I know I had posted a Navigation article last week, and I had planned to carry on with that, but I have something much more important to go over... During the pandemic many people with nothing else to do rushed into the outdoors without any knowledge or respect for the land. Many of them started ridiculous trends for social media likes, and these trends gained traction through copycat behavior. Trends such as rock stacking, rock painting and now foraging. These trends, when copied by many are detrimental to our natural spaces, and these practices must stop before the damage is irreparable. Today, we are going to focus on the latest trend of foraging with an article from Ontario's Provincial Parks Managers. We know a lot of our visitors are interested in exploring our parks, and maybe taking a piece of it home with them.   We’ve noticed an increase in popularity of foraging, but remember: foraging for any plant or fungal species is prohibited in provincial parks. Edible Species in Parks Parks are home to many plants and mushrooms that can be safely consumed by humans. These include fiddleheads, wild leeks, wild grapes, morels, Chicken of the Woods, and more. Chicken of the Woods Although they may be tasty, each one of these species is an important part of park ecosystems. Unsustainable foraging is harmful to the species who call our parks home. What Happens When You Forage Unsustainably? Foraging, when not done responsibly, can have a damaging impact on plant species. Plants take a lot of time and energy to grow. Understory plants have a small yearly window of full sunshine before overstory trees flush their leaves. It can take Small White Leeks (also known as wild leeks) 10 to 15 years before they reach maturity.   If a population isn’t given the time it needs to recover from harvesting, it will eventually wink out of existence in that area. As this happens over and over across the province, a species can become threatened, endangered, extirpated, or even extinct.   That is what happened to American Ginseng. As much of its habitat was lost to farmland, logging, and development, the few remaining populations were also targeted by illegal harvesting. American Ginseng is considered to be at imminent risk of extinction in Ontario, and it is now classified as an endangered species. Foraging on fungi has a different kind of impact. The mushrooms we’re familiar with are just a small part of a fungus’ “body.” For most species, much of the fungus is tiny threads that are woven through the soil, connecting one plant to another and shuttling nutrients and sugars through the ecosystem.   The mushroom is simply the fruiting body of the fungus, and while harvesting will not severely damage the organism itself, it deprives other visitors of the wonder of discovering these incredible organisms.   Similarly, ecosystems are interconnected spaces. If you pick a fiddlehead, a fern frond will not grow in that spot this year. Fewer sugars will be collected to flow into the fungal network, and the moth that specializes on that particular fern species will have fewer places to eat and live. And don’t forget: removing any natural object from a provincial park is prohibited, and you could face a fine. Protecting Ecological Integrity Foraging can be a wonderful thing if it is done responsibly and legally. The priority for Ontario Parks is to ensure that our parks’ native species and ecosystems are protected, which is why foraging is not permitted. Healthy ecosystems sustain healthy people and a healthy economy. Our work to maintain and improve the ecological integrity of our parks supports Ontario’s biodiversity, clean air, productive soils, nutritious foods, and fresh water. Respecting Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Ontario Parks is committed to respecting access for the exercise of Aboriginal and treaty rights, as recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982. Constitutional rights to harvest for food, ceremonial or social purposes can be exercised within a provincial park or conservation reserve at any time, provided safety and conservation considerations are satisfied. Posted to Ontario's Park Blog on April 28, 2023 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, March 17, 2024) Good Morning, I am writing this week's Adventure Weekly a day early. Normally I complete this Friday night before I head to bed, but this coming Friday is my birthday and I will be spending time with family, so I am getting this and all my chores done ahead of schedule.   