Thursday, February 22, 2018

Book your Vermont Summer or Fall Hiking & Kayaking

Book your Vermont Summer or Fall Hiking & Kayaking! Even though its winter, reservation are coming in for ATA's Hiking & Kayaking Vacation. For information call 1-888-855-8655 or check out www.AppalachianTrailAdventures.com



Monday, February 12, 2018

February's Newsletter

February's Newsletter
We are currently taking reservation for the 2018 season that runs from May 25th through October 15th. For more information call 1-888-855-8655 

Aeolus Update

ATA's Beagle Mascot

Aeolus is doing well but is really missing hiking and kayaking season. we have been visiting the local dog parks to keep him in shape.  As for his health, we will be going next month to check on his heart murmur to see if it has got worse. Once again, he was a spoiled dog at Christmas, with lots of wrapped gifts that he loves to unwrap himself. You can see video on ATA’s YouTube and Facebook webpages. Aeolus has anew habit, when someone comes to my house his must sniff their car and if possible will jump in side and check it out. He has even jumped in the UPS and FedEx delivery trucks. What a character! 
 
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: Day Hiking Checklist

Intentionally comprehensive so you don’t forget anything, our checklist for day hikers starts with the required Ten Essentials. Adapt those and the remaining items on the list based on weather and the remoteness of destination, as well as the hiking experience and preferences of your group.  The main safety tool is to leave two itineraries, one left with family or friend and one left under your car seat. Also don’t forgot post-hike snacks, water, towel, and clothing change.
 
Hiking Checklist: The Ten Essentials
For safety, survival and basic comfort, bring these on every hike:
1. Electronics & Navigation
• Map
• Compass
Route description or guidebook
• Cellphone
• GPS
• Camera and accessories
• Personal locator beacon
2. Sun protection
  Sunscreen
  SPF-rated lip balm
  Sunglasses
3. Insulation:  When packing, avoid cotton and adjust each layer based on the forecast; always prepare, too, for the chance that conditions will turn colder, wetter and windier.
•Wicking T-shirt or long-sleeve top
•Wicking underwear or long-underwear bottoms (women’s, men’s)
•Socks
•Quick-drying pants or shorts
•UPF-rated shirt
•Sun hat and/or rain hat
•Insulating hat or headband
•Insulating fleece or soft-shell jacket or vest and pants
•Bandana or Buff
•Mosquito net clothing
•Rain jacket
4. Illumination
  Headlamp or flashlight
  Extra batteries
5. First-aid supplies & Toiletries
  First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
•Insect repellent
•Whistle
•Toilet paper
•Sanitation trowel
•Menstrual and urinary products
•Waste bag(s)
•Hand sanitizer
6. Fire
  A lighter or matches in a waterproof container
7. Repair tools and kit
  Knife or multi-tool
  Repair supplies:  Duct tape, zip ties etc,
8. Nutrition
  Food for the day, plus extra food
• Lunch utensils
Energy beverages or drink mixes
9. Hydration
  Water bottles or hydration reservoir
  Water filter or other treatment system
10. Emergency shelter
• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

ATA's DVD Recommendation: The Future of Food

Before compiling your next grocery list, you might want to watch filmmaker Deborah Koons Garcia's eye-opening documentary, which sheds light on a shadowy relationship between agriculture, big business and government. By examining the effects of biotechnology on the nation's smallest farmers, the film reveals the unappetizing truth about genetically modified foods: You could unknowingly be serving them for dinner. 2004 NR 90 minutes

Healthful Living Tip:

Ten Easy Tips to Live By

Eating healthily is all about balance. Every now and then it’s perfectly OK to have pie for dinner or a nice slice of cake at teatime, treats are a part of life but it's also important to recognize when we're pushing things too far. Indulgent food should be enjoyed and savored, but only occasionally it's important to remember that the majority of our diet should be made up of balanced, nutritious everyday foods. Make healthy food a priority in your life and allow it to bring your family and friends together. Learn to love how it makes you feel, how delicious it is and remember that a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise are the keys to a healthy lifestyle.
Cook from scratch: This is one of the most important life skills you can learn. It allows you to have complete control of what goes into your food.
Eat a balanced diet: Aim to eat a balanced diet that contains each of the food groups in the correct proportions.
Variety is key, eat the rainbow. Fill your diet with a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts, seeds, wholegrains and naturally low-fat dairy foods. When it comes to fruit and veg, different colors provide your body with the different nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy it's not just greens that are good for you!
Understand what you're eating: Make an effort to learn about the food you're eating, we all need to understand where food comes from and how it affects our bodies.
Eat nutritious calories: Make sure the majority of your energy intake comes from nutritious calories that also provide your body with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and good fats. Avoid empty calories.
Don't skip breakfast: Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism and helps you to be alert and awake throughout the day. Make sure you always eat a nutritious breakfast. Make it wholesome and make it count.
Read the small print: It's important to read packaging correctly. Be aware of the recommended portion sizes, and the sugar, salt and saturated fat contents. Remember that not all E-numbers are bad, but too many are often a bad sign.
Drink more water: Water is an essential part of your diet. Drink plenty of water and avoid empty calories from things such as fizzy drinks, energy drinks or juices with added sugar. Eat your calories don't drink them.
Keep active: Exercise is an extremely important factor in staying healthy so try to be as active as you can.
Sleep well: Make sure you get enough sleep – it's an essential part of being healthy and directly affects how well we are able to learn, grow and act in life. While we're asleep, our bodies have that all-important time to repair. 

