1. Trail Mix - Trick-or-Treat!
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).
Haunted History...
The
origins of Halloween date back thousands of years ago
to an ancient
Celtic festival called
Samhain. The Celtic lifestyle was largely dependent
on
nature, and this outdoor celebration marked the ending
of the growing &
harvesting season and the beginning of the
dormant season. Samhain was traditionally celebrated
with a giant bonfire, dressing in costumes, and fortune-telling.
Don't be afraid to Venture Outdoors...
Today Halloween can be celebrated, like the Celts, by getting
outside! Join us for our Haunted Bike Ride...if you dare!
Halloween Haunted Bike Ride - (Oct. 29) This easy-paced ride will take us all over
Pittsburgh to various haunted buildings. We'll be making plenty of stops to tell stories
and give local haunted history. This will be a different ride from last year, so you won't
hear the same ghost stories again!
You can find more Venture Outdoors and other activities at
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Phantom Puzzler...
The answer lurks at the bottom of the page...
There is an old Irish myth about me that tells,
How I tricked the devil to keep me out of Hell.
But tricked was I, forever earth-bound day & night,
Eternally guided only by my own light.
Who am I?
Experience Pittsburgh from a different perspective
October 28th & 29th are the last days to paddle this season!!! (weather permitting, please call ahead of time: 412-969-9090)
2.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
NEW VO Member Event!
Poker Hike
*Free for members of Venture Outdoors*
Date: Saturday, November 4, 2006 Noon – 4:00 PM
Place: Racoon Creek State Park
Put on your hiking boots and your best poker face! We're going on a POKER HIKE at
Raccoon Creek State Park. It won't be a STRAIGHT shot (expect some gentle slopes, 4 - 5
miles at a moderate pace). There will be 5 stops along the trail where you will choose
a card from the deck. At the end of the hike, the best poker hand will receive a VO
Merchandise Prize. Hurry-Space is limited and is only open to members of Venture Outdoors...
We hope to have a FULLHOUSE. After the hike, we will meet at a local pub/restaurant for
dinner...bring some cash, because CHIPS won't work there!
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.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Vision forms for giant riverfront park
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Local News
October 24, 2006
Fishing Notebook: TriAnglers log huge year during their weekly outings
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports
October 22, 2006
Everything outdoors - now on a searchable database
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, On the Go: Travel, Leisure, and Food
October 15, 2006
Fishing Notebook: TriAnglers to toss out awards
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sports
-October 15, 2006
Tri-Anglers Compete For 2006
Angler Of The Year Award
Venture Outdoors
- October 11, 2006
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.
5.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special Events
Get Dirty...
Sprucing Up the Park!
Sponsored by REI
Date: Saturday, October 28th, from 11:00am – 2:00pm
Place:
Boyce Park Nature Center & Green House
Purpose: At this family friendly event volunteers will be planting perennials around the Nature Center to help
“Spruce up the Park.” Lunch will be provided. Work gloves and all other tools
& materials will also be provided, along with first aid if needed. All volunteers who pre-register will receive
a free REI Water Bottle!
Contact: To register or for more information please contact Peter Greninger,
REI Outreach Specialist, by phone (412)488-9410 or via email pgrenin@rei.com.
Western Pa Trails Symposium
by PA Environmental Council &
PA Recreation & Park Society, Inc.
Dates: October 27th & 28th
Places: Friday: The Regional Learning Alliance Conference Center, Cranberry Twnshp, Butler Cnty
Saturday: McKeever Environmental Learning Center, Sandy Lake, Mercer Cnty
Purpose: This two-day symposium will be an opportunity for trail enthusiasts to meet others from
PA and neighboring states and learn about developing trails in the region. You will have an
opportunity to envision the future of trails in Western Pa and beyond! The event will include
learning sessions, a raffle, exhibits, & more!
Contact: Hannah Hardy at the PA Environmental Council (412) 481-9400,
hhardy@pecpa.org, to register or for more information.
