Hiking News - February 2012

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Tips for a Dog Friendly, Healthy Springtime

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

Is your dog ready for spring? Scout & Zoe’s Natural Antler Chews offers the following tips to ensure your furry friends are primed to spring forward when warmer weather arrives.

“At our house the arrival of spring is right up at the top in terms of things we look forward to every year,” says Cindy Dunston Quirk, owner and developer of Scout & Zoe’s. “Scout and Zoe can’t wait to shake o ff the winter blues, get out of the house and start enjoying the warmer weather. But like any other transition during the year, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re ready!”

Here’s a quick checklist from the experts to consider before warmer weather arrives:

Ensure that flea and tick protection is up to date. Whatever preventatives you choose, it’s important to get a head start as temperatures begin to rise. As always, check your pet thoroughly for fleas and ticks after playing outdoors or hiking in the woods!
Make sure that all your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, especially rabies.
Say no to heartworms! Spring is the time to begin administering heartwork preventatives if your pet is not already on a year-round medication plan. Consult your veterinarian.
Make sure that your pet first aid kit is up to date. Dogs are different from people, so they need their own kind of first aid when injuries and mishaps arise. For more information go here: http://www.mckerleycom.com/scout&zoes/furryfirstaid.html
Make sure all of your spring planting is pet-friendly. Some of the flowering plants, bulbs and shrubs that homeowners plant in the spring can be toxic to pets. Verify that all of your plants won’t endanger your dog by consulting the ASPCA’s Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening (http://www.aspca.org/petcare).
Get your furry friend a good spring cleaning! As soon as temperatures start to rise, consider taking a trip to the groomer for a thorough wash and trim. This will help shake loose the thicker winter coat and have them looking and smelling great in order to show off for their friends at the park!
Clean up their gear. Spring cleaning time is also a great time to clean up and possibly replace your dog’s bedding, toys, bowls, placemats and grooming tools. It’s also a great time to stock up with a new supply of the Scout & Zoe’s treats they love!

“The arrival of spring is a special time for everybody, but I think even more so for our pets,” says Cindy. “The feeling of being able to finally have fun outside is so important to them. They want nothing more than to enjoy it to the max – and to enjoy it with you! I think the least we can all do is take a few steps to make sure they make the transition to warm weather with no worries!”

About Scout & Zoe’s: Scout & Zoe’s Natural Antler Chews, which come in a variety of sizes for dogs and other animals, are gathered only after they’ve been shed naturally as part of the elk’s life cycle.

Antler chews are the right choice for the 15 to 20 percent of dogs who suffer from allergies to beef, chicken or have other digestive issues. They’re a safer choice because antler chews won’t splinter like bones. Owners like them because they don’t wind up in a gooey mess like rawhide and best of all they take away the need for pets to chew on furniture, shoes and other things around the house.

Scout & Zoe’s are superior to other chews in helping dogs maintain clean, healthy teeth and contain trace minerals such as calcium and phosphorous which add to the pet’s overall health. Typically lasting four to six weeks, Scout & Zoe’s chews are available in a variety of sizes to suit every breed. No animals are harmed and no violence is imposed on any elk during the gathering of the antlers.

To order Scout & Zoe’s chews for your pet, go to http://www.scoutandzoes.com or call (317) 457-7222 to find a fine retail outlet near you.

Most Hikers Unprepared For Emergencies

Monday, 27 February 2012

Wilderness 1rst Aid training courses teach Outdoors-bound populations valuable skills yet most hikers appear unprepared to deal with backcountry emergencies, an informal study conducted by Albuquerque-based outfitter New Mexico Enchanted Hikes shows. Also, most hikers do not understand the differences between urban and wilderness rescue trainings.

For instance, when interviewed, 98% of hikers said they were unaware how many rescue personnel are needed to evacuate someone who is located 2 miles out in the backcountry. According to the National Outdoors Leadership School (NOLS), it takes 42 people to carry an injured hiker for 2 miles.

Also, most hikers neglect to carry a 1rst Aid kit and venture in the woods with the bare minimum in terms of rescue equipment yet carry the latest technological gadgets, such as Global Positioning Systems. Although such systems can prove handy to provide exact coordinated to Search and Rescue units in the case of injuries that cannot self-evacuate, a basic wilderness 1rst Aid kit, as well as Wilderness Emergency training can be the difference between life and death when stranded in the backcountry.

When asked about the determining factors in hiring a backcountry hiking guide, 43% of respondents cited Wilderness Emergency Training as being at the top of their concerns. 36% cited cost and 21% guides' scope of knowledge.

When traveling to New Mexico, consider New Mexico Enchanted Hikes for all your hiking needs. All of New Mexico Enchanted Hikes' guides are Wilderness 1rst Aid certified through the National Outdoors Leadership School, as well as "Leave No Trace" certified.

For further information, contact Adelaide McMillan at 505-847-6348 or visit http://www.NewMexicoEnchantedHikes.com

The Newly Restored Schuylkill River Trail

Friday, 24 February 2012

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials today joined neighborhood, city and state leaders in the dedication of a newly restored, highly popular trail along the Schuylkill River that draws thousands of people each year to Philadelphia's Manayunk section.

