Our hike for Saturday, June 27th will be to Three Rivers. This trail is a total of 6.1 miles, and has an elevation gain of approximately 3,500 feet. We will only hike about half of this distance and return to the trail head. The landforms and vegetation along this trail are known to be the most varied in the Lincoln National Forest. There are several stream crossings along this trail, so please bring a hiking stick to assist with the stream crossings. Depending on weather conditions, stream flow varies between nothing to considerable.
Click HERE for more information and to register for the Three Rivers hike.
Wyler Aerial Tramway Hike:
There is also a hike planned for Tuesday, June 23rd to the Wyler Aerial Tramway. We already have a group of about 10 people for this hike, so it will not be listed. However, if you would like to join this group, please email or call Bob Medley at 915-633-2878. We will hike up, and ride the tram down. The hike will begin at 6pm, so please arrive no later than 5:45pm so that we can buy our group tickets before we depart the trail head.
Interactive Trail Maps:
I came across this web site that has instructions on creating online interactive maps. These maps are created using free software and Google Maps. For those interested, here is a link to sample interactive trail maps. The track and waypoint files (GPX format) that were used to build each map are zipped together and can be downloaded for use in other software applications. You are invited to create your own interactive trail maps and send them to me, and I'll post them here to benefit all hikers.
Nordic Walking:
It's as vigorous as running, but less stressful on the legs and knees. Nordic walking is an interesting trend that has developed mostly in Europe over the past few years and growing in popularity. The Nordic walking technique is simply walking while using a pair of specially modified ski poles, or trekking poles. The idea was apparently first embraced by Finnish cross country skiers who sought to maintain conditioning during the off-season and is simple in principal. By using a pair of poles of the appropriate length, walking can be transformed from a mostly lower-body exercise into a full-body workout.
First Aid Kits:
What is in your first aid kit? Here is a medical guide written by a a hike and a medical doctor. While there are many ready made first aid kits available on the market, Dr. Stewart Anderson says that its better to make your own first aid kits so that you know what is in it, and why. The Thru-Hiker's Medical Guide not only lists what you should carry in your kit, but also gives commons sense treatment advice on how to treat the most common ailments that you would like encounter on the trail.
The Nomad's Odyssey 2009: Nimblewill Nomad is still hiking across the Michigan lower peninsular heading into Battle Creek. You are invited to check out his itinerary, read his journals, and browse his videos and photos and follow Nimblewill Nomad on his 4000+ mile journey along the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Steep and Cheap:
Looking for quality outdoor gear of all types at great prices? Well, SteepandCheap.com offers one killer deal at a time till its gone. Each item is usually at least 50% off the regular retail price. You can also sign up for Instant Alerts so you will not miss a deal.
Photos: Photos this week were taken by Ken Steiner while hiking the up to Ranger Peak.
Web Site News
The redesign process of this web site has begun. If there are any new features you would like to see, please email the Web Slave with your suggestions.
Membership registration is currently on hold pending the full roll0ut of our new web site. Members currently in our database will be migrated to our new web site.
M. J. "Eb" Eberhart, aka Nimblewill Nomad, author, poet, and long-distance hiker, is now hiking the 4,000+ miles North Country National Scenic Trail. His journey began at the Knife River Indian Reservation in North Dakota. His goal in life is to hike all eight of the National Scenic Trails from end to end. This is no small feat, considering he is now 70 years old. You are invited to check out his itinerary, read his journals, and browse his videos and photos of Odyssey 2009.
The Ultimate Fix-It Guide
If your hiking and camping gear doesn't need regular TLC, it means you are not using it very much. Even the very best gear gets worn and broken with frequent use. To make your stuff go the extra mile, Backpacker magazine has an online illustrated guide to the 55 most common repairs and maintenance musts. You'll get expert advice for preventive care, proper storage, and lots of inexpensive fixes.
Backpacking 101
Whether you are a hiking newbie, or an old pro, BackPacking 101 has trip-planning tips, gear lists, safety advice, and other essential wisdom every hiker should know.
Lightweight Backpacking 101
At Lightweight Backpacking 101 you will find information about lightweight backpacking, weight-reducing tips, gear that can be used for multiple purposes, general packing information, gear checklists, backcountry ethics, and much, much more.
For Women Only
The Women Hikers Yahoo Group is a growing group of very diverse women who welcome members who hike anywhere in the world regardless of age or experience. So, if you are a woman, and you love backpacking, camping, and hiking, you owe it to yourself to check out the Women Hikers Yahoo Group.
