Students Say "Yes" to Hiking Classes

A few months ago, two guys who have a number of things in common, met for coffee.  Both are retired, they both enjoy snowshoeing and hiking, and they are grandfathers.  Ed is a part-time educator for the Wildlife Experience in Parker. Gary is a retired Quality Engineer.  Both have extensive hiking experience.  The two have hiked with the High Country Hikers, a group sponsored by ACAA.  When a member of the group had a question about anything to do with hiking, one of the two men had the answer.  All the questions meant people needed more information. 

That meeting at the coffee shop ended with some notes scribbled on a tablet.  The two met three more times for coffee or lunch.  Each meeting resulted in a refined outline of what both men felt passionate about.  Educating people about the sport they both love, hiking.

Students found there is more  to hiking than just going for a long walk.

 The scribbled notes were expanded into lesson plans for seven classes on hiking.  The series of classes would be referred to as "Hiking - The Basics."  The first two classes would introduce students to the sport with topics on back country ethics, behavior and etiquette.  Other class topics included, footwear, clothing, packs and poles.  The last class would cover GPS, topo maps, checklists, bucket lists, keeping a trail journal, and how to poop in the woods.

Marilynn, a member of High Country Hikers, inspects a pair of shoes provided by REI.

 One might think holding hiking classes in Denver would be a no-brainer.  Not the case.  Their initial request for a time slot for classes was denied.  The men requested and were granted a meeting with members of the ACAA day trip staff.  The meeting proved to be a turning point for the guys.  Ahead would be the first formal classes on hiking in Aurora.

Ed (holds an Osprey pack) and Gary (with the hikers bible, The Complete Walker IV)

 Classes were hosted by ACAA, every Tuesday at 9 a.m.  Now that they had succeeded in securing a time slot and assigned a room for classes, the men had ideas to make classes more interesting for students plus if successful make the staff at ACAA look good for their decision to promote the new topic.

Three students enjoyed the prize for attending classes.  A hike.

 The REI store in Englewood was contacted.  After presenting their plans for a series of classes, Store Manager, Steve Carpenter was on board.  REI loaned clothing and gear from their inventory to be used as demonstration in class.

The day after the last scheduled class, students had the opportunity to hike with Ed and Gary at Mt. Falcon Park and Open Space.  It was a wonderful day

Student feed back has been compiled.  The tag team of Ed and Gary was a success.  What students liked
 most was the show and tell.  They liked two instructors covering different topics because it helped keep things interesting.  Plus students received more than twenty handouts over seven weeks. 

So what is next for these two guys who never slow down.  They are looking for a new venue to present the seven-class series on hiking.  The plan is to contact recreation centers and senior care facilities.  There is a specific demographic they want to get.  Those over 50 who traditionally have been active but have not found the motivation to remain as active as they would like.

If you are interested in having the series of "Hiking - The Basics" classes scheduled, email your request to thecohiker2011@gmail.com  

  
     

PD Event Set For May 10th

You don't need to be a skilled and experienced outdoors man or woman to participate.  What you do need is the desire to be more active.  If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and you are looking for a reason to get you off the couch, and outside.  Keep reading...this may be just the thing you need to become more active.

There will be exercises designed for men and women with an early neurological diagnosis.  There will be an exercise designed for those who are beginner/novices.  There will also be an exercise designed for those with experience and are considered dedicated.

So mark your calendar on Thursday, May 10th.  The event will begin at 8:00 a.m., and be open to the public.

Watch this blog for more details. 

     

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month

Keep this blog on your short list of sites to learn what people are doing to help the public be more aware of this progressive neurodegenerative disease.  Some live with the disease for 20 years or more.  I plan to be one of them.  Next week is my appointment with my neurologist.  The first question is, "How are you doing?"  That is soon followed by, "So what have you been doing since we saw you last?"

If anything close to that question is asked, I am ready with a host of things that have been completed on my life list, plus a number of refinements were made to the list.  In addition, earlier this week, a milestone of sorts for me.  In collaboration with a fellow-hiker, we completed a series of seven sessions on the topic Hiking - The Basics.  Student feedback has been very positive.  We are now looking for other sites to conduct these classes.

Anyone interested in more details, send me an email at thecohiker2011@gmail.com

Save This Date - May 10th

Exercise is a big part of what keeps me motivated.  It may come in the form of power walking with my wife around the block.  It may be in the form of cycling on the Mary Carter Greenway.  Or it might be in the form of snowshoeing the Hoo-Doo-Voo-Doo Trail at Breckenridge.

Thursday, May 10, will be fun for all who participate. 

Check this blog often in the next two weeks for details on this event.  

Exercise the brain and the body:

There is no denying that exercise, in whatever form is chosen can help those diagnosed with PD to be active longer, more focused, and likely to be more motivated.  The choices of what type of exercise is best for you are endless.  Will it be yoga, or the treadmill, the stationery bike, jogging, walking, or Wii.

Research on the effect exercise has on the body is ongoing at a number of universities around the country.  One example is a study being conducted at the University of Colorado-Denver to look for the benefits of aerobic exercise for those diagnosed with PD.  It is one of three sites across the U. S. participating in the study.

