Aeolus Update
ATA's Beagle Mascot
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Aeolus is doing well hiking and kayaking almost
every day. His heart murmur doesn’t seem to be affecting him
yet but will need to be checked on regularly. However, he
has slowed down on the trail but some hikers will disagree with
his high energy level. He is still doing laps around us while
we hike sniffing and exploring everything possible. Good news,
we had no porcupine encounters yet this season and we used the
trails a lot where they live. Aeolus is six years od but
still has that puppy look. In fact, one hiker mentioned she
cannot believe that everyone stops and comments how cute he
looks. I laughed and explained while driving folks at stop
lights roll down their windows and comment how cute he is. In
fact, I can’t spend 10 to 20 minutes a day hearing this from
folks. I tell Aeolus “his cuteness costs me hours per week but
your worth it, you are a great dog.”
It was only a matter of time….. After meeting with
the hikers at breakfast, I went out to my car to get Aeolus and
my gear for hiking. However, Aeolus saw a chipmunk, barking at
him through the window he locked the doors with keys inside. We
tried for 20 minutes to see if we could get him to hit the
unlock switch but it did not work. Good thing it wasn’t a sunny
hot day, I had to go home in the work van, retrieve my spare
set of keys while everyone went hiking. Aeolus was very
disappointed he didn’t hike but I wonder if understood it was
his fault.
Aeolus is named after a cave myself and a friend dug open a
blocked passage discovering the largest cave in New England
back in 2000. The cave is named after the mountain, Mount
Aeolus. Aeolus was the custodian of the winds in Greek
mythology.
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Hiking Tip: Six Safety tips before A hiking
Trip
Basic safety tips for a hiking trip
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What are
some safety tips to consider before heading out on a hiking
trip? You have an idea for a trip. You get the day pack
ready, drive to wherever, and head into the woods. What
could possibly go wrong? You have your cell phone, so the TOPO
map, compass and GPS were left at home.
Nobody knows the route you were taking. If you get hurt
or lost, nobody knows where to look. It is only a
two-hour trip, what could possibly go wrong? You did not tell
anyone when you were leaving or when you would be back. Because
this was only going to be a two hour trip, basic wilderness
survival gear was left at home. All of that was fine until your
phone went dead, you got lost, have to spend the night in the
woods and nobody knows where you are at.
Safety Tips
Communication – Tell others what your plans are. Send an
email with all the details to a couple of close friends and
family members. That way, they have it in writing and do
not have remember the exact details.
Plan the route – Know the exact route you are going to take and
stick to it. When are you going to leave and when will
you be back? If you are not back by a certain time, what
are your instructions?
Some family member will be asking, “He left three days ago and
I have not heard from him. Should I call someone?”
Leave exact instructions. Example – “The hike is supposed
to take three hours. If you do not hear from me in five
hours, call the police.”
TOPO map, compass and GPS – Have them and know how to use
them. Learn how to use the navigation gear BEFORE you
head out. Cell phones are fine, basic navigation skills
are better.
Basic survival gear – Include enough gear to spend an
unexpected night in the woods. All it takes is a good
rain poncho, cord, knife and matches. Make a shelter with
the poncho, build a fire, and sing songs to keep the boogie man
away.
Weather – With technology like we have today, there is no
excuse not to know the weather forecast.
Physical
fitness – Are you physically able to make the trip, use common
sense and be honest. If someone is 100 pounds’
overweight, and they want to make a 10-mile hike in 100-degree
heat, its not a smart idea.
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ATA's DVD Recommendation:
Beacon Point: An Appalachian Trail Horror
Movie
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Beacon
Point is a horror movie about a group of hikers who set out for
10 days on the Appalachian Trail. The group hikes deep into the
Great Smoky Mountains, and soon realize they are lost. Things
start to go from bad to worse and they stumble across an ancient
secret, the shadow people. Apparently, the story is based on
Cherokee legends from the Great Smokies. 2016/ 1h
25min/Thriller.