"One of the major ways to encourage people to get outdoors and enjoy the natural world around them is to build trai ls or trail connectors close to where they live," said DCNR Deputy Secretary John Giordano, speaking at a ribbon-cutting ceremony along the Schuylkill Canal Towpath, off of Lock Street. "As you can see, the Schuylkill River Trail does just that -- it traverses through many of Philadelphia's neighborhoods and provides close access to a well-maintained and loved recreational amenity."

The ceremony celebrated completion of a 2.2-mile segment of the Schuylkill River Trail, extending north from the end of the canal toward the river and the Shawmont Avenue area of Philadelphia's Roxborough section. Linking Montgomery County to the north, it sees the heaviest use of any trail in Philadelphia, luring hikers, bikers, joggers and other outdoors enthusiasts.

"This trail will not only promote the health and social benefits realized from recreation, it will be a gateway to increased visitation and, in turn, boost the economic vitality of Manayunk's rebounding Main Street area business district, " Giordano said. "In fact, we already see businesses responding, by beginning to front on the canal and towpath."

The aesthetics and recreational value of the canal and paralleling towpath and trail have been linked to the location of new businesses and residential development.

"I can't emphasize enough the importance of the partnerships that led to the completion of this project," Giordano said. "Like many of our projects across Philadelphia, the cooperative work of the city, the state and regional organizations are what made this project possible."

The project was financed through a $300,000 DCNR grant to Philadelphia's Fairmount Park Commission; a matching state Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement grant; and Philadelphia capital budget funds.

The restoration project was needed to address recurrent flooding caused by poor drainage, and the deterioration of four trail bridges spanning small streams flowing into the Schuylkill from the Shawmont hills. The restored section is among the trail's most scenic, threading through heavily wooded, shaded areas along the river.

Specifically, work included: installation of new fencing along the canal's towpath area; rebuilding and widening of the trail; flooding remediation; removal of overgrown vegetation that clogged the trail in some areas; and planting of trees and shrubbery.

Several other improvements are planned or under way in Philadelphia that will enhance the Schuylkill River Trail experience for users and increase their connections with other trails. This work includes:

Inception of a canal dredging project by the city to clean and deepen the silt and storm debris-clogged waterway;
Restoration of historic canal locks;
Construction of an "off-road" trail, taking travelers from the Shawmont Avenue terminus of the Schuylkill River Trail to Port Royal Avenue, and then north into Montgomery County. This trail originally used at least one city street to facilitate travel;
Construction of a trail over the Manayunk Bridge, connecting Lower Merion's Cynwyd Trail with Manayunk and the Schuylkill River Trail;
Redevelopment of Manayunk's Venice Island, between the Schuylkill and the canal, to offer a new city recreation and performing arts center, upgraded parking and storm-water retention structures.

Learn more about trails by visiting the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

New Hike & Adopted Hound Trip

Thursday, 23 February 2012

Manhattan-based guiding company Outdoor Bound will run hiking trips that allow New Yorker’s to spend a day with an adopted shelter dog. The dogs are rescued and housed by Animal Haven shelter as they await long-term adoption. The new program will raise money for Animal Haven while providing exercise and fresh air for the dogs.

This innovative volunteer based adventure provides an outle t for community service and outdoor adventure. Hike & Adopted Hound will also provide volunteer certifications for all participants so that beyond the day hike they can continue helping shelter dogs. The initial dates are March 10, 24 and April 14 with additional dates currently being scheduled.

About Outdoor Bound Adventures
Founded in 1982, Outdoor Bound provides adventures to individuals craving exploration, experience, and development of both body and mind. With regional, national, and international trips, Outdoor Bound offers opportunities for individuals to develop new skills, test limits, and attain higher levels of health and awareness. For more information please visit www.outdoorbound.com

About Animal Haven
Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area, and provides behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption. Founded in 1967, they operate an adoption center in Manhattan and mobile adoption van. Animal Haven also provide programs that enhance the bond between animals and people. For more information please visit http://www.animalhavenshelter.org/.

CMH Offers A Special Mother-Daughter Hiking Trip

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

CMH Summer Adventures announces a special mother-daughter trip led by America’s preeminent expert on women’s travel, Marybeth Bond, from August 5 – 8, 2012. This three-day Heli-Hiking Escape at the CMH Bobbie Burns Lodge, set amid the remote and breathtaking scenery of the Columbia Range just west of the Canadian Rockies, is an ideal setting for women to reconnect and have fun with those who have had a significant impact in their lives -- be it a mother, godmother, aunt, sister or friend.

Marybeth Bond (gustytraveler.com) is the award-winning author of 11 books, including the bestsellers 50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America, A Women’s World, and Gutsy Women. She is a coveted speaker who has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and as a media travel expert for CBS News, CNN, ABC, NBC, NPR and National Geographic. She will be joined on the trip by her daughter Annalyse and they will share the challenges and laughs that strengthened their bond while cycling across America in 2010 to raise awareness to help fight osteoporosis.

Speaking about her past visit to CMH with Annalyse, Marybeth said, “We agreed that the exhilaration and thrill of hiking and climbing surpassed even our wildest expectations. Some world adventures are simply never to be forgotten or equaled and this is definitely one of those!”

For more information on this trip and to learn more about CMH, visit http://www.cmhsummer.com or call 1-800-661-0252.

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