Healthful Living Recipe:

Almond-Honey Power Bar

Great for breakfast on the go! Golden roasted nuts, seeds and oats are enveloped by flavorful almond butter in these delectably chewy, no-fuss energy bars. Unrefined turbinado sugar adds a deep caramelly undertone. Feel free to use light brown sugar instead. Bars stored at room temperature will be softer than those that are refrigerated.
Ingredients: 8 servings   
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
¼ cup slivered almonds
¼ cup sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon flaxseeds, preferably golden
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 cup unsweetened whole-grain puffed cereal (see Note)
⅓ cup currants
⅓ cup chopped dried apricots
⅓ cup chopped golden raisins
¼ cup creamy almond butter (see Note)
¼ cup turbinado sugar (see Note)
¼ cup honey
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt
Preparation: Active 30 minutes and ready In 1 hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch-square pan with cooking spray.
Spread oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds and sesame seeds on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the oats are lightly toasted and the nuts are fragrant, shaking the pan halfway through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add cereal, currants, apricots and raisins; toss to combine.
Combine almond butter, sugar, honey, vanilla and salt in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring frequently, until the mixture bubbles lightly, 2 to 5 minutes.
Immediately pour the almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients and mix with a spoon or spatula until no dry spots remain. Transfer to the prepared pan. Lightly coat your hands with cooking spray and press the mixture down firmly to make an even layer (wait until the mixture cools slightly if necessary). Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes; cut into 8 bars.
Make Ahead Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature.
Ingredient notes: For this recipe, we like unsweetened puffed multi-grain cereal, such as Kashi's 7 Whole Grain Puffs.
Almond butter can be found at natural-foods stores and large supermarkets, near the peanut butter.
Turbinado sugar is steam-cleaned raw cane sugar. It's coarse-grained and light brown in color, with a slight molasses flavor. Find it in the natural-foods section of large supermarkets or at natural-foods stores.
Storage smarts: For long-term freezer storage, wrap your food in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. The plastic will help prevent freezer burn while the foil will help keep off-odors from seeping into the food.
 
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North Star Inn's website
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ATA's 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 $218.00 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.

Hiking & Kayaking Vacation

Nightly rates are per person, including taxes and gratuity. The Hiking Vacation consists of an standard room with air conditioned room at the North Star Inn with three daily meals; snacks; guided novice, intermediate or advanced hike; and an afternoon of kayaking, caving or an excursion. Massages ($80.00+), yoga classes ($30.00), tennis lessons are available a la carte. Suites with a Jacuzzi tubs are available.
 Single
Occupancy
Double
Occupancy
1-3 NIGHTS$282.00$237.50
4-6 NIGHTS$277.00$235.00
7+ NIGHTS$272.00$232.50
 Triple
Occupancy
Quadruple Occupancy
1-3 NIGHTS$226.00$220.25
4-6 NIGHTS$224.33$219.00
7+ NIGHTS$222.67$217.75
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 rates include a standard room, however suites are available. 
 Triple
Occ.
Quad
Occ.
1-3 Nights$186.00$170.25
w/o dinner$156.00$140.25
4-6 N$184.33$169.25
w/o dinner$154.00$139.00
7+ N$182.67$167.75
w/o dinner$152.00$137.75
   
 Quintuplet
Occupancy
Sextuplet
Occupancy
1-3 Nights$173.68$166.68
w/o dinner$144.68$136.33
4-6 N$171.60$164.33
w/o dinner$131.60$134.67
7+ N$169.60$162.67
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:  Checkout our website for dates however, the Peak Bagger Vacation is available anytime by special request, rates may vary. 
The North Star Inn
The North Star Inn & Resort has been a Killington landmark for over 30 years. Known for their friendly staff, it’s the perfect home base to explore all that Vermont has to offer. With all the cozy pleasures of a modern hotel, updated rooms that include air conditioning, mini-fridge and microwave, including suites with kitchens and a jacuzzi tub.  After a day of exploring, relax in the outdoor heated pool, sauna or massage room for those guests who wish massage therapy. 















A
sit-down breakfast and a bag lunch
re supplied at the North Star Inn. In the evening, enjoy dining at either the O’Dwyer’s Public House or the Foundry Restaurant, known for their impeccable chef-driven cuisine.
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.