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From Dianna Chipkin -- A Helping Hand?

This Sunday, November 13, 2011, I am participating in FCWalk, to honor all children with special needs, the battles that they and their families face everyday and to celebrate their victories. I am walking to honor everyone whose life is touched by a special needs child and to support the The Friendship Circle (http://www.fcnj.com) in this endeavor.

The Friendship Circle is a unique organization helping children with special needs and their families. The innovative programming and creative activities are designed to help these children have their own place and to learn and grow in a loving environment.

Even if you can't make it to the event, you can still help by going to http://www.FCwalk.com/p-num=2352) to support my team. Please spread the word to your friends so that you will help create a ripple effect. Let's keep expanding the Circle of Friendship!
-- Posted 10/26/2011 --


From Diane Moscaritolo -- Not Doing My Homework

In honor of (actually in spite of) my 60th year I booked a hiking trip to the Northwest Highlands in Scotland. Because I had delayed actually registering until it was almost too late, my final decision was rushed and determined primarily by the dates of the trip. I had some other commitments for the summer, so I was limited to the last three weeks of August. This fact caused me to skim over the trip itinerary, jumping to the last few statements which rated the hikes as “Moderate, for people who are reasonably fit and who enjoy walking and the outdoors. No previous experience is necessary.” My AFW participation (as inconsistent as it is) gave me an advantage…I HAD walking experience….or so I thought.

My deposit sent, I put the itinerary away until the second week of August, when I started packing. It was then that I noticed some scary details dealing with the topography of the place to which I was headed. The first full day’s “walking” ( the Scots use this term interchangeably with “hiking”, “climbing”, “trekking” and “vigorously ambulating”) was to Coire Mhic Fhearchair (9 miles, 2000 feet). The next day’s outing was to the top of Ben Damph (7 miles, 3000 feet). Two days later, the hike was to Cul Mor (7 miles, 2,785 feet). On the plane ride over, I began hyperventilating as I really read the itinerary for the first time. Just for a point of reference, I generally sign up for “moderate” hikes with AFW. Avoiding hikes described as “strenuous”, I’ve huffed and puffed on the “moderate” ones. Sounds like I’m headed for disaster, right? Well, in retrospect, my shoddy preparation was a good thing. Had I actually done my homework and read the details more carefully, I most likely would have passed this trip by, missing one of the best experiences of my life.

The drive to our hiking destination was five hours northwest of Edinburgh, through several wilderness areas that are avoided by tour buses and cruise ships. Not many locals were there, either, for that matter. We were in a part of the Northwest Highlands that is generally uninhabited for miles and miles, among the most beautiful mountains and glens full of purple heather. Lovely deep blue lochs dotted the area ….a landscape that is best appreciated from the top of a mountain. The mountains themselves are deceptive. My photos don’t do justice to the expanse of space and incredible height. Compared to High Point, New Jersey (1800 feet), these were considerably higher. While at the top of Cul Mor, a small aircraft actually zipped through the glen and was below us. Our guide explained that an air force base in the area periodically ran maneuvers in which the planes needed to navigate small spaces as a drill. So we were higher than the plane! We also spent a day along the coast near the bays of the North Minch. Rambling through sheep meadows and having tea in a remote tea house, we enjoyed a relaxing contrast to the previous days’ climbing while breathing in the sea air.

Our group stayed in two charming B & Bs in the Torridon wilderness (Kinlochewe) and a small fishing village (Ullapool). The food was excellent and the whisky, wonderful. The people were very warm and friendly everywhere we stopped.

Our guide was Geordie Henderson, retired from the British Army, who has lead military expeditions in Thailand, Burma, the Swiss Alps and the Pyrenees. He holds certifications in mountaineering and rock climbing, among other things, and has a gift for meeting the needs of a diverse group of hikers and for keeping the group safe and moving. I was definitely the weakest hiker, but Geordie’s encouragement got me to the top of three of the four mountains on the list.

This trip was organized by Walkabout Scotland, which offers hiking trips in other areas of Scotland. Geordie has developed his own repertoire of great highland hikes on Skye, the Cairngorms, Torridon and Ullapool. His website is Geordieshighlandwalks.com and it contains lots of information about hiking, equipment and fitness as well as links to other informational sites.

The natural beauty of the Northwest Highlands aside, this trip was memorable for me because of the people. Our group was a smattering of people from England, Scotland, Holland and Germany. I was the lone American, but I had fun comparing notes about all kinds of things with my European friends. Geordie, our guide, created an atmosphere of support and everyone genuinely enjoyed each others’ company.

I would recommend this trip or any of Geordie’s Highland Walks and I thank AFW again for opening up the world of hiking to me.
-- Posted 10/20/2011 --


From Jackie Rubenacker -- Backpacking/Camping Brownies --- It's Easy!!

AT HOME:
1. In a sandwich bag, put 1 sleeve graham crackers (reduced to crumbs), ¼ cup toasted diced pecans and 2 TBS. powdered sugar.
2. In a quart freezer bag, put 3 ounces (about ¾ cup) chocolate chips (I use the mini chips) and 3 TBS. dry milk.
IN CAMP:
3. Add ¼ water to the chocolate bag.
4. Bring a small pot of water to a gentle simmer (warm). Turn off the heat.
5. Dip the tightly sealed chocolate bag to melt the chocolate.
6. When melted, add the graham cracker crumb bag to the chocolate bag and knead to mix thoroughly.
7. Eat warm with spoon or let it cool and break into chunks. YUMMY!!!


From Gail Lahm -- Christmas 2010 in Belize

My family and I chose to "skip Christmas 2010". While we still attended holiday parties, we decided to not exchange gifts and decorate our homes and instead treat ourselves to a vacation in Belize in Central America.

