LAST WEEK TO REGISTER!
The Three Rivers Sojourn
Venture Outdoors is excited to announce the Three Rivers Sojourn, August 10-12.
Join us for this 3-day trip exploring, learning, and recreating on PA's 2006 Rivers of the Year.
Space is limited so register NOW.
Find out more by clicking here.
To register, visit our website
or call 412-255-0564
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1. Trail Mix - The Heat is On
Welcome to Trail Mix, a Zip-lock bagful of VO-related
fun facts, links and puzzlers, served up fresh with every issue
of Contours. Look for helpful information on everything
outdoors along with other interesting tidbits that enhance your
awareness and well-being (and your funny bone too).
Is it just me or is it hot in here?
Our Western Pennsylvania summer is here and in full swing. This summer has been extremely hot for the entire
country, and as an outdoors organization, we want to make sure you enjoy that sun safely.
Don't let the sun spoil your fun...
The best way to keep cool and avoid heat-related illnesses is to
stay hydrated. The old trick of drinking eight 8oz. glasses of
water a day is a great standard and it's easy to remember.
Chill out...
Okay, so maybe you want to get outside but really can't stand
this heat. You should join
us on the Caving Exploration (see Activity Spotlight). With year round temperatures in
the 50's (Fahrenheit), this is the perfect way to go exploring
and experience nature's air conditioning!
Puzzler...
Are you hot for the heat? See if you can answer these questions about staying healthy in hot weather.
When you're done, scroll to the bottom for the answers.
True or False?
1. Alcohol and caffeine should not be used to combat dehydration.
2. Heat exhaustion is a life threatening condition.
3. Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage.
2.
Kayak Pittsburgh
Kayak Pittsburgh, an affiliate of Venture Outdoors,
wants to give you the chance to experience Pittsburgh from a new
perspective. Now with two locations, one at the North Park Boathouse
and one downtown underneath the Sixth Street Bridge, there is
even more of the city for you to explore. The friendly Kayak Pittsburgh
staff and the calm city water make it easy for people of all ages
and fitness levels to paddle like pros.
For prices, hours, and directions please visit the Kayak Pittsburgh website or call 412-969-9090.
KP is looking for a few Kayak Pittsburgh Attendants!
Visit our job/volunteer posting page for more details.
Escape the heat...go caving!
See the Activity Spotlight for details.
3.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Go Kayaking!
Here's yet another reason to be part of our member community...
Join or renew your membership today onsite at either location of Kayak Pittsburgh and you'll receive one free hour of rental (must be used at time of purchase). For questions about membership or to join, please call Allison at 412-255-0564, xt. 26 or e-mail aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
Member Discounts
The Vitamin Emporium is offering members $5 off $30 or more and $10 off $60 or
more their products which are already 10-20% off suggested retail prices. The Vitamin
Emporium offers a wide-array of high-quality vitamins, herbal and homeopathic
remedies, and organic and natural body and skin care products all at discount prices.
The store also carries hard-to-find and unusual products as well as natural gift and household
items. The store’s concept is geared toward attracting consumers who have already or want
to get informed and take charge of their health and learn more about how nutritional
supplements can enhance their health and quality of life.
Breathe Yoga Studio is offering a 10% discount on the purchase of a yoga class
package for Venture Outdoors members! Located in the historic South Side, Breathe Yoga Studio is dedicated to offering every
individual the opportunity to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. We aim to
create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for our students to explore and experience an eclectic variety of beginner
through advanced yoga classes with knowledgeable and well trained instructors. Our on-going in-studio schedule includes yoga
classes in hatha, vinyasa, and Iyengar styles as well as Middle Eastern belly dance and modern dance classes. Breathe Yoga
Studio also offers off-site group and private instruction through our “Breathe Out” program including summer outdoor yoga
classes at South Side Works. Relax, rejuvenate and unwind - isn't it time for you to learn how to breathe?
Call 412/481.YOGA (9642) for more information.
Sign up for Membership today and pledge your support to outdoor recreation!
Put yourself in the center of the action! We make it easy for you to become a member with
Venture Outdoors TODAY. Members receive discounts on the hundreds of activities with Venture Outdoors
throughout the year, discounts from local merchants, priority listing on activity waiting lists and
subscriptions to Contours and Adventure Times as well as providing support for the organization that
means so much to you. Read on for some of the great things that come along with Venture Outdoors membership,
and to join, click here!
Become a V.O. Member!
Discover the advantages of a Venture Outdoors membership...call today!
412-255-0564, ext. 26
Or, click here.
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4.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
General Volunteers
Do you have some time to spare during the week?
If so, we would be happy to include you in our ever-growing family of volunteers. Venture Outdoors staff is in need of volunteers for data entry, mailings and premium shipments as well as various office assistance during regular business hours (M-F, 9-5).