If you  have been diagnosed and do not include some type of daily exercise in your life, you have not joined the fight against this disease.  It is important to first develop a plan to exercise, then work the plan.  A plan must be one that includes a challenge but not beyond your physical capability.


So take time with someone who you trust and is willing to help you begin an exercise program.  If you are not comfortable planning it yourself, call your physician for advice.  You might also consider talking with a personal trainer who is skilled in developing workout programs for people.

Again, the issue here is don't wait for a holiday or your next birthday or some future date to start.  Do it now.  You will not regret it.    

Improve Your Quality of Life

Spend Time With a Child: It can be fun for both of you.
Some things I've done with my two grandsons (ages 9 and 12):

• Offer them use of one of your old cameras.  We were out doing errands on one of their days off school.  The 9-year-old asks me from the back seat of the car, "Papa, could I use your camera?"  I usually have one or two cameras with me.  This time I had both.  "Sure, you may use the small one.  Let me talk you through the features while we go."  When we arrived at the house less than an hour later, my grandson showed me a frame by frame picture show he had made using three leggo characters I purchased for him at the leggo store. At the house he wrote a script to go with the mini album he made all himself.
• Collect cardboard (paper towel and TP rolls, flat pieces from used tablets, small bar soap boxes, etc.) from a variety of regular purchases you make. Keep them in a corner of the game, play, or family room.  When they visit, it becomes an instant invitation to try making things.  Provide tape, tube of glue, crayons or markers, a pack of construction paper, scissors, etc.  There is no end to what they can create.
• Take them to a movie on the day is first comes out.  We saw The Lorax recently. Fun, Fun, Fun.
• Have them sleepover and when you do, have plenty of options for them to become engaged with.  Before we had a ping pong table, things were dull at our place. Since getting a full size table, it is the first thing they go for on virtually every visit.
• Ask them to help make their meals.  On sleepovers, my youngest grandson's first thing he says in the morning, "Papa, can we have some pancakes?"  That is because over a number of previous sleepovers, we spent time at the stove having them perform each step to make pancakes from scratch.  That is from opening the pouch of powdered batter, to adding water and stirring, to buttering a pan, and spooning batter into a pan.  We learned to watch the clock and time how long till each side is a golden brown, just how they like it.  Then they serve themselves a pancake.  Final note:  Offer them one of your cookie cutters so they can cut a shape out of the pancake before eating it.
• Handy with tools, build something with them.  In the garage one day, the 9-year-old sees a pile of scrap lumber and asks, "Papa can we make a car?"  Having no idea what would be the result, I said, "Sure."  Some weeks later, he had both designed and built a "Car" from wood scraps.  Using his skate board as the wheels, he placed the "thing" he built on top of his board and rode it down the driveway with the biggest grin I had ever seen.  It was a day of accomplishment for him and a very special day for me.     

These are all proven to add fun to a day.  The kids will now have things they learned from you that they can later suggest we do again.  There is no time more special for a grandparent than time spent with a child.  Be a part of their life.  You won't regret it.  

Ways to Live a Healthy Lifestyle - #10

Nourish your Friendships (Past and Present) How?  

• Pick up the phone and initiate conversation 
• Need a phone #...check whitepages.com
• Get your Christmas card address list out.  The number may still be the same.
• If you have the address, pick up a pen and paper and write a letter. The friend will be in awe of your willingness to take time to do it.  
• If a friend lives within a reasonable distance, go visit them.  Catch up over coffee or lunch.
• You do any one of the things mentioned above, my bet is you will hear from the friend soon.

Recently, I chose the "pen and paper" approach with a long time friend I worked with for many years.  We now live 1,600 miles apart but call each other once or twice a year.  Time marches on and it's been quite some time since either of us picked up the phone.

One evening, I sat down and started writing about what was happening since we last talked.  I rambled on about spending time with grandchildren, volunteering, teaching others, and fighting my longest battle, the ever-advancing Parkinson's.  When I was finished, I had six tablet pages.   When I added a few photos with explanations for each, I had to look for a bubble lined envelope to send everything.

The response from my good friend didn't take long.  In less than a week, I received a multi-page hand-written letter.  It began "...Handwriting a letter...well that's just unheard of these days - but I'm SO GLAD you did.  I too, think of you often and write letters to you in my head - unfortunately they don't seem to make it to paper - until now.  You are an inspiration to me in  more ways then you will ever know."

Classes on Hiking Offered

It seems a bit of a surprise there are few offerings in the Denver Metro area, of classes for those who want to learn what hiking is all about.  That is changing.  Two local hiking enthusiasts have collaborated to develop lesson plans for a series of classes.

Offered by the Aurora Center for Active Adults (ACAA), area residents can register for one or all seven sessions.  Five sessions have been completed to date.  Topics already covered include: The basics (back country ethics, behavior and etiquette) plus physical conditioning; Trail ratings, conditions, safety, and first aid; Footwear (what to know before you go and before you buy); Clothing (using a layering system); Packs (choosing, loading, organizing).