We have a lot of upcoming events! Hikes, paddle trips, expeditions and more! This coming Friday we will visit the Devil's Punchbowl for an amazing hike and to enjoy the beauty of a few of Ontario's incredible waterfalls. Join us on Easter Weekend at Climber's Rock for another Rock On Climbing event. A week and a bit after that, pack a cooler full of refreshments and snacks and join us at the park to witness a full solar eclipse, the first of it's kind in this area since 1979! It will not happen again until 2144, so you really don't want to miss it this time around! For a week in April, we will be down in Pennsylvania trekking along the Appalachian Trail. Unfortunately, registration for this event has already closed. In July we will pack up our kayaks and spend 3 days paddling around one of Canada's least known National Parks, Beausoleil Island. Three days of paddling the Georgian Bay and two nights of primitive camping on the Island will be a great way to enjoy the summer month of July! And lastly, the big one, backpacking in the very remote backcountry of Gros Morne National Park! This backpacking expedition is on many bucket lists and Niagara Adventure Club managed to obtain a permit for up to 12 participants. If you ever wanted to experience the backcountry like it was meant to be experienced, then this is the trip for you! I hope you all had an amazing March Break, now get back to work! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Navigation is probably the most important skill you will need and rely on as a backpacker. Really, you can't go backpacking if you don't know how to get from point A to point B. In most cases, there is a well marked and laid out trail to guide you and all you need do is follow a simple Trail Map. But you may be completely unprepared for the terrain that lies ahead if you haven't taken the time to study and understand your map. More importantly, knowing what's actually on the map! So today, we're going to take a different approach to "Good to Know", and watch a little video on reading and understanding what exactly is on your Topographic Map. Make some popcorn and enjoy! VIDEO CAPTION Topographic maps are a little different from your average map. Once you get the hang of reading them, they help you visualize three-dimensional terrain from a flat piece of paper. Find out what you need to know in this REI Expert Advice Video.   Head to your local REI store to pick up a topographic map for your next adventure, ask questions or sign up for an Outdoor School navigation course (https://www.rei.com/events/49378/backcountry-navigation-with-a-map-and-compass)    Find REI’s selection of maps at: https://www.rei.com/c/maps. Produced by REI and released on REI's YouTube Channel. Published December 20, 2016 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, March 10, 2024) Good Morning, This past Friday a small group of NAC Adventurers visited the Hot Docs Theatre for the Banff Film Festival where we were regaled with 10 epic short films that got our adrenalin pumping. With short stories about Alpine Skiing, White Water River Guiding, Caving, Mountain Biking, Snorkeling, Surfing, Rock Climbing and Parasailing, this showing did not disappoint. Tonight is the last night for the 2024 Toronto Banff Film Festival. If you have never been, I highly recommend it. Tickets are available at the door for $25 and the final showing is at 1:30pm EST.   The July slot that was originally intended for the 2024 Iceland Expedition has been filled with a multiday kayaking trip! On Friday, July 19th, we will head North to Honey Harbour, a small town on the shores of Georgian Bay from which we will launch and spend 3 days paddling around the shores of Beausoleil Island National Park. Come join us for a beautiful summer's paddle and primitive camping in one of Canada's lesser known National Parks. Get the full details at www.NiagaraAdventure.ca/kayak.   You might have noticed we have no events scheduled for the Friday, March 15th weekend. As it is both March Break and my birthday, I have decided to skip a week so that you may spend time with your family as I spend time with mine and celebrate my special day with Mom's home cooking. Have a wonderful March Break and we will see you the following week! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Well, once again we are going to talk about that embarrassing subject that everyone does and no one wants to talk about. But the fact is, we really should, because in the backcountry it is becoming quite a problem. With the ever increasing numbers of visitors to even the most remote locations on the planet, there has been some serious damage due to the lack of a conversation! And so today, I plan on continuing on with my poop discussion. This week, let's talk about the proper ways to dispose of human waste in the backcountry. And please, stop giggling... Everybody does it. But pooping in the wrong place could make a mess of someone else's hike. An expert shares how to make the best of a sh*tty situation on the trail. Gather ’round children, and let me tell you about my best-ever high-altitude dump. I was climbing the Grand Teton with Exum Mountain Guides and we paused for dinner on the Lower Saddle. Mac n’ cheese has consequences, as do nervous bowels. So I grabbed my TP and headed for the ridge-top latrine, where I dropped trou, admired the view of Idaho to the west, and released my burden. Sweet relief! Soon my crap was out of sight and out of mind, if not out of nose.   Want to take a dump like I did? Forget it. The Park Service removed that toilet in 2001, citing the high cost of hauling out waste by helicopter. Ever since, hikers have been responsible for their own Tetonic piles of crap. Which they should be: Even when waste leaves your body, it’s still yours. (That goes double for your dog, who really can’t be expected to take care of his own turds, now can he?)   