The Dark Days Are Over...Well Almost!

Fellow outdoor enthusiasts, sun worshipers, hikers, bikers, runners, river floaters, under tree book readers, hammock hanging on the lakeside, garden digging, flower planting, people rejoice!  The Winter solstice was yesterday for us on the north side of the equator and that means that the days are only going to get longer from here to July. Yeehaw, Yes Sir, Hallelujah, Amen!  This means that if these long Fall days were getting you down and keeping you inside don't fret, the first day of Winter has the shortest hours of daylight, and every day until the Summer solstice is longer than the last.  Start planning your outings now to make the most of the days you get.  This year plan to do something new, like a Triathlon  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com has tips, training ideas, and a list of races.

Punta Cana, Days 4 & 5

We're home now.  Between a non-stop final 2 days and wifi only cell service, these days didn't get blogged.  

Day 4 was a blast!  We went off the resort to take dune buggies out into a local town and countryside.  The views were beautiful, the town was pitiful, many wrapped in barbed wire and/or lockable cages, and the children were heartbreaking!  I've seen photos taken by friends of children in poor countries with hands out asking for money or things, but until this trip I'd never experienced it myself.  They waved and smiled at us as we cruised down the road.  It looked as though they were just excited to see a mass of loud, gurgling go carts riding through their neighborhood, but they were only excited because it meant the possibility of handouts.  It occurred to me more than once that we probably paid as much for that excursion as their families make in months.  We did, however, have a marvelous time getting muddy while seeing Macao Beach and beautiful caves with fresh water to swim in.

 Macao Beach

 Dune Buggies!  Erik has always wanted to drive one of these!

We got a little muddy

Day 5:  Dad and I got up early to meet friends on the beach for the sunrise.  It was very pretty and an enjoyable morning.  We spent most of the morning on the beach before it was time to get ready to leave (insert sad face here!).  

The airport in Punta Cana is something to experience.  Arriving was simple and pretty quick.  Departing, however, is a completely different story!  It took us over an hour to get through security with the three lines and a family of 10+ cut in front of us.  I was not a happy camper.  At customs, a different group of three simply stepped up in front of me from the entirely wrong side of the line.  No "excuse me," or "I'm sorry," or anything!  I was quite peeved.  The world thinks Americans are rude (each of these groups were European)!  Anyhow, it was an ordeal and I was glad to reach home and be greeted by warm smiles and "happy holidays, welcome homes!"  

That said, we wished we'd had 2 more days in paradise.  But alas, we didn't.  We're glad to be home safe and sound to celebrate the holiday season with our families.  A few more photos until next time....

 The view from the security line in the airport...

  

Punta Cana, Day 3

Our first full day of relaxation here in the Caribbean included a leisurely breakfast with family followed by an AMAZING visit to The Rock Spa for over two hours of pampering! How best does a girl follow such an experience? Well, this girl spent the rest of the the day by one of the seemingly infinite pools, then on the beach sipping on some lovely, fruity, strawberry and Pina Colada concoction. Be jealous.  Now it's time for sushi/hibachi with family. 

Until tomorrow...keep on burning!

 Breakfast with a view

One of the many pools!

 What a beautiful location!

Punta Cana, Day 2

What a beautiful day for a wedding! Oliver and Elizabeth are friends of ours who opted for a destination wedding. We are blessed enough to be able to join them for this special day in paradise.

Oliver's brother was certified in order to perform the ceremony. He did a fabulous job and had everyone in tears. It was a beautiful celebration involving both families and showcasing the love and support that these two have surrounding them.

Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs.! We love you both!

Punta Cana, Day 1

Well, day one is a success and it's only 9:42am. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is beautiful! We ate at a Brazilian steak house last night. Oh my gosh, the food! I think I ate more last night than I have in a week! But it was wonderful! The weather is beautiful, partly cloudy with a strong breeze. Next stop...wedding!

Off We Go

We're leaving, on a jet plane...

Exciting updates coming soon from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!