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
5.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special
Events
Kid's Mountain Bike Rides
By P.O.R.C. (Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists)
Dates: Last Sunday of the following months: August, September,
& the second to last Sunday of October.
Time: 2-4ish PM
Place: Hartwood Acres Park, Mansion Parking Lot
Purpose: To expose kids to the joys of trail riding!
Kids Need: a bike, helmet, water to drink, and a signed parental release form (may sign at event)
Contact: Holly Forsyth, P.O.R.C. secretary - hollyforsyth43@hotmail.com (412)897-8551
Allegheny County Parks Mountain Bike Fest
Discover over 75 miles of hard to find mountain bike trails in
6 different parks around the region from August 23-27. Check out
Bike Pittsburgh or contact
Mike Conners at 724-934-9293 for more information.
Environment/Health/Community
Friends of Ohiopyle
The Friends of Ohiopyle, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF), was officially formed in November of 2005. The mission of this non-profit as written in the group's strategic plan is:
To improve and preserve the ecological and geological features of Ohiopyle State Park and watershed. To promote the park and its available facilities while acting in concurrence with regional needs and views.
Find out more about this organization and their upcoming events here.
Leave No Trace Survey
The Center for Outdoor Ethics is seeking your input and ideas in order to make the Leave No Trace program more effective, useful and successful. Please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey. Your input is extremely valuable, and your comments and new ideas are welcome.
Click here to take the survey!
Racing/Long
Distance Treks
Baker Trail UltraChallenge
The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy is hosting the 2nd Annual Baker Trail UltraChallenge on
August 26, 2006. The UltraChallenge is a 50 mile ultramarathon that starts in Summerville, PA.
Ultra Volunteers Needed!
If you want to volunteer, email your name and phone number to
volunteer2@rachelcarsontrails.org.
For more information about the race and volunteering,
click here.
Cycling Events
The
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is sponsoring the following event in Greenville, PA:
Saturday, September 16th, 2006 - Pedal the Lakes
For more information, visit www.mctrails.org
*NEW*Job/Volunteer Postings
Venture
Outdoors Job/Volunteer Opportunities!
Adventure Times Distribution
Do you have a car and some spare time for a day or two next week?
We need YOU to help us deliver Adventure Times! (Stipend available)
Contact elingren@ventureoutdoors.org for more details.
Kayak Pittsburgh Attendant
Visit
our job/volunteer posting page for more details and future updates.
Clean-Up/Trails
Weed Whacking
Help Natural Biodiversity clear out some invasive plants in Blairsville.
The work day will be on Saturday, August 5th, from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. For more information, contact Margaret Speicher by phone
at (814)-532-5049 or by email at mspeicher@naturalbiodiversity.org.
Entering the Wilds
2006 Annual Conference in Pennsylvania's Wilds Region
August 10-13
Clarion, Pennsylvania
North Country Trail Association
Two million acres, 16,000 miles of streams and waterways,
1,600 miles of designated trails sound like utopia. In fact,
it's the Pennsylvania Wilds region and the site of this year's
North Country Trail Association (NCTA) Annual Conference.
For more information on this exciting Conference and how to register, visit www.northcountrytrail.org/conf06/index.htm
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Help the Pittsburgh
Trail Advocacy Group with trail maintenance.
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location: Sunday, August 6 - Boyce
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
Tireless 2006
The Tireless Project is a collaborative of environmental non-profits working to clean
debris from our three rivers.
Tireless Fridays
4:30-10pm
These clean-up events are designed for volunteers over 18. Come out after work to help clean a blighted area along the river and stay for a riverfront party complete with live music, food, and brew.
Tireless Saturdays
10am-1pm
These events are just like Tireless Fridays but for our younger volunteers ages 14-18.
For more information or to volunteer
email tirelessfridays@hotmail.com
or call 412.381.1301
6.
DUQ's On the Beaten Path:
Pedaling Pittsburgh and Beyond
All summer long, DUQ will be exploring biking opportunities
in southwestern PA and beyond. Stories about the members of
the region's biking community and the places they travel will
be presented throughout the biking season.
For
more information about
"On the Beaten Path", click here.
This program is made possible by a grant from Venture Outdoors.
7.
Support VO
Do
your online shopping through iGive
and support Venture Outdoors!
That's right, go head and buy something for yourself
or a friend – a new CD, the latest bestseller, essentials like
toothpaste or vitamins, even a computer. But first join at www.iGive.com/VentureOutdoors.
Every time you shop at one of the over 600 name-brand stores
in the Mall at iGive.com, we'll receive a donation of up
to 26% of each purchase you make, at no cost to you.
Membership is free and your privacy is guaranteed.
Contact Allison with any questions about this great program:
aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
Thanks for supporting Venture Outdoors!
