Tuesday, September 5, 2017

September's Newsletter


 


 
September's Newsletter
 
ATA's 2017 hiking & kayaking season comes to end October 15th
 
The fall foliage hiking season is fast approaching, come watch Vermont's Green Mountains transform as Mother Nature works her artistry coloring the mountainsides. We recommend a visit from September 22nd through October 15th for those leaf peepers seeking to experience the fall foliage at its peak color. Call John at 1-888-855-8655 for reservation or information.


Aeolus Update

ATA's Beagle Mascot

 
Aeolus is hiking like a mad dog doing circles around us while we hike. Even when kayaking he’ll “slip off” then swim to the bank and run along the shoreline following us downstream. It’s a very funny sight to see. In addition, while kayaking he has been taking rides on different guest’s kayaks, hopping from one kayak to another and even posing for a picture. One day after a long trip on the river, while standing on the front deck Aeolus squatted down and peed off the side of my kayak.  I guess he had to go, hehe. I give him a lot of showers since he’s so active and loves dirty mud puddles. But after many years of forcing him into the shower, Aeolus will now walk by himself.  He still doesn’t look very happy but does it regardless. He has to be the happiest dog, always excited to meet new hikers or any stranger during the day. Good news, we had no porcupine encounters yet this season and we used the trails a lot where they live. As for his heart murmur, we are thinking about starting a gofundme webpage to help with the medical expenses which are close to $200 per month to keep him living a long life. 
 
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. 
 
 

Hiking Tip: Tips for Day Hiking in the Mountains

What to bring on a day hike

 
Hiking mountains brings you up close with nature, from the sweeping views of pine-fringed peaks and stark rock cliffs above tree line to the colorful faces of tiny flowers at your feet. But mountain hiking takes thought and planning, even if you're just hiking for a few hours or a day on marked trails near a resort.

Before starting, get information about the trail you want to take at the tourist information office or booth, the Forest Ranger's station or a local store that selling hiking and biking gear. Take any buff local's advice carefully if he or she says the trail is easy, it may be for them by not for desk-anchored city folk.

Choose trails carefully, so young kids can't get in trouble, by walking into the woods or off a cliff.

Decide in advance if you want to spend most of your time hiking uphill, downhill, or both. Sounds obvious, yes? But, take the Ridge Trail as an example of what's not easily apparent. The name and the map suggests you are walking on a ridge line. While that was true, I choose the route that was almost entirely downhill.

Always check the local weather report to see if thunderstorms are predicted. (They often start in the afternoon.) Take your hike early in the day. If it starts thundering and lightening, head back down.

Some trail maps, especially at resorts, indicate whether the trail is just for hikers, only for mountain bikers, or for both. If you prefer quiet and not having to worry about constantly moving a few steps off the trail so bicyclists can get through, pick a path accordingly.

We're all told that we should never hike alone. This is certainly true in the backcountry. On resort trails, however, I've seen many people hiking alone. In either case, always let someone at home or a friend know exactly which trails you are planning on taking. If you hurt yourself and can't get back to the trailhead, people will know where to start looking for you.

What to Take on Mountain Hiking Day Trips

Always bring several layers of clothing. When it's in the 80s at the base of a mountain the temperature up top, where it's several thousand feet higher, will be lower. On the rare occasions, it can even snow in the Rockies and often drops down to below 50 degrees at night. (At times, even in the 30s.) If you start out in a t-shirt, toss a long-sleeved shirt, a fleece and spare socks in a daypack or a hip pack. Lightweight rain gear is handy if it starts pouring.

Wear shoes with a good grip, because most trails are a mix of rock and dirt. Over the ankle hiking boots may help save you from twisted ankles on rough trails, where shale or rocks stud the dirt to keep the paths from eroding.

use walking stick, you can get lightweight ones at many sporting goods stores. I've used them on hikes when there you have to work your way up, down or around larger rocks and dirt steps, and they make it much easier.

Bring a small first aid kit, a flashlight, a compass and a map. Sounds low-tech, but there are places in the wilderness where you can't get a signal and the GPS or other apps on your Smartphone won't be available to you.

Bring Food and Water: You get dehydrated faster at higher altitude, so bring lots of water. Don't forget energy bars or other food that gives you the power to keep hiking.

Watch Out for Wild Animals: You are on their turf, so don't be surprised if you see moose, elk, deer, even a bear or a scarce mountain lion.
 

ATA's DVD Recommendation:

Into the Wild (2007)

 
Based on a true story, Emory University graduate Christopher Mccandleuss abandons his possessions, destroys his credit cards and identification documents, gives his entire $24,000 savings to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live alone in the wilderness. In the 20 months leading up to his Alaskan adventure, his travels lead him on a path to self-discovery, seeking and ultimately finding pleasure and joy along with a sense of truth and purpose he had been lacking all his life, and heals him from his troubled childhood. Throughout his epic journey he meets people who both influence and are influenced by the realization that “happiness is only real when shared.” Upon this realization, he seeks to return from the wild to his family and friends.
Based on the 1996 non-fiction book Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer on the travels of Christopher McCandless across North America.
 

Healthful Living Tip:

How much physical activity do adults need? 

 
Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. According to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, you need to do two types of physical activity each week to improve your health–aerobic and muscle-strengthening.
 
18 to 64 years old: For Important Health Benefits Adults need at least:: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). And 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
 
Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging
As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.
 
Not doing any physical activity can be bad for you, no matter your age or health condition. Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.

If you're 65 years of age or older, are generally fit, and have no limiting health conditions you can follow the guidelines listed below.

