guest’s rooms. Emmett has also implemented new procedures and has added new administrative software. Employees say working at the Summit Lodge is a home-like atmosphere. Having worked at other businesses in the industry before, they say there is no place like the Summit Lodge. We treat our guests like family.
Modifications from 2016 to 2017
- A lot of the
improvements are behind the scenes, such as the kitchen remodeling and
upgraded wireless internet system
- Some of the more major projects for 2017
will be converting the pools and whirlpool to saltwater.
- O’Dwyer’s Poolside bar will be open 7
days a week and serving the full restaurant menu
- O’Dwyer’s
Public House Pub had a total make over with additions of a dart board and
pool table
- updating the restrooms and common areas
- 24-7 Front Desk coverage
- Live entertainment and food/drink
specials will be available throughout the summer
- More outdoor events such as the Pig roast
will be planned
- The beds and mattresses have all been
changed
- Bathrobes are now supplied to all rooms
- Photo booth installed
- Improving the driveway and entranceway
- New POS ordering system in place to make
breakfast quicker and more precise
- New credit card system taking pin cards
to ensure security
- By the summer, we will have new duvet’s
in the rooms
- High speed internet due to the
installation of fiber optic link and the installation of a new data suite
- New Flooring, furniture and a general
tidy up in the large family room
- New Poolside furniture
- Remolding the massage room area
- Repairs are being made to all of the
slate around the pool and steps in order to make it safer
Some
of the other projects which are on the card for 2017 but will be subject to
time and budget at this time. More and more upgrades as the year goes on making
sure the Summit Lodge will become one of the best places to stay in
Vermont.
Emmett O’Dwyer, Summit Lodge Owner
The Foundry Restaurant
The Foundry Restaurant's Executive Chef Sean
Miller has created a delicious menu for ATA hikers who are seeking healthier
meals. Located on the banks
of the Summit Pond, The Foundry offers a distinct year-round dining experience.
In addition to the ATA hikers' menu, The Foundry offers two menu options: an
American Bistro-Style menu in its formal dining room, as well as a more casual
Tavern menu in the bar. Their impeccable chef-driven cuisine provides guests
the finest cuts of prime meats, fresh seafood, homemade pastas and much more.
They use the freshest ingredients to create mouthwatering appetizers, flavorful
side dishes and irresistible desserts, designed to engage all of your senses.
The Foundry experience focuses on providing un-paralleled hospitality in a warm
and relaxing setting. In addition to its dining options, The Foundry offers
live entertainment regularly and is host to many of the area's events.
Hiking Tip: Three useful hiking & backpacking tips: 10 Tips for mastering hiking boot shopping
Take your sock liners and hiking socks to the store with
you, so you can ensure a proper fit. Trying hiking boots on without the proper
socks is a total waste of time.
Take your hiking sock liners and socks to the store!
Bring along your enhanced insoles too. If you have enhanced insoles like
Superfeet, you’re going to want to try on boots with them inside.
Hiking Insoles: Superfeet Blue Premium Insoles, Cadence
Insoles, and currexSole Active Pro
Try on lots of styles. Some brands run narrow (Asolo,
Vasque, Tevas), others run wide (Keen), and others are true to width (Merrell).
If you shop online, either order multiple pairs and return the ones that don’t
fit or head to a physical store first and try them on in person.
Ask for a half size larger than normal. Even with your
insoles, sock liners and hiking sock on, you still need about a finger’s width
between your longest toe and the front of the boot. You’ll be thanking me on
the downhills!
Walk DOWN a ramp or steps. Make sure that your toes
aren’t hitting the front of the boot when you do this!
Walk UP a ramp or steps. When you’re headed up the steps,
make sure that your heel is not lifting up. If it does you’ll end up with a
nasty heel blister on the trail.
Jump up and down with the boots on. The weight of the
boots is important.
The goal is to have the least amount of weight for the
type of hiking, backpacking, or mountaineering you’ll be doing. For hikes on
maintaining trails, there is no need to be wearing 2+ pound backpacking boots
with stiff shanks. But for mountaineering, you’ll need a technical shoe that
can handle the conditions you’ll be climbing and hiking in, so inevitably
they’ll be heavy. Just remember, having boots that weigh 5 pounds is just like
you gaining 5 pounds or throwing a dumbbell in your backpack… even though the
weight is on your feet, you’re still carrying it up the hill!
Make sure the boots are suitable for your intended use.
If you are planning to go on a backpacking trip, you’ll want a boot with a
stiff shank (see below). If you hike in a rainy area, make sure your boots are
waterproof and have Gore-Tex or eVent moisture blocking technology. If you’re
going on local day hikes, you don’t need a heavy, stiff boot.
Try on shoes late in the day. Your feet are going to be
tired, the least happy, and are actually larger than in the morning because
they swell during the day.
Keep this in mind when shopping for any types of shoes.
FIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. Style certainly won’t matter if your feet are
covered in blisters and you can’t walk…
ATA's DVD Recommendation: Southbounders
Southbounders: is a drama based around a very independent-minded young woman called Olivia who attempts a thru-hike. The story focuses on the trail but includes lots of flashbacks to Olivia’s past. The filmmakers worked on a very low budget, but it the movie looks great. The movie’s name comes from the fact that Olivia is hiking south, an unusual and far more difficult choice than hiking north.
Healthful Living Tips: 5 Healthy Living Tips for 2017
Happy 2017! I hope that each of you had a wonderful holiday season and are ready for what the new year has in store. Now, as cliché as it may be, I love the feeling of the fresh start of each January. It provides the unique opportunity to reflect on past experiences and choices, and to set your intentions for the year ahead. Read on for five easy and healthy living tips that you can start today.
Healthy Living Tip #1—Eat Local: Blueberries. Avocados. Traffic. Oh, my! We all know eating fresh fruits and vegetables are a tasty way to live a healthier lifestyle, but did you know that produce loses nutritional value as soon as it is harvested? The further fruit and vegetables have to be transported, the greater the nutritional value is lost due to a chemical process that slowly deteriorates the nutritional peak of that piece of produce. To prevent this process, try to buy as much of your fruits and veggies locally, which have the shortest transport time from the tree, bush or fields to your kitchen.
Healthy Living Tip #2—Waste Less: We all experience it every week. The beautiful produce you purchased at the beginning of the week has spoiled and must be tossed into the trash. One easy way to keep food tasting fresh is to invest in a battery-operated resealing device that heat-seals items—whether it be a plastic pouch of produce or a loaf of bread—as if they were never opened. You can also keep your food fresher for longer by storing items in the VitaFresh™ drawers of your Bosch refrigerator. These refrigerators actually have a freshness system designed to store your produce at its optimal condition.
Healthy Living Tip #3—Compost: It probably comes as no surprise that I love composting! But, I know that for many the idea of taking up this earth-friendly habit can be overwhelming. However, it’s actually very simple! Find an old stock pot with a tight-fitting lid, and voilà – you’ve created a compost bin to house your various food scraps. Not only does compost reduce landfill waste, but it is also a great fertilizer for your garden. You know, it’s never too early to think about growing fruits and vegetables for a summer harvest.
Healthy Living Tip #4—Support Your Community: Helping others live a healthier 2017 is just as important as making healthy choices in your own daily life. When donating to your local food bank, think about things beyond the typical cans of beans, vegetables and dried pasta. As it turns out, food banks are often in need of things like spices (salt, pepper, chili powder and cinnamon and more) because so much of the donated food is unseasoned. Also, easy-to-make soup packets can help people make a complete meal with the addition of ingredients like beans, broth and vegetables. Helping those who live in your community is sure to bring a smile to your face throughout the new year!
Healthy Living Tip #5—Save Energy and Water in the Kitchen: Just as the kitchen is the center of your home, it also is the center of energy and water usage. A dishwasher is a great way to help you save water, energy, and money. According to ENERGY STAR, dishwashers are far more water and energy efficient than washing by hand, and, on average, they can help you save about $40 a year on your utility bill, 230 hours of time, and up to 5,000 gallons of water a year. If you are in the market for a new dishwasher, I would seriously consider an ENERGY STAR-rated Bosch dishwasher. What better way to clean up your kitchen and help protect the world around you?
Healthful Living Recipe: One Bowl Choclate Cake
This easy to make chocolate cake is dark, moist, rich and only dirties one bowl! Not quite as easy as boxed cake mixes, but those often contain trans fats. Our simple “from scratch” recipe gives you a home-baked cake with healthful canola oil and whole-wheat flour.
¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons
whole-wheat pastry flour, (see Ingredient Note)
½ cup granulated sugar
? cup unsweetened cocoa
powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup nonfat buttermilk,
(see Tip)
½ cup packed light brown
sugar
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup hot strong black
coffee
Preparation: Active 25 m
and Ready In 1 h 5 m
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat
a 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with a circle of wax
paper.
Whisk flour, granulated
sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add
buttermilk, brown sugar, egg, oil and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on
medium speed for 2 minutes. Add hot coffee and beat to blend. (The batter will
be quite thin.) Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake the cake until a
skewer inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in the
pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes; remove from the pan, peel off the wax paper
and let cool completely. Dust the top with confectioners' sugar before slicing.
Ingredient Note:
Whole-wheat pastry flour, lower in protein than regular whole-wheat flour, has
less gluten-forming potential, making it a better choice for tender baked
goods. You can find it in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets and
natural-foods stores. Store in the freezer.
Tip: No buttermilk? You can
use buttermilk powder prepared according to package directions. Or make “sour
milk”: mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk.
Nutrition information: Per
serving: 139 calories; 3 g fat(0 g sat); 2 g fiber; 27 g carbohydrates; 2 g
protein; 3 mcg folate; 16 mg cholesterol; 19 g sugars; 18 g added sugars; 22 IU
vitamin A; 0 mg vitamin C; 38 mg calcium; 1 mg iron; 212 mg sodium; 63 mg
potassium. Carbohydrate Servings: 2. Exchanges: 1½ other carbohydrate.
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