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Healthful Living Tip:
6 Ways To Boost Women's Health
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Women's
health concerns are a little different from those of men. If
you're a woman, these tips will soon have you feeling fit and
energetic. To look and feel your best at every age, it’s
important to make smart lifestyle and health choices. Here are
six simple things that women can do every day (or with
regularity) to ensure good health:
Health
Tip #1: Eat a healthy diet. “You want to eat as close to a
natural foods diet as you can,” says Donald Novey, MD, an
integrative medicine physician with the Advocate Medical Group
in Park Ridge, Ill. That means a variety of fresh fruits and
vegetables and fewer processed foods. Eat whole grains and
high-fiber foods and choose leaner cuts of meat, fish, and
poultry. Include low-fat dairy products in your diet as well —
depending on your age, you need between 800 and 1,500
milligrams of calcium daily to help avoid osteoporosis, Dr.
Novey says. Avoid foods and beverages that are high in
calories, sugar, salt, and fat.
Healthy
eating will help you maintain a proper weight for your height,
which is important because being overweight can lead to a
number of illnesses. Looking for a healthy snack? Try some raw
vegetables, such as celery, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, or
zucchini with dip made from low-fat yogurt.
If
you’re not getting enough vitamins and nutrients in your diet,
you might want to take a multivitamin and a calcium supplement
to make sure you’re maintaining good health.
Health
Tip #2: Exercise. Heart disease is the leading cause of death
among women in America, but plenty of exercise can help keep
your heart healthy. You want to exercise at least 30 minutes a
day, five days a week, if not every day. Aerobic exercises
(walking, swimming, jogging, bicycling, dancing) are good for
women’s health in general and especially for your heart, says
Sabrena Merrill, MS, of Lawrence, Kan., a certified personal
trainer and group fitness instructor and a spokeswoman for the
American Council on Exercise.
Health
Tip #3: Avoid risky habits. Stay away from cigarettes and
people who smoke. Don’t use drugs. If you drink alcohol, do so
in moderation. Most women’s health studies show that women can
safely consume one drink a day. A drink is considered to be
about 12 to 14 grams of alcohol, which is equal to 12 ounces of
beer (4.5 percent alcohol); 5 ounces of wine (12.9 percent
alcohol); or 1.5 ounces of spirits (hard liquor such as gin or
whiskey, 80-proof).
Health
Tip #4: Manage stress. No matter what stage of her life —
daughter, mother, grandmother — a woman often wears many hats
and deals with a lot of pressure and stress. “Take a few
minutes every day just to relax and get your perspective back
again,” Novey says. “It doesn’t take long, and mental health is
important to your physical well-being.” You also can manage
stress with exercise, relaxation techniques, or meditation.
Health
Tip #5: Sun safely. Excessive exposure to the sun’s harmful
rays can cause skin cancer, which can be deadly. To protect
against skin cancer, wear sunscreen with a sun protection
factor (SPF) of at least 15 if you are going to be outdoors for
more than a few minutes. Even if you wear sunscreen faithfully,
you should check regularly for signs of skin cancer. Warning
signs include any changes in the size, shape, color, or feel of
birthmarks, moles, or freckles, or new, enlarging, pigmented,
or red skin areas. If you spot any changes or you find you have
sores that are not healing, consult your doctor.
Health
Tip #6: Check for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society no
longer recommends monthly breast self-exams for women. However,
it still suggests them as “an option” for women, starting in
their 20s. You should be on the lookout for any changes in your
breasts and report any concerns to your doctor. All women 40
and older should get a yearly mammogram as a mammogram is the
most effective way of detecting cancer in its earliest stages,
when it is most treatable.
A
woman’s health needs change as she ages, but the basics of
women’s health remain the same. If you follow these six simple
healthy living tips, you will improve your quality of life for
years to come.
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Healthful Living Recipe:
Spinach & Cheese Stuffed shells
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Stuffed
shells are filled with spinach, sautéed onions and part-skim
ricotta and topped with prepared marinara sauce and Parmesan
cheese. The shells hold and reheat well, which makes them great
for entertaining. Ingredients 6 servings
24
jumbo pasta shells, (8 ounces)
1½
teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
2
onions, finely chopped
2
pounds fresh spinach, trimmed and washed, or two 10-ounce
packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2
cups part-skim ricotta cheese
? cup
plain dry breadcrumbs
½ cup
freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
¼
teaspoon ground nutmeg
?
teaspoon salt
Freshly
ground pepper, to taste
1
large egg white, lightly beaten
3
cups prepared marinara sauce, preferably low-sodium
Preparation:
Active in 1 h 15 m and Ready In 2 hours.
