THE ART OF MOUNTAIN HIKING - THE APPALACHIANS HIGHLIGHTS JUNE 20-24, 2018 TRIP SUMMARY Gaining a solid foundation in the skills and knowledge needed to hike safely and have fun in the mountains Learning to anticipate and prevent the most common hazards: weather changes, lightning, animals, getting lost etc Learning to read a map and use a compass Participating on a variety of mountain hikes Enjoying the camaraderie of other women who love to hike Phone: 877-439-4042 Outside the US: 410-435-1965 Fax: 410-435-3084 Email: info@goodadventure.com
TRIP AT A GLANCE Dates: Jun 20-24, 2018 Location: Dahlonega, GA Cost: $995.00 Activities: Hiking Arrive: at 1 pm at the Atlanta Airport (ATL) or 3pm at Barefoot Hills Depart: at 1 pm at Barefoot Hills or 4 pm at the Atlanta Airport (ATL) TRIP OVERVIEW Although hiking is essentially putting one foot in front of the other, there are many tips that can make hiking both more enjoyable and safe. There are two ways to acquire the knowledge necessary to hike safely in a variety of terrains: either through experience, or by learning from others with that experience. If you want to jump start your learning and your experience, join us for five days of experiential education in the Georgia Mountains with two experienced hiking guides. Maximum group size: 13 RATING This trip is for women in good physical condition who can hike for two to four hours a day in mountainous terrain. While intermediate hikers who want to hone their skills are welcome, the trip is primarily designed for novice hikers with no or limited previous hiking experience. If your interest is more in hiking than in combining hiking with learning, we suggest you look at one of our other hiking trips. A rating of 2 is suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35-45 minutes. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5. WHAT'S INCLUDED Two experienced hiking guides Four nights lodging in bunk rooms - 4 women per bunk room (4 single supplements available @ $275/person) All meals from dinner Wednesday to lunch the following Sunday All transportation once you arrive in Atlanta, GA What's not included: Travel to the Atlanta airport, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities
OUR ITINERARY Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests. DAY 1 JUNE 20, WEDNESDAY We'll meet at the Atlanta airport at 1 pm. From there we'll take the metro to the spot where the shuttle picks us up and transports us to Barfoot Hills, our home for the trip. After getting settled in we have our first lesson: how to adjust, hold, and place trekking poles. This is a basic skill that we'll be practicing all week so next we stretch our legs and practice using poles with a short walk on the loop hike around the property. After the first of many hearty dinners we'll start discussing hiking basics: what to wear and what to bring with you, how to adjust your pack for maximum comfort, foot care, and how to choose a hiking pace. DAY 2 JUNE 21, THURSDAY This morning we'll have a workshop on how to read a map, use a compass, and plan a hike. Map and compass are a topic that can only be learned with practice, so we'll put this morning's lessons to use throughout the rest of the trip. In the afternoon we'll hike a 3.5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail, from Gooch Gap to Woody Gap with about 400 feet elevation gain. Before and during the hike we'll review how to effectively use hiking poles on uphill and downhills and hiking techniques such as the rest step. Along the way and at the top of the mountain we'll pull out maps and compasses. Since first aid is such an important topic, we will spend time this evening looking at what you should carry in a First Aid Kit and how to treat a couple of the most common problems. In particular, since painful feet are the most common way to ruin a hike, we will review foot care in depth with hands on practice.