The Appalachian Trail

Just a note for all of you out there looking for information on thru-hiking...you should take a look at this site!

Zach Davis, author of Appalachian Trials, is the mind behind this wealth of a website!  Take a look at the Thru-Hiker Resources:  You'll find a list of past and present bloggers, and now is the perfect time to start following the class of 2014 as they'll be making their final purchases and preparations in order to depart in (typically) February/March. 

Some of my favorites from the class of 2013 include the following, all found on Zach's website.  Take a look for yourself and find your own favorites!

Acorn Hikes
Dirigo Bound
Hitched Hike - VIDEO! 
My Meandering Trail
Tandem Trekking
     Take a look at one my favorite posts from Lindsey and Kyle.  After all, what's in a trail name?
Wandering the Wild

Single Speed Soul

     I bike because I love it.  All of it. The sore muscles, bumps, bruises, and broken bones. I take all of it in stride to get that feeling I get while rolling through the woods.  I am only just getting back into riding after a while out of the saddle.  A broken middle finger that was pinned together for 8 weeks, 4 weeks getting that finger to bend again, and then the lack of opportunity due to schedule and weather kept me off the trails.  I'm getting my legs back under me, and I am on a mission to visit the multitude of local parks that have biking trails and bring you some current reviews.

     You may have heard the term soul surfer, not the movie, but the surfer who doesn't care if they are the best, or if they ever ride the really heavy stuff; they just surf for the love of it and the emotions that come with it.  That is why I bike:  I guess I am a soul biker, out there for the love of the ride, and the love of nature.  I am not the fastest nor do I ever care to be.  All I want to get out of biking is the feeling.  Some folks ride with headphones in and their music cranked up:  I ride without because I love to hear my chain spinning, my tires on the dirt, the crunching leaves, the wind in the trees, and the animals in the woods. 

     Bikes are simple machines, you can see all of their parts, how they work.  Being a wrench head myself, that appeals to me.  I love to take a bike that isn't working, strip it down, clean it up, re-assemble it, and have a perfectly functioning machine. There is something about that act of taking something that was almost useless and making it functional again.  Kind of like the guys who fix up old cars just to sell them so they can finance their next resto.  There is just something about it.  Fine tuning a shifter and derailleur can be a pain, but some times it is just what the doctor ordered.  I usually come away clearer, and more able to focus.

     Get out and do what ever you do just for the soul of it!  Even if it is reading a book, go to the park, find a spot under a tree, and get lost in your book, just do it for the love of it.

Allatoona Creek Park- Acworth, GA

Allatoona Creek Park's main trailhead is off of Old Stilesboro Road in Acworth. This park's trails are maintained by the West Georgia Chapter of IMBA(International Mountain Bicycling Association)-SORBA and are tucked in around Little Allatoona Creek.  I rode the Turtle Back Trail today a 4 mile intermediate loop trail that has some very small climbs, a few bridges, a couple rock gardens and some really great, tight turns. Most of the trail just rolls and turns, some is tight and curvy single track, and some more of it is a little wider, more open, and straighter.  All in all it is a great park, from what I have seen so far.  The folks that maintain the trail do a great job as the trail bed is great and the route is fantastic.  Signs to trails are a little lacking.  So here is a tip park at the main trailhead and go to the kiosk to the left in the parking lot as you enter, from there cross the street and follow that trail(keeping in mind that it is bi-directional) to the Turtle Back Trail trailhead. I definitely will be heading back to Allatoona Creek Park soon .  Load your bike, grab some water, don't forget you helmet, and hit the trail.