Preheat
oven to 375°F. Cook shells in a large pot of boiling water,
stirring often, until just tender, about 15 minutes or
according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold
water. Set aside.
Heat
oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add
onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3
minutes. If using fresh spinach, add it in batches and toss
with tongs until wilted. Drain in a colander, pressing out
excess moisture with the back of a spoon. Let cool. If using
thawed frozen, add it to the onions and toss to mix well. Set
aside.
Combine
ricotta, breadcrumbs, ¼ cup Parmesan and nutmeg in a bowl; mix
well. Add the reserved spinach and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in egg white.
Stuff
each of the reserved shells with a generous 2 tablespoons of
the ricotta mixture. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom
of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange the stuffed shells in a
single layer. Top with the remaining 2 cups of the sauce and
sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Bake until
the top is golden and the shells are heated through, about 30
minutes. (If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with
foil.) Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
information: Per serving: 439 calories.
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ATA's Founder & Guide with Mascot
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Appalachian
Trail Adventures Customized Hiking Vacations
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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.
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Fall
Hiking, Yoga & Paddle Retreat
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When: October 13th-15th
Cost: $575.00 single occupancy & $530.00
double occupancy. Rates are per person tax included
Retreat Includes: 2 nights lodging with breakfast,
picnic lunch & dinner, guided hike on sat & sun with
stretching & meditation, including afternoon kayaking or
excursion to local attractions, yoga class fri, sat & sun,
post dinner campfire
Limited space reserve your spot today!
For more information call John at 1-888-855-8655
or Mindy at 1-401-378-5668
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Hiking & Kayaking Vacation
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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 are available a la carte.
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Single
Occupancy
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Double
Occupancy
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1-3
NIGHTS
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$285.00
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$255.00
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4-6
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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Family
Hiking & Kayaking Vacation
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The Family Hiking & Kayaking rates are for
families or groups that are required to participate in same
morning & afternoon activity. I.E. Family members
participate on the same hike, then after a picnic lunch the
entire family participates kayaking. Some family member(s)
cannot go caving or on an excursion while others go
kayaking. Afternoon activities include a choice of
hiking, kayaking, caving and excursions. Nightly rates are
per person, including taxes and wait staff gratuity.
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Room
Options: The lodge has large family
rooms with a combinations of bedding arrangements for three to
six hikers
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Triple
Occ.
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Quad
Occ.
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1-3 Nights
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$195.00
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$180.50
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w/o dinner
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$165.00
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$150.50
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4-6 N
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$191.00
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$176.50
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w/o dinner
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$161.00
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$146.50
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7+ N
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$182.00
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$167.50
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w/o dinner
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$152.00
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$137.50
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Quintuplet
Occupancy
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Sextuplet
Occupancy
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1-3 Nights
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$172.50
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$155.00
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w/o dinner
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$142.50
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$125.00
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4-6 N
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$168.50
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$151.00
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w/o dinner
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$138.50
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$121.00
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7+ N
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$159.50
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$142.00
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Our PEAK
BAGGER VACATION is
for those hikers who want the opportunity to hike Vermont's
4,000 foot mountains, the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail,
the oldest long-distance hiking trail in the country.
Those who summit all five of Vermont's 4,000 footers, are
awarded with a certificate of accomplishment. This
accomplishment in the hiking community is referred to as peak
bagging.
Fast pace hiker’s we recommend 5 to 7 nights and
for intermediate hikers who have a taste for adventure and want
to summit Vermont's 4,000 footers at their own pace, we
recommend at least 7-10
nights. The rate for the Peak Bagger
Vacation is an additional one-time charge of $250.00 per person
for any length of stay on top of ATA’s Hiking Vacation rates.
Peak Bagger Dates: Please Note: The Peak Bagger Vacation is
available anytime by special request, rates may vary.
August 27nd through September 2nd
September 24th through September 30th
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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.
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The Foundry Restaurant's Executive Chef 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.
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Please check out Appalachian Trail Adventure’s
social media links we have them all, whether you prefer to
Follow, Post, Pin, Poke, Like, Snap, Share, Tweet, Double Tap
or Comment.
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