What’s a responsible hiker to do-do?   I called Jeffrey Marion to discuss this shitty situation. Marion teaches recreation ecology at Virginia Tech, and he wrote the book, literally, on Leave No Trace. It turned out, to my surprise and bowel relief, that there is some good news where #1 and #2 are concerned.   “In the grand scheme of things, human waste isn’t a huge problem in the backcountry,” says Marion. “It can be a problem in localized areas that get a lot of use, like on Mt. Whitney. Also in extremely cold places, or dry places, or anywhere you can’t dig a cathole. Otherwise it isn’t usually a big deal, because it’ll decompose within a year.”   Not that he’s letting you off the fecal hook, entirely. Here’s everything Marion would like you to know about dropping your load responsibly in the woods. Catholes Rule Marion is a firm believer in digging our way out of the human waste problem. Just grab your trowel, hurry 200 feet away from your campsite or a trail, dig a 6- to 8-inch hole, do your business, and then backfill. That much you knew, right? According to Marion, about 80 percent of backcountry visitors comply with those guidelines. But the tricky bit comes with the toilet paper, which seems to erupt from catholes like tulips from warm soil in springtime.   “We find a lot of toilet paper around popular campsites,” Marion notes, “either because people don’t care, or because toilet paper is the last thing into the hole, and it’s only covered by leaf litter.” His trick: After you wipe, use a stick to push the TP to the bottom of the pile, then refill the hole. In the right climate, it’ll all decompose in about a year. Crap and Leak Creatively When you emerge from your tent with elimination on your agenda, take a fresh look at the landscape. “People tend to spot the same big bush or a rock near the campsite and think, ‘I’ll go there,’” says Marion. “It leads to a concentration of waste that can smell bad and be dangerous.”   All those #1s and #2s add up to big numbers, and attract flies. “That’s how diseases are transmitted,” says Marion. “They land on your waste and your dinner.” The 200-foot-rule will probably force you out of the flies’ flight path. Better yet, plan on taking a nice crap break en route to your next destination, away from campsites and drinking water. Urinalysis Urine is in fact sterile, so spraying it around won’t harm the environment. “It’s an aesthetic concern,” says Mr. LNT, “not a health hazard.” He advises aiming at (or squatting over) a rock, rather than peeing all over the underbrush, which large ungulates will mow down for the salts and nutrients you piss away. Pack out menstrual products, period. Backpackers who menstruate can’t always plan their adventures around their cycles, so they have two choices: learn to use (and clean) a menstrual cup, or pack out used pads or tampons. Most menstrual hygiene products contain perfumes and plastic liners, which attract critters and resist decomposition. So you’ll need to pack them out in a sealable baggie or water bottle (cover it with duct tape, if you don’t want to see red). Dropping crushed aspirin or a tea bag into the menses will cut the smell. Of course, users of The Pill can skip their placebo doses to put off their flow until they return to civilization. Up high, and down low, it’s gotta go. In the desert, waste won’t decompose. In frigid temperatures and on rocky peaks, there’s no diggable soil, so no catholes. You’ll have to pack waste and TP out.   Which brings us back to the summits of the Grand Teton and Mt. Whitney. Marion misses their high-altitude johns.   “In a high-use area, that’s really the way to go,” he says. “After they removed the latrines on Mt. Whitney, rangers gave out toilet kits to hikers, but animals would get into the bags and they would leak and smell. People said ‘I’m not packing that out,’ so we found them near the campsites.”   With the zeal of a poop prophet, he extols the seven above-ground “moldering privies” Vermont’s Green Mountain Club installed along the Long and Appalachian Trails in Vermont, and dozens of other locales along the rest of AT. Those loos are sweet-smelling because the waste decomposes aerobically, becoming fertilizer that maintenance crews can scatter in the woods. Just the way bears do it.   For high-use, high-altitude areas, latrines and helicopter evacuations of honey buckets are the way to go, says Marion. “It’s expensive, but that can be built into the cost of wilderness permits.”   And as my Grand memories tell me, paying for a scenic latrine is anything but money down the drain. Written by Peter Moore for Backpacker Magazine. Published February 2, 2024 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, March 3, 2024) Good Morning, On Friday, we once again visited Climber's Rock in Burlington, ON for another fun evening of Indoor Rock Climbing. This time is was basically a family event as only Lauren, myself and the kids attended. None-the-less, it was an amazing evening of climbing and great exercise.   