Big Creek Park Mountain Bike Trails- Roswell, GA

 I love living so close to so many great places to get into the great outdoors.  Big Creek Park in Roswell is one of those great places to forget about the great metropolis we live in and get in touch with nature.  Big Creek Park is at the end of the Greenway Trail in Roswell and has a little something for everyone, including two pump tracks and a downhill section.  The trails link together very well and if you get in too deep there are many connector trails that help shorten the loop.  I only rode the beginner trails today and they are perfect for everyone, from mom or dad out  with small children and new comers to mountain biking, to more experienced riders needing to stretch their legs and get their heart and lungs ready for the harder trails.  The Sleepy Hollow trail is like Mosquito Flats at Blankets Creek, no climbs just flat, but some narrow trees keep you looking ahead.  Stumpy's Loop Trail is a great trail with some very small climbs, and plenty of roots and rocks.  It is fast and very flowy.  It is much less technical than the Explorer Loops at Rope Mill park, but just as enjoyable.  On a Sunday, around 11 a.m., with perfect weather and I didn't have to wait for a parking spot, this park is a hidden gem.  Having a hard tail, single speed I don't think I will ever make it to the downhill section, but the other trails will be conquered by me and my mighty single speed.  

Don't forget to drop a buck or two into the donation pipe to help keep the trails maintained.  Check out the Roswell Area Mountain Bike Organization (RAMBO) website for trail info.  Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) is the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeast and helps with securing land and designing trails.

Rope Mill Park Explorer Trail - Woodstock, GA

70° and overcast. What a great day to ride. Rope Mill park in Woodstock. The Rope mill park trails have been open for a while now, but thankfully that remain less used than Blankets Creek. The Explorer trails are the easy trails and total around 3 miles, but don't let that fool you they are narrow and rocky especially on the inbound run of loop 2 on clockwise days. My rig. K2 Zed 5.0 early 200?, single speed conversion. Easton XC One SS wheels, Gussett 16 tooth cog out back, e13 guide ring 32 tooth chainring up front, KMC drop buster chain, Avid bb7 discs, and Oury grips. Still getting my legs under me, but single speed is the only way for me to ride the trails.

Water & Fun In The Sun -- Safely

Having been raised by a former Navy Sailor/Scuba Diving/Boating dad, and a mom who is quite less than thrilled with anything water related, I had a 50/50 chance at loving the water.  Being a "glass is half full" girl...I chose to jump head first (never safe!) into a lifelong love of water and water sports!

I was born in Miami and my family was privileged enough have a personal pool.  My dad loved spending time on the boat and swimming with us at home from our first days.  We relocated to the Atlanta area and I began swimming on our neighborhood's Summer League Swim Team at about age 7, I briefly tried my hand at an Atlanta based USS team, and now am a member of a Metro Atlanta based USS Masters Swim Team.  Additionally, I spent many years life guarding and teaching learn to swim lessons around Metro Atlanta.  While enjoying this work, I became painfully aware of the importance of water safety and education.

I loved every single thing about my job with one exception:  I spent my days fishing small children out of pools only to return them to parents who were sure to tell me that they were "watching," or that they "promise he/she can swim!"  My favorite response came from one mother sitting out of sight of her son clear across the pool who asked me "where he was at?!"

In many cases, drowning looks just like playing.  Your child could die within your reach simply because your back is turned; even for a second.

Instead of getting angry (which I often was in these situations), I began to educate families on the importance of water safety, and on the signs of distress and drowning.  People are shocked to know that there is a difference between the two:
     Distress is similar to fatigue.  The swimmer will be nearly upright or upright in the water, and will be
     making little to no forward movement.  He/she may or may not be able to call for help.

     Drowning means that the swimmer is no longer able to keep him/herself above the water.  He/she will
     make no forward movement in the water; instead the victim will be trying to reach for air.  A drowning  
     victim will NOT be able to call for help.  Drowning is SILENT.

There are two forms of drowning:
     1) Active Drowning implies that a person in distress is still able to try to keep his/her mouth above water.
     In a sense, this person may still be fighting and have hope of survival.

     2) Passive Drowning implies that a person has become submerged and can no longer breathe air.