Belize, formerly known as British Honduras, is located in the most northern region of C.A. It has a diverse society and is the only C.A. country where English is the official language. Before the Europeans, the Mayan Civilization flourished there from 1500 BC to about 800 AD. English and Scottish Buccaneers settled along the coast in 1653.

Our adventure began on Christmas Day when we (my husband, two daughters, son, daughter-in-law, grandson and I) all arrived at the Belize City Airport and went on the second leg of the journey in " an old fashioned plane" ( as described by my grandson) -- a 12-seater with a single prop! We flew low over the coastline to our next destination Dangringa, a coastal town and the center for the Garingu (Carib, Arawak and West African) culture. The name means "standing water". Our next stop was the village of Hopkins where the Hamanasi Adventure Resort is located and where we spent the next week snorkeling, hiking, caving, kayaking and just plain relaxing, surrounded by the Maya Mountains and Caribbean Sea.

Snorkeling was first up on our adventure menu. After getting fitted with the gear, we hopped aboard one of the boats for the 40-minute ride to the Belize Barrier Reef. This system is the greatest stretch of coral in the Western Hemisphere and home to many species of fish. We swam with Eagle Rays, Barracuda, Sea Cucumber and Angel fish, just to name a few. On the trip back we passed "Bird Island", a small spit of land inhabited by thousands of birds, mostly Frigates and Pelicans. Amazing!

Hiking. The first inland adventure took us to the Mayflower jungle and thru the rainforest leading to Antelope Falls. This hike was a steep trek (with the help of ropes!) to a 100-foot waterfall with an incredible view all the way to the Sea. The waterfall flows down the dense mountain face into a cool pool just right for taking a dip. The next day we hiked through the Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve, a wildlife sanctuary covering 120,000 acres and home to Jaguars, Ocelots, Pumas, Howler Monkeys and many other animals and insects. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) we did not see any Jaguars since they are nocturnal, but judging by the size of the paw prints and scat, they are well fed! After a picnic lunch we continued to another waterfall, all while serenaded by Howler Monkeys. Our guide pointed out a huge Termite colony and asked for a volunteer to taste one. My grandson eagerly agreed and said it tasted like carrots. Go figure!

One of the highlights of the trip was the caving experience at Blue Hole National Park. The one-mile hike thru St. Herman's Cave was amazing -- rock scrambles, stalactites, stalagmites, pieces of Mayan ceremonial pottery. The only light was provided by our headlamps! After the caving we went to the "Blue Hole" this is a 30-foot-wide sinkhole fed by crystal clear water from an underground stream. Perfect for taking a swim!

Kayaking was next on the agenda. Our 3-mile paddle began in Boom Creek, a heavily vegetated tributary of the Sittee River. As we paddled thru the Mangrove Forest we saw Toucans, Herons, Egrets, Iguanas (hundreds) and a Codamunde. We were glad not to have seen any crocs! This was the first kayak experience for my grandson and it was a nice opportunity for me to share this with him.

As you can see, we filled the week with all sorts of adventures, but still had plenty of time to enjoy all the amenities the resort had to offer such as lounging by the pool, walks on the beach and just swinging in a hammock. The evenings were spent playing cards, games and on a few occasions the native dance troupe came in to entertain. As my grandson said, it was “the vacation of a lifetime" and we all totally agreed. We might have started a new family tradition!

You got to Belize it!
-- Posted 01/18/2011 --


From Alba Ludmur -- Beautiful Nepal

My dear companions in the trails, I send you all a most loving and joyous greeting for the New Year. May 2011 come laden with all the desires and wishes you have in your hearts; may your families be healthy and happy as the year unfolds.

My recent trip to Nepal far surpassed my expectations. The awesome beauty and splendor of those remote and majestic mountains took my breath away every day that I was on the trails. The kindness and generosity of the Nepali people -- who struggle to make a living and to smile as they do it -- is a lesson that I do not cease to be inspired by. Their love and reverence for the splendor of God's created world is the one source of inexhaustible wealth that seems to be their main source of strength and solace. This is one aspect of nature that all of us hikers understand well and which is one of the many reasons why we find each other roaming in the woods appreciating the fabulous sights and sounds of our beautiful world. You were with me as I traveled through those amazing trails and every time that I stopped to bask in the beauty which surrounded me.

I look forward to future hikes with you who know first hand what it is like to be moved by the powerful images presented to us when we venture into the magical world of the woods! My best thoughts and wishes for your happiness and well being and many loving hugs to each one of you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-- Posted 01/05/2011 --


From Linda Suarez -- Riding the Rapids!

If you want excitement, try your luck on the waters of West Virginia. Three years ago, my family went for a visit and we were hooked. Every year now, my husband and I go to West Virginia for Gauley Season. During the fall 'draw down' (when water is released through the Summersville Dam to bring the man-made Summersville Lake to winter levels), people come to experience more than 100 major rapids and a 650' vertical drop. It's a ride of a lifetime!

If calmer waters are what you seek, there are many other trips and rivers to ride. We prefer the company called Class VI
(http://www.class-vi.com/). They're professional and, most important, safety comes first. The area is beautiful with river canyons - there is rock climbing, hiking and so much more. I highly recommend it.
-- Posted 10/04/2010 --


From Jackie Rubenacker -- MAGNIFICENT! FABULOUS! AWESOME! BREATHTAKING!

I spent a week in the Grand Canyon with Timberline Adventure Tours, hiking from the North Rim (34°/8241ft), to Phantom Ranch (100°/2400ft) – that’s over 1 mile! The next day up to the South Rim (6860 ft). Then to Havasu Canyon, the Havasupai Village and Havasu and Mooney Falls. Now I understand why it is one of the Wonders of the World. It’s the first time – ever – that I don’t have the words to write a trip report.
-- Posted 9/30/2010 --