The highly anticipated Venture Outdoors winter 2008 program schedule is now available. The Winter 2008 Adventure Times highlights all of the new programs along with other popular Venture Outdoors activities.

Check out the new schedule at www.ventureoutdoors.org/adventuretimeswinter2008.pdf.

Over 27,000 people “got outside” in 2007. For the start of the 2008 season we feature a variety of outdoor activities for adults and families. Some of our trips include Blooms and Brews Hike, Irish Ale Trail Hike, Hot Tea Tasting Hike, Hot Chocolate Tasting Hike, Spiced Wine and Spirits Hike, East End Microbrewery Hike, Marvelous Merlot Hike, and Snowshoes, Microbrews and Stews adventure.

Programs that are both delicious and entertaining include: Soup of the Month Hike, Sake and Sushi Hike, and Hot Fudge Sunday Hike. Other new wellness programs include: New Year's Resolution Hike and Urban Fitness Hikes Series.

New snowshoeing and cross-country skiing programs are offered including both advanced and beginner snowshoe instruction, a lunar eclipse snowshoe adventure, and cross-country skiing programs just for women.

The Adventure Times is made possible by the local sponsors found in the publication. Their commitment to the region and the work of Venture Outdoors make it possible for us to provide over 400 outdoor activities each year.

After days of good snow, the temperature rose to 38 degrees, and the Schenley Park trails melted into mud and sludge. The early-morning mist had lifted, but the skies were brooding – a thick, threatening gray roiled above. Trudging toward Schenley’s playground, I had a nasty suspicion that the Soup of the Month Hike was cursed; as we gathered under a pavilion’s roof, I felt less than sociable. About 20 hikers gathered there, middle-aged and older, wearing parkas and fleece. Some sported Gortex-lined hiking boots, others had opted for white tennis shoes.

A dark day, unfamiliar people – they were bad tidings for my first Venture Outdoors outing.

Then I met Sarah. “Hello,” she said, chipper and wide-eyed. “So what’s your name?" 

Info about First Night can be found at: 
http://firstnightpgh.com/

At the Public Art Plaza at 7th St. and Penn Ave. check out VO at:
Snowshoeing: Take a spin around the tundra with real snowshoes. Strap a pair on your street shoes and get ready for snowshoeing in the Laurel Highlands throughout the winter season.

Hot Apple Cider: Stop by and warm up (while cider lasts).

Fishing for Resolutions Pool: Drop your line into the kiddie pool to hook an art-fish for a prize and a special New Year’s resolution!

If you are interested in volunteering for first night, please email Lou at ldevito@ventureoutdoors.org