For Important Health Benefits older adults need at least:: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) and  1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).
 
For Even Greater Health Benefits older adults should increase their activity to: 5 hours (300 minutes) each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms) and  2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms)
.
Aerobic activity – what counts? Aerobic activity or "cardio" gets you breathing harder and your heart beating faster. From pushing a lawn mower, to taking a dance class, to biking to the store – all types of activities count. As long as you're doing them at a moderate or vigorous intensity for at least 10 minutes at a time. Even something as simple as walking is a great way to get the aerobic activity you need, as long as it's at a moderately intense pace.
 
Intensity is how hard your body is working during aerobic activity. How do you know if you're doing moderate or vigorous aerobic activity?
 
On a 10-point scale, where sitting is 0 and working as hard as you can is 10, moderate-intensity aerobic activity is a 5 or 6. It will make you breathe harder and your heart beat faster. You'll also notice that you'll be able to talk, but not sing the words to your favorite song.

Vigorous-intensity activity is a 7 or 8 on this scale. Your heart rate will increase quite a bit and you'll be breathing hard enough so that you won't be able to say more than a few words without stopping to catch your breath.

You can do moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a mix of the two each week. Intensity is how hard your body is working during aerobic activity. A rule of thumb is that 1 minute of vigorous-intensity activity is about the same as 2 minutes of moderate-intensity activity.

Everyone's fitness level is different. This means that walking may feel like a moderately intense activity to you, but for others, it may feel vigorous. It all depends on you – the shape you're in, what you feel comfortable doing, and your health condition. What's important is that you do physical activities that are right for you and your abilities.

Muscle-strengthening activities – what counts?

Besides aerobic activity, you need to do things to make your muscles stronger at least 2 days a week. These types of activities will help keep you from losing muscle as you get older.

To gain health benefits, muscle-strengthening activities need to be done to the point
where it's hard for you to do another repetition without help. A repetition is one complete movement of an activity, like lifting a weight or doing one sit-up. Try to do 8—12 repetitions per activity that count as 1 set. Try to do at least 1 set of muscle-strengthening activities, but to gain even more benefits, do 2 or 3 sets.

There are many ways you can strengthen your muscles, whether it's at home or the gym. The activities you choose should work all the major muscle groups of your body (legs, hips, back, chest, abdomen, shoulders, and arms). You may want to try:

Lifting weights

Working with resistance bands

Doing exercises that use your body weight for resistance (push ups, sit ups)

Heavy gardening (digging, shoveling)

Yoga

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.
 

Healthful Living Recipe:

Carrot Cake Waffle Breakfast Sandwich 

 
Carrot cake for breakfast? Why not! This innovative healthy waffle breakfast-sandwich recipe uses whole-grain frozen waffles instead of bread and has a carrot cake-like filling made with reduced-fat cream cheese, shredded carrot, raisins and walnuts sweetened with a touch of maple syrup. Even better, it's ready in 5 minutes!

2 whole-grain frozen waffles
2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel)
½ cup shredded carrot
2 tablespoons raisins
1 tablespoon chopped walnuts
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

Preparation: Active 5 m  and Ready In 5 minutes.
Toast waffles. Spread cream cheese on 1 waffle. Top with carrot, raisins and walnuts. Drizzle with maple syrup. Top with the remaining waffle.

Nutrition information: Serving size: 1 sandwich
Per serving: 441 calories; 20 g fat(6 g sat); 5 g fiber; 56 g carbohydrates; 13 g protein; 18 mcg folate; 95 mg cholesterol; 27 g sugars; 12 g added sugars; 9,639 IU vitamin A; 4 mg vitamin C; 283 mg calcium; 2 mg iron; 400 mg sodium; 604 mg potassium. Nutrition Bonus:  Vitamin A (193% daily value), Calcium (28% dv) Carbohydrate Servings: 3½. Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, ½ other carbohydrate, 2 fat
ATA's Founder & Guide with Mascot
 
 

Appalachian Trail Adventures Customized Hiking Vacations

 
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.
 
 

Fall Hiking, Yoga & Paddle Retreat

 
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
 
 

Hiking & Kayaking Vacation

 
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.
 
Single
Occupancy
Double
Occupancy
1-3 NIGHTS
$285.00
$255.00
4-6 NIGHTS
$280.00
$251.00
7+ NIGHTS
$274.00
$242.00
 
 
 
Family Hiking & Kayaking Vacation 
 
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.
Room Options: The lodge has large family rooms with a combinations of bedding arrangements for three to six hikers
 
Triple
Occ.
Quad
Occ.
1-3 Nights
$195.00
$180.50
w/o dinner
$165.00
$150.50
4-6 N
$191.00
$176.50
w/o dinner
$161.00
$146.50
7+ N
$182.00
$167.50
w/o dinner
$152.00
$137.50
 
 
 
 
Quintuplet
Occupancy
Sextuplet
Occupancy
1-3 Nights
$172.50
$155.00
w/o dinner
$142.50
$125.00
4-6 N
$168.50
$151.00
w/o dinner
$138.50
$121.00
7+ N
$159.50
$142.00
 
 
Peak Bagger Vacation 
 
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
 
 
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. 
 
 
The Foundry Restaurant 
 
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.
 
 
Social Media Links
 
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. 
 
 
 

Copyright © *2017* *Appalachian Trail Adventures, Inc.*, All rights reserved.

Our Phone Number is:
1-888-855-8655

Our Mailing address is:
PO Box 394
Killington, VT 05751

Our Physical address is:
200 Summit Road 
Killington, VT 05751