DAY 3 JUNE 22, FRIDAY This morning we'll discuss conditioning, nutrition, how to determine how much water to carry and various methods of treating it. We'll also discuss common safety issues: getting lost, getting injured, bad weather, hypothermia, heat exhaustion, bears, river crossings, and lightning. Of course after that we may be feeling too scared to ever want to hike again! But that will quickly disappear on our next hike. We'll hike 5 miles, starting at Springer Mountain (yes, the start of the Appalachian Trail) and hiking to 3 Forks. If we have time, we can add another 2 miles with an out and back hike to Long Creek Falls. 3 Forks has several streams so this will be a great place to practice water crossings. Using the skills and knowledge we've gained over the previous days, we will put it all together as we spend the evening planning tomorrow's hike. DAY 4 JUNE 23, SATURDAY Today is an all-day hike where we'll put together everything we've learned. We'll start at Nimblewill Gap and hike to Len Foote Hike Inn. This hut is similar to the AMC huts in the White Mountains and, just like them, is a great place to reward yourself with a refreshing glass of lemonade. We'll then continue to Amicalola Falls State Park. The moderate trail traverses diverse landscapes, dipping and rising across ridges and down through mossy, ferny creek valleys. The total mileage is 6.1 to 7.1 miles, depending on whether we stop at the top of the Falls or continue to the Visitor Center. Tonight, feeling like the accomplished hikers we now are, we'll go out to celebrate and share a final farewell dinner. DAY 5 JUNE 24, SUNDAY This morning after breakfast, we'll spend a little time talking about hiking destinations and where to find more information about them. We'll then pack up before enjoying a short last hike to DeSoto Falls. At 2 miles it is long enough to stretch our legs but not so long that we ll get sweaty. We'll plan to be off the trail by 1PM and those who are flying home can plan to flights after 4:00pm
ADDITIONAL TRIP INFORMATION GETTING THERE If you are flying, plan to fly into the Atlanta airport (ATL) not later than 12:30PM so you can get to the trip meeting point in the Atrium by 1PM. If you are driving, plan to be there by 3:30PM. Use this address for your GPS: 7693 Hwy 19N, Dahlonega, GA 30533 If you would like help with any travel plans we recommend our travel agent Barbara Nelson, Scan East West Travel, at bnelson@scaneastwest.com or call 206-395-7836. ACCOMMODATIONS We will spend four nights at the Barefoot Hills. This beautiful lodging was formerly owned by one of our guides; it was recently purchased and the new owners have remodeled it to offer additional private rooms. There are two bedrooms with 2 sets of bunks each with so there will be four women in each room. Each room has a bathroom (one attached, one not). There are also four private rooms with a queen bed and an ensuite bathroom. There is also common room where we can relax together. There are also 4 single supplements available @ $275/person/week. Rooms for single supplements have 1 queen bed and ensuite bathroom. We can accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions but, depending on your specific circumstances, we may ask you to bring supplemental food. Please contact the office if this is a potential concern for you. WEATHER Typically, June is a very pleasant with highs in the low 80's and low in the upper 50's. Rain is always a possibility, especially in the afternoons. Rain averages for June are the lowest for the year at 4-4.5 inches. TRAVEL INSURANCE WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND TRIP CANCELLATION/TRIP INTERRUPTION INSURANCE, WHICH COVERS YOUR COST IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL OR INTERRUPT YOUR TRIP for medical reasons, trip delay, lost baggage, and other unforeseen emergencies. Adventures in Good Company will send you information about travel insurance with your registration information, or you may purchase coverage through your own insurance company. In order to avoid disappointment and expense in the event that you must cancel your trip we strongly urge you to purchase some type of insurance coverage. You can also sign up for it online at Travelex Insurance. To get the best rates, use 20-0016 as your location number on the Get A Quote page.
PACKING LIST FOOTWEAR 1 pair of (lightweight to midweight) hiking (boots or shoes) 1 pair of comfortable shoes for general use 2 pairs of hiking socks (wool or synthetic equivalent: Smartwool, Thorlo, Darn Tough) CLOTHING 1-2 pair of comfortable synthetic long (3/4) pants for hiking - zip-offs work well 2 synthetic or lightweight merino wool T-shirts or short-sleeved shirts 1 lightweight long-sleeved shirt for sun/bug protection - button up front is the best 1 light-weight top layer: wool shirt/pullover or synthetic equivalent. A lightweight fleece pullover or a fleece vest works well 1 rain jacket/parka: coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex. 1 wide-brimmed hat or baseball style cap Comfortable clothing for lodge/workshop time. Note: There will be one evening spent in town at a casual restaurant Underwear/nightwear ESSENTIALS 1 pair Trekking poles 1 daypack (see notes on packing list for recommended capacity) Capability to waterproof your backpack. Either a rain cover or a heavy-duty plastic bag to line your pack. Capacity to carry 2 liters of water (Please see Notes on Packing List) Sunglasses (100% UV protection) w/retention strap 1 Tupperware type container for