Do's in and around the water:
     Always follow posted rules
     Always walk around water sources
     Always jump feet first
     Always be aware of your surroundings
     Always watch your children and remain within an arm's reach of them

Dont's in and around the water:
     Never swim alone--wait for a life guard or "swim buddy"
     Never think you are above drowning--anyone can drown, even the strongest swimmers
     Never dive in water in which you can't see the bottom
     Never take glass containers to the pool, lake, or beach--It's not safe for bare feet
     Never swim while intoxicated

You and your children will likely spend time in/around the water for your entire lives.  Now ask yourself, are hockey or ballet lessons more important than swimming lessons?  Make swimming safety a priority for your and your family.

There are learn to swim programs for children and adults alike.  Find one near you today!

Find a short list of links to Metro Atlanta references on swimming/water safety, and on swimming lessons/education below:

Affinity Pools - Alpharetta, GA -- An Alpharetta based, full service pool maintenance provider.  Call or email for information regarding  pools & maintenance, or pool safety.  I am not aware if swimming lessons are available at this time.

Chattahoochee Gold Swimming -  Multiple Metro Atlanta Area Locations

Dynamo Swim Club - Multiple Metro Atlanta Locations

Gold's Gym Swimming - Woodstock, GA -- Speak with Philipp, Aquatics Director for information

Red Cross - Water Safety  -- A leader in water safety and education, and the perfect source for your needs!

Sears Pool Management Consultants - Sandy Springs, GA -- Sandy Springs based full service pool maintenance provider.  Call or email for information regarding pools & maintenance, pool safety, and lesson locations.

Stingrays Swimming - Multiple Metro Atlanta Area Locations

Swim Atlanta - Multiple Metro Atlanta Locations
    
If you are not an Atlanta resident, please seek similar information for your area.  Any pool maintenance company, YMCA, some Red Cross chapters, or other similar business will be able to help you locate a program that is right for you!

    

Staying Safe While Exercising Outdoors This Summer

We all know how important it is to keep ourselves safely moving outdoors,  but do we know how to accomplish this during these heat-filled summer months?  Find basic information on heat related illness written by The Mayo Clinic Staff, and links to a slew of other fitness information HERE.

Other links provided by The Mayo Clinic include:
     How to prevent injuries
     Starting a walking group
     Fitness & Food
     Water intake
     Sports performance
     Boot camps
     ....And More!

OR

Free Food Fresh From the Garden?

Publicly Available Free Food?  Sounds too good to be true, right?  Maybe not!  Landscape architect Margarett Harrison is designing a Free Food Experiment in Seattle, Washington very near the city.  The theory is that it will be a public garden space offering fruit trees, berries, and row vegetables; all organic, and all free to the public!

There isn't much worry of people over utilizing, the mindset being that the goal is fresh food for the public's use.  Take a look...The concept is a bit utopian, but just imagine if it works.  Gardens could be implemented all over the country!

Think about beginning a public use garden in your community!  Take a look at the article here!

Low-Cost Atlanta Activities for Summer Break

Looking for low-cost, family-friendly options in Atlanta this summer?  Here's your list!  With many outdoor options, most are educational, All are F-U-N!

A few of the options are shown below.  They are only the beginning!  Take a look at the link above for much, much more!

Piedmont Park's Green Market-Saturdays 9am-1pm

The Wren's Nest-The home of Author Joel Chandler Harris

Tours of the home and Story Tellers ever Saturday at 1pm!

Atlanta Center For Puppetry Arts

Alpanist Edurne Pasaban: Second Woman to Summit 14 Peaks

Edurne Pasaban of Spain becomes the second woman to summit all fourteen 8,000 meter peaks!  It took nine years and multiple attempts on many of the mountains, but her goal was completed on Shishapangma, China on May 17, 2010.  She was named National Geographic's Adventurer of the Year, 2010.

See photos and notes by Pasaban herself!

Death and Trees

What will become of us after we are gone from this life?  Some of us have family plots in cemeteries, some of us wish to be placed on a mountain top all alone, some still wish to be placed eternally above ground in a mausoleum.  But what if you could become another living thing?  To live for many years and bring enjoyment to future generations?

Well, You can!  Gerard Moline has designed the bios urn.  This is how it works:  After cremation, your ashes are placed in a biodegradable urn made of coconut shell, compact peat, and cellulose.  There is a seed inside which can be of your choosing; once the bios urn is planted, the seed begins to germinate and grow.

