For these outdoor lovers, it's a matter of priority. There is no better way of staying fit through exercise in a natural environment. Get outside. Be inspired to your core. There is no workout gym that can compare to the great outdoors.
Some of these men and women are still in the workforce. Some have the daunting challenge of caring for a family member. There are those who struggle with complications or a particular diagnoses. They all have one thing in common. They know the importance of being active as they age.
Members of one such group known as High Country Hikers (HCH), consider the benefits of being outdoors to be an integral part of their physical and mental well being. Although the primary activity is hiking, members get many additional rewards.
You may hear it while on trail, at lunch atop a mountain or while talking over coffee and ice cream at a favorite post hike stop, why they enjoy being part of this group so much. Ask, and they will tell you...there is a feeling of camaraderie, it's easy to make new friends in this group, and I get to see the beautiful Colorado back country.
This group has been extremely popular for the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA), where the group is based. ACAA provides dozens of quality programs for people in the community. This group has been the "Hottest Ticket" by far, for the reasons mentioned and more. When a sneak preview - register early for upcoming classes and activities - is announced, members of HCH are there to insure they have a seat on the bus. The roster fills up quickly, and there is a waiting list for most every scheduled hike.
The hiking season has come to an end this year, but members of HCH, know there is one more fun thing to do. Have a party.
Members, some with their spouse, gathered at ACAA, 6th Avenue and Del Mar, for the annual Gathering. Due to the surge of new faces (23 in 2012), the group now has close to fifty core (3 hikes) members.
 |
| Current and former High Country Hiker members' meet at ACAA for the annual Gathering. |
The event began with a social hour, followed by a presentation of images captured on trail throughout the year. Lunch was catered by Schlotzsky's Deli, 950 S. Abilene Street.
Attendees were asked to work a crossword puzzle. Answers were terms familiar to those who hike regularly. A hiking trivia game, testing members' memory of hikes this season, was also on the agenda.
 |
| HCH members (L to R) Marilynn Miciek, Marsha McBurnett, Dorothy Stromberg, Judy Shaw, Penny Giese, and her husband, Gene. |
Door prizes included matted prints of images from the season, REI gift cards, and CD's of trail images. ACAA provided a coupon for one free hike in 2013, to one lucky person.
A number of former hikers, including the former van driver and hike leader were in attendance.
 |
| Former HCH members (L to R) Beverly Williams, Marge Nuss; new member, Pat Farquhar; former hike leader, Joanne Funston, former members, Kathy Dunlap, and Maxine Goetzinger, and current member Deanna Manchion |
Recognition was given to current hike leader and van driver, Ed Blum, for his dedication to the group, plus his knowledge and understanding of nature. Blum was given a backpack and backpacker stove, procured with donations from HCH members.
 |
| Special guest, world class hiker and backpacker, "Edwardo" (Ed Blum) talks with co-organizer Gary2 about his many exploits. Not prepared to deliver a speech, Edwardo did agree to hand out door prizes. |
Blum later teamed with event co-organizer, Gary Alleman. The two had a script to follow, but as sometimes happens, things go better when you adlib. So it was with these two friends who hike, backpack, and snowshoe together.
Before the event ended, attendees were reminded of opportunities to continue good exercise habits thru the winter. Scheduled dates for snowshoe outings with Malley Recreation Center in Englewood, were provided. Plus attendees could register for similar outings planned by fellow HCH members.
 |
| HCH member Bob Seckman, with wife, Marianne Davis, and members Maggie Wright, and John and Kathy Tedrick. |
Remaining edible food from the event was donated to The Potter's House food bank in Aurora.
To those who want to experiece the exciting and exhilirating adventure of snowshoeing, but don't have snowshoes, should contact the author at (720) 840-8691 for dertails.
To everyone who joined HCH on trail this year, thanks for making it a wonderful year. See you in 2013.
NOTE: If you or someone you know is interested in learning the basics of hiking, classes will be offered by ACAA beginning in February. Watch for the "Sneak Preview" notice in the mail.
Class # Topic Date Time (a.m.)
1. Introduction to Hiking Tu. Feb. 12 9:00 - 11:00
2. Pre-planning/First Aid Tu. Feb. 19 9:00 - 11:00
3. All about Footwear Tu. Feb. 26 9:00 - 11:00
4 All about Clothing Tu. Mar. 5 9:00 - 10:30
5 All about Gear Tu. Mar. 12 9:00 - 10:30
6. All about Poles Tu. Mar 19 9:00 - 10:00
7. Essentials and more Tu. Mar 26 9:00 - 11:00
Enjoy the Journey!
No comments:
Post a Comment