1. Trail Mix - Be Prepared for Jack Frost
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).
Don't Get Stuck Inside...
Dropping temperatures shouldn't keep you from getting outside! You just
need to know how to venture outdoors safely in cold weather.
How Your Body Loses Heat:
Conduction - direct transfer of heat from
the body to something cooler (major loss of heat when
in cold water!)
Convection - loss of heat by circulation
of air or water surround the body (watch out for the
wind chill!)
Radiation - loss of heat through emitted
energy (causes over half of the body's normal heat loss!)
Evaporation - heat lost when sweat or
water on the skin is changed into steam (sweating or
wet clothes increase heat loss!)
To Keep Warm Remember to...
Dress in layers to create air insulation, and you can remove or add layers
when you begin to sweat or chill. Avoid wearing cotton because it
easily absorbs water and can be difficult to dry, which will no longer keep
you warm. Breathable fabrics that don't absorb water like wool, polyester,
fleece, nylon, polypropylene, etc. will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable.
Wear boots with plenty of room to avoid cutting off circulation. Also, wear mittens instead of
gloves to allow the fingers to keep each other warm.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration (which can increase the risk of frostbite!)
and eat lots of nutritious foods to keep your body producing heat.
Polar Puzzler...
An easy way to remember how to survive in cold weather is by using the word cold.
Can you guess what each letter stands for?
2.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
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.
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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3.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get
out your planners folks...
Special
Events
W.S. Merwin Poetry Reading
What?: W.S. Merwin will be presenting his work.
When?: Wednesday, November 15 at 8 PM
Where?: Carnegie Library Lecture Hall 4400 Forbes Ave.
Cost: General $12/Students & Seniors $8
For tickets or more information call 412-621-9893 or visit www.thepoetryforum.org.
Fly Tying Nights
by Wilderness Voyageurs
What?: Join Dale Kotowski for Fly Tying Nights. We have some supplies,
but feel free to bring your own. Share patterns and tips or learn new ones.
When?: Beginning November 1st, every other Wednesday
night at 6:30 PM
Where?: Falls City Restaurant and Pub
For more information: Contact Wilderness Voyageurs at
724-329-8336.
Recycle at the Mall at Robinson
In honor of America Recycles Day, the
PA Resources Council is partnering with the Mall at Robinson
and
Abitibi Consolidated to host this recycling event.
What can you recycle?: Cell phones, ink and toner cartridges, different types of paper, and cardboard.
When?: Saturday, November 18 from 11 AM until 3 PM.
Where?: The Mall at Robinson at the main entrance by the Cafes' (Food Court).
The American Cancer Society
will receive all proceeds from the mixed paper and
$1 per ink cartridge from Cartridge Outlet. The cell phones will be donated to the
Verizon Wireless HopeLine® Program which assists victims of domestic violence.
As part of the celebration, everyone dropping off recyclables will be eligible
to win gift certificates, coupons and other cool prizes from local stores!
Gear Swap!
Get rid of your old gear and get some new gear!*
Have fun while you swap your gear at the bonfire & don't forget to BYOB!
When?: Saturday, November 18 from 11 AM to 3 PM
Where?: The parking lot of the Wilderness Voyageurs
Outfitters Store next to the tracks in Ohiopyle.
*All transactions will be between seller & buyer. Wilderness Voyageurs will not be involved.
Contest for Kids
National Safe Boating Council (NSBC)
presents its 2nd annual Boating Safety Sidekicks contest:
Who can enter?: Kids ages 4 - 15 (divided into 3 age groups. First, second, and third place prizes
will be awarded in each of the 3 age groups).
What to do?: Prepare a short story, poster, or video to tell others
how to be a safe boater.
Want to enter?: Visit the Boating Safety Sidekicks website at
www.boatingsidekicks.com for more information on the contest and how to enter.
Deadline: Enter now until January 1, 2007.
Environment/Health/Community
Changes in Fall Musky Stocking
Waterways around PA will see an increase in musky stockings in the near future. The PA Fish and Boating
Commission would like input from anglers about the changes. You can take the survey
here, or for more information, please visit
www.fishandboat.com.
Fall
Lecture Series
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is proud to announce that their
fall lecture series now has a new emphasis: your health.
The UPMC Health Plan Healthy Living Lecture Series covers
a wide range of topics important to making Pittsburgh one
of the healthiest cities in the country.
When:
Every Thursday from October 12th to November 16th at noon
Where: Schenley Park Visitor Center across from Phipps
Conservatory
Cost: Lectures are free to the public
For more information, please visit
www.pittsburghparks.org or call 412-682-7275.
