Central & Western NY Outdoors
 February 2006 

 

~~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~~                                 

 

The Beginnings, Appalachian Trail Georgia

Moonlight Snowshoeing Hikes

Calling All Biking Film-Makers

Dress for Success... and Warmth

Capture your own Natural Works of Art

Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival

Be My Valentine

 

 

In the beginning…there was Georgia and the Appalachian Trail. The end lies over 2175 miles away in the wilderness of Maine. Generally during the month of April over 2000 people attempt the hike to Maine. Some arrive at the beginning of the trail with brand new gear and no experience; for others it may be their second or third time around. Those who attempt to walk the whole distance are known as thru-hikers. Of the over 2000 people who start, less than 650 will actually finish in the 6 months it normally takes to walk the entire trail. It is possible to walk the trail in shorter segments. And many people attempt to complete the trail that way over a span of years. Of course, many more enjoy shorter stretches with no intention of walking the whole way. Whatever the motivation, part of the draw certainly has to be the appeal of a trail that leads them into the vast wilderness.

If you would like an opportunity to meet and walk with this year’s crop of hikers, see the link The Beginnings – AT Georgia at www.packpaddleski.com under the North American Multi-Day adventures.

Snowshoeing has enjoyed tremendous growth in the past few years. More and more people are finding that snowshoeing is a great winter activity. It is an aerobic sport that is affordable and easy to do. 

In conjunction with the Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp, Evergreen Outfitters will be hosting three Moonlight hikes. We'll snowshoe through the pines and over the fields, enjoying the silver scenery. We'll look and listen for animals and birds in a winter wonderland. 

Tina Nelson, the Camp's Outdoor Program Manager, will be our guide. She will tell us about animal winter activities and describe the nature of the moon and snow. The hike will be start at 7:30pm and be about one hour long. After our adventure, we'll warm up in the Fireplace Room and have some hot beverages and cookies. A donation of $5 is suggested.

Beginner and experienced snowshoers are all welcome. For people in need of snowshoes, Evergreen Outfitters will have rentals available for $5. Come join us for these wonderful evening excursions starting at 7:30 pm. Please call the store at (716)763-2266 for reservations.

Saturday, February 11th
Friday, March 17th 

Directions to Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center
5013 Route 430, Bemus Point, NY 14712

From Mayville: Take Route 430 East towards Dewittville. Drive by Camp Mission Meadows. Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center will be on the right, across from Kadan's Restaurant. Go down the driveway to the end. We will meet there, at St John's Hall.

From Jamestown: From I-86 exit onto Route 430 West. Drive by Long Point State Park and Midway Park. Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Center will be on the left, across from Kadan's Restaurant. Go down the driveway to the end. We will meet there, at St John's Hall.

Please call Tina Nelson to reserve your spot (716) 386-4125.

See you in the moonlight,

Irene
www.evergreen-outfitters.com 

Or, head out for your own moonlight snowshoe trek using the 78 trail networks mapped and described in Snow Trails - Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe in Central & Western NY

        Calling All Biking Film-Makers

The Fourth Annual Filmed by Bike is open for entries of bike-themed film shorts (8 minutes or under). Deadline is March 15th, 2006. Selected films will be screened on April 28th, 2006 at the Clinton Street Theater in Portland, Oregon.

This thrillingly raucous film festival is a Portland favorite and has sold out every year. Deeply plotted bike love stories, dreams of a world without cars and stories of bikers' triumph over cars fill the silver screen for a night in celebration of bike culture around the world.

SUBMISSION DETAILS AND FESTIVAL INFO:

www.FilmedByBike.org

Ayleen Crotty, Festival Director  (971) 221-7228  Filmed@Riseup.net 

       Dress for Success... and Warmth

Whether you’re out hiking in the snow or just watching your favorite hockey team play, one thing that will make your experience more enjoyable is simply keeping warm. The trick to keeping warm without getting too bulky is layers. The clothes in themselves don’t keep you warm but they trap the heat generated by your body and reduce heat loss. When layering, keep these guidelines in mind:

 

- Look for clothing made from materials that’ll keep you warm even when wet and that are quick drying, such as wool and synthetic fibers. Stay away from cotton clothing, such as jeans. When cotton gets wet, it stays wet and cold.

- Select clothing that’s not too bulky and allows for unrestricted movement.

  -Wear a wicking material next to your skin that’ll pull any sweat away from your body.

  - Subsequent layers insulate your body and keep you warm by trapping the warm air. Materials that have air spaces, such as down, do this very nicely.

  - For the outside layer select clothing that protects you from wind and water.

  - Don’t forget your hat. You can lose over 30% of your body heat through your uncovered head.

         Capture your own Natural Works of Art

   

Ever wonder how the photographers at National Geographic end up with such great photos? 

Part of it is their ability and part of it is being in the right place with the right light. The southwestern United States are brimming with unlimited opportunities for great shots. We hope you like these. 

If you would like to make your own masterpieces and need some guidance, check out the photo expeditions being offered this fall at www.packpaddleski.com.

       Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival

Registration for the fourth annual Adirondack Backcountry Ski Festival (March 4-5) is NOW OPEN!

Major sponsor Primaloft joins Mountineer.com to offer backcountry clinics for all levels of skiers, plus a catered dinner at Rock & River featuring a slide/video presentation by Nils Larsen and Naheed Henderson. Demo gear will also be available from Black Diamond, Garmont, Karhu and K2. The clinics are small and seating at the dinner/ Backcountry Magazine presentation is limited so call soon at 518-576-2281 to sign up. You can view the schedule of courses, equipment list, ability level and more info at http://www.mountaineer.com/skifest/index.htm.

The days are getting longer and with any luck our conditions for February and March will be good for skiing, ice climbing and mountaineering. 

       Be My Valentine

Treat your special valentine to a copy of Cobblestone Quest - Road Tours of New York's Historic Buildings. Together you can explore the region's unique cobblestone buildings by car or by bicycle.

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