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Saturday, August 19
Beer Tasting Hike
We'll walk 2-3 miles of scenic trails and learn about the natural history of one of our local parks. The hike will be followed by an exotic sampling of hand picked beers. Cheese and crackers and other light snacks will accompany the hearty selection of hops & barley beverages. Minimum age 21.
Location: Settler's Cabin Park
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Sunday, August 20
Caving Exploration
It's time to go underground! With this heat wave scorching the country, join us on a subterranean adventure where the temperatures are cool year round. Bring your old clothes because to see this world, you have to get dirty! This adventure involves uneven terrain and requires a moderate level of fitness. No crawling is necessary, but some scrambling around boulders makes the 3-hour exploration a fun adventure under the watchful eyes of our trained guide.
Location: Laurel Caverns
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
August 24, 25, 26
Sky Blast Paddle
Don't miss your opportunity for a front row seat for Sky Blast, one of Pittsburgh's greatest summer spectacles! We'll watch the fireworks in the night sky from the Allegheny River. Starting at 8PM we will take a leisurely paddle up stream and as the sun sets we will float back down and get right in front of the action. Enjoy a panoramic view of the festivities from the water where you will not only see but you will feel the fireworks run through your body.
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh:
Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$40.00 non-member
For
a complete listing of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Rocky Mountain Kayak
Summer Roll Classes
Rocky Mountain Kayak will be hosting roll sessions and instruction all summer. There will be
a session every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (rain or shine). Classes will end in October, so sign up
today!
5 Week Packages
$75 without equipment rental
$100 with equipment rental
$10.00 Wet Suit Rental (per night)
Individual Sessions
$20 with equipment rental
$15 without equipment rental
$5 non-instructional use of lake
Bring dry clothes for food and beverages after class at Pagano's in New Stanton. For more information or
to sign up, contact Jeff Prycl at 724-925-9675 or visit the
RMK website.
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II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news.
People on the Move (announcing Erik)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Monday, July 31, 2006
Three-day water adventure planned for the three rivers
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Saturday, July 29, 2006
Boaters will honor 'Rivers of the Year'
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-Friday, July 21, 2006
20 things to do before summer ends
(We're #20!)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Thursday, July 27, 2006
Venture Outdoors Names New Executive Director
Venture Outdoors
-Monday, July 17, 2006
New water toy at North Park has
handlebars, pontoons and a propeller
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Outdoors
-Thursday, July 13, 2006
Game bats a thousand for city
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Thursday, July 13, 2006
III.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
Our mission is to get you outside, and this is how we're going to do it.
Weekly Events
Same day, same time, same place...
Beginner Paddle
Day: Every Monday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:45-8:00
Cost: $25.00 members/$30 non-member
Tyke Hike
Day: Every Tuesday
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00
TriAnglers
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Point State Park
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $5.00
Happy Hour Paddle
Day: Every Wednesday
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: Under the 6th Street Bridge
Time: 5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Other Events
So much to do, so little time...
Wednesday, August 2
Canoeing the Allegheny
Location: Blawnox 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Friday, August 4
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, August 5
Blazing Star Wildflower Walk
Location: Jennings Environmental Education Center
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Hiking and Massage
Location: Bear Run Natural Area
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member
Sunday, August 6
Warm Water Fly Fishing for Bass
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: Roaring Run Natural Area
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Monday, August 7
Beginner Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Wednesday, August 9
Full Moon Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 7:45 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Friday, August 11
Breakfast Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 6:15 AM - 7:30 AM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, August 12
Day Trek: Lite
Location: Dark Hollow Woods
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Members Pedal-Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh / Washington's Landing (Biking)
Time: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Wilderness Survival Weekend
Location: Davis Hollow Outdoor Center, Moraine State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Sunday, August 13
Doggie Day Trek
Location: Mingo Creek Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Monday, August 14
Beginner Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Friday, August 18
Lunch Hour Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh: under the 6th Street bridge
Time: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, August 19
Rock Climbing
Location: McConnell's Mill State Park
Time: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $45.00 member/$55.00 non-member
Beer Tasting Hike
Location: Settler's Cabin Park
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcoming than the most luxurious Persian rug." - Helen Keller
V.
What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
If you or your organization wants to contribute an event to this section of Contours, email
jroller@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Saturday, August 5
Hike
Call Ben Brugmans, 412-361-3623
Location: Quebec Run Wild Area
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, August 6
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: Boyce Park
Time: 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Bike Pittsburgh
Saturday, August 12
Hike
Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: North Park
Time: 9:30 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, August 13
Hike
Call John Dern, 412-856-4642
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike
Call Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567
Location: Horners Mill- Camp Run
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Complete Listings at www.ventureoutdoors.org
Questions?
Call us 412-255-0564
Contours is an e-newsletter of
Venture Outdoors and is published every two
weeks.
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