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!
Clean-Up/Trails
Mountain
Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh
Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location:
Sunday, December 10
- Northpark, end of the year wrap up trail day.
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
4.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little
help here!
Calling all Database Dynamos and Office Oficianos
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
(9 – 5 PM, Monday – Friday). Shifts are flexible.
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26
or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
today.
Experience
Pittsburgh from a different perspective
5.
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, November 11
60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh
Donna L. Ruff, author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh, will be leading a series of four
of her favorite hikes from her book. Ruff is a native Pittsburgher and graduate of the University of
Pittsburgh, has spent most of her life outside, especially in southwestern Pennsylvania. At each event,
Ruff will lead the hike, answer questions and give advice, and autograph copies of her book. Filled with
detailed trail descriptions, precise directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles,
60 Hikes will also be available for purchase. Title and description used under permission of
Donna Ruff and Menasha Ridge Press.
Location: Charles F. Lewis Natural Area
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Saturday, November 18
Caving Exploration
Experience the subterranean adventure, achievement, and discovery while caving with an
experienced leader. We’ll cave safely and softly and enjoy the mild temperatures to be found
underground 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 a trained guide.
Location: Laurel Caverns
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Get down and dirty!
Sunday, November 19
Alive in Nature
More than anywhere else, we can open up to life in a bigger way in the ambiance of our
beautiful natural surroundings. Go on a paced walk with Life-Coach Jessie Hipolit for a surprising
blend of experiences, including movement, contemplation, connection, and expansion. This series of
specialty walks are approximately 2 hours, covering 2-3 miles, in a variety of inspiring natural
settings. They will comprise a series of unique interactions with nature that will include activities,
provocative questions and times for quiet thought, and some discussion; all designed to raise our
awareness of our own aliveness in relationship to the natural world around us. Be sure to bring a
journal, a sit-upon, camera, binoculars, snacks, and a sense of expectancy!
Location: Beechwood Farms
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Venture Outdoors on KDKA
Check out our recent spot on KDKA's Pittsburgh TODAY Live!
Pittsburghers take to wireless
Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Business
November 3, 2006
Everything
outdoors - now on a searchable database
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, On the Go: Travel, Leisure, and
Food
October 15, 2006
III.
Venture Outdoors Activities
For more information
on any of our activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Friday, November 10
Backpacking - Lost Turkey Trail
Location:Lost Turkey Trail, Gallitzin State Forest
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, November 11
Wine & Cheese Paddle
Location: North Park Lake
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$40.00 non-member
Sunday, November 12
Doggie Day Trek
Location: South Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Thursday, November 16
All Terrain Evening Hikes - NEW Fall Series!
Location: Glenwood, North Side
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Saturday, November 18
Pancake Hike
Location: Laurel Hill State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Sunday, November 19
Map & Compass 1
Location: North Park
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"If one way be better than another, that you may be sure is Nature's way."
~Aristotle, Nichomachean Ethics
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
tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Thursday, November 9
Sewerage Treatment Plant Tour
Location: The sewerage treatment plant located just off US 422 West bound.
Time:1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Moraine/McConnell's Mill State Parks
Fledglings Turkey Trot
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Cost: $8/pair member/$10/pair non-member
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Backpacking
Thurs.-Sun. Nov. 9 - 12, Contact Patrick Roberts at 412-596-3566 or pdroberts19@hotmail.com.
Location: Old Loggers Path
Time: 7:00 PM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, November 11
Cave
Call Norm Snyder, 412-351-4068.
Location: Casparis
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, November 12
Hike
Call Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.
Location: Laurel Highlands Trail
Time:Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike - Easy
Call Ed Divers, 412-828-5154.
Location: Connellsville Ridgetops
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Wednesday, November 15
Educator Open House
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Audubon Nature Store Open House
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, November 18
Adult Eco-Series
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Cost: $4 member/$5 non-member
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Sunday, November 19
Family Walkabout
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $3 member/$4 non-member
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Moraine State Park Bird Outing
Location: Moraine State Park
Time: 8:00 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: Baker Trail
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Hike
Call Dick Pratt, 412-362-5567.
Location: Laurel Highlands Trail
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Tuesday, November 21
Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club Meeting
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 7:00 PM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
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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PUZZLER ANSWERS: C - Keep clothes clean, O - Avoid Overheating, L - Wear Loose clothes and in Layers,
and D - Keep clothing Dry. Remembering these basic principles will keep you warm when you're outdoors
in the cold. For more information on cold weather survival, visit
SurvivalIQ Handbook.
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