Next session scheduled for Tuesday, March 20th at 9 a.m. will be on hiking poles.  How do they work?  Pros and cons of using poles.  Tips on how poles can best benefit the hiker. And a demonstration of the proper use of poles on flat, rocky, or steep terrain.

The final session is billed as the one registrants will have the most fun attending.  Topics will include: Making a checklist, a Bucket List, keeping a trail journal, introduction to topo map reading and GPS, survival skills and how to poop in the woods.

If those topics don't create fun, what will?  A representative from REI will present the part on topo map reading and GPS.  The class will end with a photo album presentation of the best images from hikes sponsored by ACAA in 2011.   

If you have never hiked in your life but want to learn about this sport, call ACAA for details at (303) 739-7950.  If you are an avid hiker and need information on any of the topics mentioned, call for information on the next offering of these classes.

Where There is Snow...there is FUN!

If you are a downhill, xcountry, or snowshoe fan, there is still snow in those mountains west of Denver.  Yesterday, thirteen avid snow sport loving men and women took advantage of the Outdoor Adventure program offered by Malley Recreation Center, in Englewood.

Downhiller's were dropped at Copper Mtn. Resort, before the bus moved on to Gold Run Nordic Center at Breckenridge.  Slopes at the resort were snow-covered and looked fine despite climbing temperatures into the high 40's and more. 

At the Nordic Center, some move out in pairs others like me choose to go solo.  Starting on the Up and Over trail, I decide to have a slow-paced outing.  The sun is out in full blast this morning which causes extreme squinting until the eyes adjust.

As I approach the junction with Jessie's Trail, I stop for a moment to take in the sights around me and connect with the beauty of winter's landscape.  Continuing another hundred yards, I notice an area leading into the trees as it gains elevation.  Up to this point snow under my shoes has been hardened by the daily melting and overnight refreezing of the top layer.  A loud crunching noise is all I've heard since leaving the trailhead. 

The first step off trail reminds me of what snowshoes are supposed to do.  Keep you from sinking into deep snow.  Well, my left snowshoe went deeper and deeper until my knee was below the top of the snow.  In order to maintain my balance, I was forced to plant both poles immediately.  They, with baskets went into the snow over half the poles length.

A slow methodical pace followed as I crossed an open area.  Extra effort was needed to pull each shoe out of the snow cave it had created and keep the leg high enough as to remain above the deep snow and making the next plunge.  In retrospect, it was a wonderful experience.  Best described as walking through a pool of white jello.

Snowshoer's enjoy a day in the snow.

Ahead, I noticed a trail coming from my right.  Making the transition out of deep powder and back to a more secure footing, I follow the well-used path.  Various turns and downed trees remind me that I am on a section of the Hoo-Doo-Voo-Doo trail.  I was here a few weeks ago. 

After a number of short ups, trail continues a gradual climb.  Now closing in on noon, I look for a spot to set up the kitchen.  A small flat area, possibly with a rock formation would be good.  Another 100+ yards of climbing then to my right I spot it.
 
Two pines with thick branches caught most of the heavy snowfall, rendering the ground under them snow free.  Next to the trees, an exposed flat rock surrounded by soft dead pine needles made it the place to stop. 

There was a continuous breeze so a wind screen would be needed.  With the flame on high, a pot of eight ounces of water would come to a rolling boil in less than three minutes.  Enough time to make a bench seat out of the snow on the slope next to the stove.  A piece of plastic would protect me from getting wet during lunch.

Typical winter setup for a hot lunch on trail.

 A small hand towel served as my table cloth.  Utensils, a pouch of ready-made tuna salad, my pocket knife, and a pack of ramen noodles are placed on the cloth.  The lid on the pot is now vibrating.  Time to add noodles, and powdered chicken broth.  Cover and turn the stove to simmer.

While lunch is brewing, I bury a zip bag of six large whole strawberries in the snow.  Add a sleeve of powdered fruit drink to a bottle of water, then bury the beverage in the snow.

The aroma of hot chicken broth must extend beyond the area because overhead I hear the fluttering of wings.  A bird came by to check out the smell.  A squirrel starts to chatter close-by.  It's telling all it's friends to 'Come over for lunch, there is plenty for everybody.'

Time for dessert.  I want a strawberry.  Pulling the zip bag out of its icy cave, the pouch is covered with patches of snow indicating the berries are well chilled.  Cut off the leafy cap and slice the berry in half.  As I take the berry from the end of the blade, I am reminded of my grandfather.  At the age of eight, Pappy would pick an apple, wipe it on his bib overalls, slice a piece off, and holding the slice with his forefinger to the blade of his knife, offering the apple slice to me.   
  
The six king-size berries were a special treat today.  The chilled fruit drink went down easily, while tearing down the kitchen and repacking everything for the return.

Natural beauty of back country in winter.

 I had not met a sole on trail all day.  Then rounding the final bend before the Nordic Center, I meet John Herakovich, on one more short solo tour.  I could not have scripted a better day than this.  These mountains provide a level of solitude I will never get enough of.

The final winter outing offered by Malley Rec. Center is March 29th, when we go to Keystone Resort.