Class is Out...Lets Go Hiking

You've done little to no hiking in the past but now you are ready to try it.  You can learn the basics of a sport that provides the kind of full body workout no gym or fitness club can duplicate, i.e. surrounding landscapes, smells, wildlife sightings, or potential for lasting friendships.

Regardless if you are a newbe to the sport or a seasoned trekker, you are likely to learn something new about this growing adult activity.  I trust the men and women who attended one or more of the seven classes offered by the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA) recently did get their $8/class worth of tips and information.

This is the second year ACAA has offered area residents hiking classes.  Topics range from first aid; back country safety, ethics; clothing; gear; packs; poles; trip planning; map reading; and GPS.  Classes began in early March and continue to the week before the spring hiking season begins in April.

Students are able to actually see the type of clothing, boots, packs, poles, and other essentials for a day hike. Co-instructors Ed and Gary have collaborated with REI to provide a full array of top quality hiking products taken direct from store stock.  

Students (L-R) Gloria Pittman, Melva and Don Storm and Vicki Eveland.   Absent - Jamie Bennett, Randy Savoren, and Joyce Kenley,

Students learn about the different fabric when buying hiking clothes.  They get tips on what they should know before they shop for boots and socks.  Tips on features on packs, poles, and much more.  Also what to look for in an 'Expert' vs a BS salesperson. 

Each class provides students multiple handouts of information including tips from well known authors to personal tips provided by co-instructors Ed Blum and Gary Alleman.  These guys are both avid outdoorsmen.  They hike and backpack together in the summer.  In winter, they can be found on many of the same trails on snowshoes.

Ed demonstrates the proper method of securing a day pack for a hike.

The final class for 2013 was this week.  That means students are ready to graduate.  For this class, graduation is pure fun.  They get to hike (see article).

Some students have acquired new socks and boots, or a day pack since classes began.  They have been anxious to try out their new gear.

The 'graduation hike' is planned close to Denver with minimal elevation gain and low mileage.  The idea is to encourage more people to try hiking, not to intimidate them.

Thanks to all students who registered for the 2013 "Hiking, the Basics" classes.  We trust you are now better prepared to hit the trail and enjoy time in the Colorado back country.  Planned hikes begin Tuesday, April 2 so call today and get a seat on the bus.

Call the Aurora Center 

for Active Adults (303) 739-7950.