What was once your body, is now a young tree!  Just imagine..."cemeteries become forests..."

Take a look at the website!

Atlanta Outdoor Club

This Atlanta Organization brings outdoor enthusiasts together. Planning trips of varying lengths all over the region, all you have to do is to register for a space!

With an easy to use calender and registration system, clearly stated trip objectives, and many free opportunities...Atlanta Outdoors Club does the foot work, all you have to do is choose the right trip(s) for you and show up!

Take a look at their website here, and join today!

For Sale! Just in time for Spring!

Our first items are up!  Take a look and contact us with any questions at burningdaylightoutdoors@gmail.com!

Adidas Supernova Adapt, new without box-Men's 8.5
      See them on ebay!

Arcteryx Bora 40, lightly used-Size Medium
      See it on ebay!

Better Place: It's All In The Battery

Oil:  To use or Not to use?  This is a question on everyone's minds.  And from this question come dozens more.  Are we really depleting the ozone?  Why does fuel cost so much?  Should we drill here in America?  How do we influence our lawmakers to make the changes that need to be made? ...The list goes on and on.

So what's the solution, then?  A company called better place might just have one!  Operational first in Israel with more to come in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and China, Better Place is a forward thinking organization which is "...making electric cars make sense."  They have envisioned and implemented an infrastructure that supports fully electric vehicles across the country of Israel. 

How, you ask?  The key is the infrastructure.  Rather than creating a car with an internal battery, they've created a car which has a battery attached to the bottom.  The depleted battery is easily removed and replaced in an automated, 24-hour "switch station" (pictured below), thus making long car trips feasible.  One simply plans a trip and includes plans to stop at X or Y switch station to get a new, fully charged battery in just a few minutes.  Think of it as a "fuel stop," without the fuel!

We had the opportunity to test drive one of the prototypes, a Renault Fluence Z.E. in Tel Aviv, Israel a few years ago.  The station that we visited was meant to draw attention and explain the concept in a physical capacity to the residents of the country.  The cars are large and roomy, the size of your average American sedan, I'd say.  In fact, they are modern, former fuel driven sedans converted to run on batteries.  They are attractive, nearly silent, and quick. 

Being among the first visitors to arrive at the Visitor Center, we were proud to come home and share all of the amazing things we'd learned.  Now, though, looking back, it seems that not many of our family and friends "got it."  Here's your chance!  Check out better place now, and see what it's all about.  Maybe one day, we'll see a widespread presence in America! 

Outdoor Nation Moves to Attract Our Nation's Youth!

Who hasn't noticed how connected our youth are to technology?  As young as age 2, children know how to turn on and navigate items such as tablets, cellular phones, digital cameras, and the like.  Elementary school students can teach many of us a thing or two about our home computers.  Our young people have become more comfortable inside, on the couch, in front of a screen than out in the sunshine and fresh air.

But there's good news!  The Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is working to change all of this!  OIA is a 501c(3) non-profit which studies and supports outdoor initiatives.  Industry research, education, nationwide advocacy, retail support, and sustainability are just a few from the list of items which this impressive organization champions.

Additionally, Outdoor Nation is an initiative to get our nation's youth back outdoors.  "...Sparked [by] a youth-led movement that is now empowering the Millennial generation to reconnect, redefine and rediscover America as an Outdoor Nation...."  they will host multiple 2-day summits this year to guide young people in leading others to care for our environment and enjoy the great outdoors.

Find information on applying as a delegate, and view the article Here.

Entrepreneurship and the Outdoors

How are small business and the outdoors connected?  As it turns out, they might be more connected than you think.  For every dollar spent on outdoor gear of various types, four more dollars may be spent on other items such as fuel, snacks/meals, or gift shop purchases.  This means that your money can go to work in your own communities:  Up to $646 BILLION per year!  That's what we call support!

Take a look at this article posted last month on the National Geographic Blog!