sandwich/lunch on trail Headlamp or flashlight 1 2 bandanas Insect repellent Ear plugs (for a good night s sleep!) Wristwatch/travel alarm clock TOILETRIES Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, contact lens paraphernalia, and sanitary supplies Sunscreen and lip protection with sunblock of at least SPF 15 Personal first aid/patch kit - Band-Aids, 1 safety pin, moleskin, Compeed (or blister bandages), ibuprofen, any personal medications Please note: Individuals who have had or have the potential for a severe allergic reaction to insect stings, specific foods or medications must bring an epi-pen. Please consult your physician and tell your guide. OPTIONAL Camera (extra battery) and film/memory card Book, notebook, journal, pencil/pen wrist watch with an alarm or travel clock Your favorite snack(s) Playing cards, games
NOTES ON PACKING Footwear: Well-fitting, sturdy boots or trail shoes are very important to your safety and enjoyment. If you plan to buy new boots, break them in by wearing them around town and taking some short hikes before your trip. For general hiking, lightweight or midweight cordura or leather boots with a Vibram sole work well. If you have weak ankles or are recovering from an ankle injury, get boots that come above the ankle you ll find that this will give you more support in uneven or slippery terrain. Remember to waterproof your boots before the trip. Even boots billed as waterproof need to be treated with a waterproofing product. Daypacks: Your daypack should be large enough to hold the following items: 1 liter of water, rain gear, lunch/snacks (for the day), sun screen, warm layer (fleece pullover or vest), personal first aid kit, lightweight gloves, warm hat and personal items such as camera, etc. We recommend a daypack with a capacity of between 1800 and 2400 cubic inches with a hip belt, padded shoulder straps, and lifters. Line your daypack with a durable plastic bag to keep your belongings dry and/or have an elasticized pack cover that fits snuggly over it. Before you leave home check to be sure that it is comfortable to wear all day and has sufficient space for all of your items. Note: Fanny-packs and hydration packs are not large enough to hold all of the items you will need for the day. Clothing: The clothing listed on the packing list has been chosen for your specific trip conditions and for its versatility for layering. NO COTTON for your active wear! All active wear should be made from synthetic/synthetic blends, down/down blends or wool/wool blends. Layering is the most practical and efficient method of insulating the body. Several layers of varied weight materials provide better insulation than one thick Layer of clothing. Also, adding or subtracting layers allows you to adjust to the temperature at your particular level of activity. Rain Gear: You will need a parka or jacket made of a coated nylon or a waterproof/breathable fabric like Gore-tex, HellyTech, Membrane, H2No, or Ultrex. Be sure it keeps water out. Before making this important purchase, be sure that it fits you properly. It should be large enough to fit over all your layers. In particular, the hood needs to be effective. It should shield your face from the rain and turn with your head. Movement of your arms must not interfere with the hood. Put on your daypack; can you still raise your arms? Your wind/rain pants should be comfortable, allow enough room for your layers, and permit free movement of your legs (for example, can you crouch comfortably?). Partial or full-length leg zippers are useful for easily putting your pants on over your boots. An inexpensive plastic poncho will both leak and tear easily and is not recommended. Compass: Please bring a basic compass with a baseplate for this trip. If you are not sure which type of compass this is, check out the website listed below and the picture. Any other type of compass (military, navigating, etc.) is not adequate for learning basic compass skills. If you have any questions, please contact the office. https://www.amazon.com/dp/b000eqaue6/ref=dp_sp_detail?psc=1 Hydration: Being able to easily access your water without assistance, so that you can drink frequently, is important to your safety and enjoyment. One method is to have a water bottle attached to your waist strap. Another option is to use a HYDRATION SYSTEM such as CamelBak, Platypus, and MSR bladder bags, which are collapsible water bags with a hose attachment that you drink from. The bags fit inside or outside your pack with the hose positioned over your shoulder so that you can access your water as you hike. Bladder bags can hold 1-3 liters of water. Trekking Poles: Trekking poles are required for this trip. Trekking poles contribute to your safety by improving your balance and stability, and to your health by saving stress on your hips and knees. If you are not familiar with trekking
poles, read this blog post that addresses the most commonly asked questions: http://blog.adventuresingoodcompany.com/blog-women-travel/bid/154714/trekking-poles-for-hiking-tripsthe-4-most-common-questions. Personal First Aid Kit: Bring a small first aid kit with familiar medicine and first aid supplies you might need. Recommendations include the following: blister or foot remedies like moleskin, Compeed, blister bandages, or similar, a small role of duct tape (always useful!), remedies for respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore muscles or joints. The guides will have a first aid kit but having what you know works well for you is a good idea.