Environment/Health/Community
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, November 5
- Hartwood
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Saturday, October 28
Wine & Cheese Hike
Stretch the legs, explore a new trail and meet other fun people as we hike a bit through one of
our city's wonderful parks. After a few miles in the woods, you can relax with a repast of bread,
wine and the best cheeses in the world. Now that's a tasty combination! Minimum age 21.
Location: Schenley Park
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, November 4
Canoeing the Allegheny
The Allegheny River is a magnificent waterway, with a myriad of water birds, thriving fisheries,
and lush islands right in Pittsburgh. Join us for an exploration of this treasure and learn how to
canoe close to home.
Location: Harmarville, Allegheny Island State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Sunday, November 5
Birding
Join us for an outing of bird watching around the Pittsburgh area. Michelle Dunn will teach the
basics of bird watching as you enjoy a leisurely hike to observe local birds and if we are lucky
migrating birds too. Various habitats such as grasslands, woodlands and marshes will be hiked.
More bird outings can be found in the newsletter and web site of the Three Rivers Birding Club.
Location: Beechwood Farms
Time: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
II. Venture
Outdoors Activities
For more information
on any of our activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Weekly Activities
Every Tuesday
Tyke Hike
Location: Schenley Park Café
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Cost: $4.00 member/$4.00 non-member
Other Activities
Friday, October 27
Haunted Paddle
Location: Kayak Pittsburgh (under 6th St. bridge)
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Saturday, October 28
Family Fishing Derby - Filleting & Cooking Demonstrations
Location: North Park Lake
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 member/$5.00 non-member
Saturday, November 4
Beer Tasting Hike
Location: Boyce Park
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
Urban Bike Tour of Pittsburgh's
Riverfront Trails
Location: Washington's Landing
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Cost: $18.00 member/$23.00 non-member
Sunday, November 5
Wilderness Survival
Location: Davis Hollow Outdoor Center,
Moraine State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $35.00 member/$40.00 non-member
III.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"There's always a period of curious fear between the first sweet-smelling breeze and
the time when the rain comes cracking down."
~Don Delillo
IV.
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.
Friday, October 27
Threatened and Endangered Species
Location: Shelter 7 on North Shore of Moraine
Time: 1 - 2 pm
Cost: Free
Organization:
Moraine/McConnell's Mill State Parks
Saturday, October 28
Hike
Call Bill Kozorra or Dianne Ciccarelli,
412-531-6236.
Location: Duff Park
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sprucing Up the Park
Location:
Boyce Park Nature Center & Green House
Time: 11 AM - 2 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: REI
Sunday, October 29
Hike
Call Judy or Don Ziegler, 412-826-0519.
Location: Harrison Hills County Park
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, November 4
Yellow Creek State Park Bird Outing
Location: Yellow Creek State Park
Time:8:00 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Canoe
Call Ed Divers, 412-828-5154.
Location: Allegheny River
Time:10:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Sunday, November 5
Hike
Call Mike Robertson 412-678-4039.
Location: Bear Run N.R.
Time: 9 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: Hartwood Acres
Time: 10 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization: Bike Pittsburgh
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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V.
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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PUZZLER ANSWERS: Jack O' Lantern. According to legends, the custom of making
Jack-o-lanterns is based on an old Irish myth about a guy named Jack. Jack managed to
trick the Devil by getting him to climb up a tree to pick an apple. While he was in the
tree, Jack carved a cross into the tree's bark so that the Devil could not come down until
the he promised Jack that he would not claim his soul when he died.
Well, Jack wasn't quite a person of good character, so when he died he was not
allowed into Heaven. Because of his deal with the Devil, he was not allowed into Hell
either, and the Devil cast him away with only a burning coal to guide him. So, Jack
carved a lantern out of a turnip to light his way.
The Irish called him Jack of the Lantern or Jack O' Lantern,
and began carving scary faces in turnips to scare away Jack
or other wandering spirits. After they immigrated to America,
they discovered that pumpkins were perfect for carving!
For more information visit
http://www.jackolantern.com/jackolanternhistory.htm.
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