Have you ever wanted to try indoor rock climbing? Join NAC on Friday evenings for a free visit to one of Ontario's best climbing gyms! We will provide you with a free day pass and a free climbing lesson. You won't find a better deal anywhere! (*Does not include rental gear fee of $12, free day pass and climbing lesson valued at over $50)   Next Friday we will be heading to Toronto for the Banff Film Festival. This epic film fest showcases many short films featuring some of the most daring athletes in the adventure sport world. We will be viewing 10 short films that feature many adventure sports such as Alpine Skiing, White Water Rapids, Rock Climbing, Caving, and more. Tickets sell for $25 and can be purchased at the door or in advance. General Seating, first come, first serve. Join Niagara Adventure Club to enjoy the film fest and have a meal with us after.   Unfortunately, our 2024 Iceland Expedition has been cancelled. Despite much advertising and over 2200 web site visits, it seems the volcanic activity is a major concern for many. It's very sad, the volcanic activity is one of the most beautiful sites in Iceland. I myself have experienced a volcano in Iceland 1 week after it erupted, and it was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen!   With that being said, I have obtained a permit for up to 12 persons for our 2024 Gros Morne Expedition! I have a bit more trail planning to do, but I will have it posted very soon. As always, Season Pass Holders will have priority access for 10 days before the event is opened to the public. This will be one of NAC's most amazing adventures thus far. The backcountry of Gros Morne is completely off grid. There isn't even trail markers! We will be relying on GPS, and good old map and compass skills to make our way through some of the most beautiful backcountry in the world while traversing the mountain range of Gros Morne for 6 days. A bucket list for many, it's time you crossed it off. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Well, everyone poops, this is something we all know, and it really shouldn't be that embarrassing. But, yet, it is. In the backcountry, pooping is a whole different beast with many rules that differ by location. If you're lucky, you'll be in an area with composting toilets or thuderboxes. Luckily for outdoor adventurers, these are becoming more and more common. But in many places, catholes are still the only method of safely disposing of human waste. In either case, you will need a poop kit. Do you know what your poop kit should contain? NAC NOTE: This article includes products by Brand Names as the author is affiliated with those brands. However, there are a number of manufacturers that make similar products. Each product has it's pros and cons. Make choices based on what suits you best for the activities that you will be participating in. Are you wondering how to make a backpacking poop kit for when uh… nature calls in the backcountry?   I mean, think about it: no toilet, no toilet paper, no sink with hot water and soap?   What’s a wildling like you to do when number two becomes your number one priority?   Firstly, have your poop kit ready (supplies are listed below) and accessible in your pack (I like to keep mine in the “brain” so I know exactly where it is and I can grab it in a jiffy). Next, find a LNT-friendly spot.   If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace principles, stop everything and learn about the Leave No Trace 7 Principles here so you can do your part to help protect wild spaces.   Okay, let’s get into how to make a backpacking poop kit for camping or hiking! Trowel Trowels are your little shovel friends that help you dig a hole to poop in. Be sure to look for a trowel that is small and lightweight.   The Deuce of Spades Trowels are my favorite because they are incredibly lightweight (less than one ounce!) and come in all the colors. #ExpressYo’self. This lightweight trowel comes in three sizes, all of which are under one ounce. • Small #1 – .45oz • Medium #2 – .60oz • Heavy Doody #3 – .97oz NAC NOTE: NAC uses the GSI Cathole Trowel. It is light, has a serrated edge for cutting through roots in the ground, has measurement markings on the trowel, leave no trace principles are printed on the rear of the trowel and its made 100% of recycled plastics. It is the most durable and cost friendly trowel in our opinion. Toilet Paper Okay, the purpose of this one is self-explanatory, my friends.   There are three different ways you can approach this: Toilet Paper From Home   How To Pack Toilet Paper For Backpacking? Grab some toilet paper from home and place it in a sealable baggie (trust me, you are not going to be a happy camper if you’re TP gets wet!)   How Much Toilet Paper To Bring? Take a bit more than you think you need. It’s better to have too much than too little when it comes to toilet paper- so might as well be on the safe side, right? This video has some great tips: Backpacking Toilet Paper Rolls • Believe it or not, there are actual mini toilet paper rolls created specifically for hiking and backpacking. • Small, lightweight rolls of toilet paper that are adventure-ready. Backpacking Toilet Paper Tablets Coins These are dehydrated hygiene tissues that you simply add a bit of water (about a tablespoon) and voilà– you have yourself a wet wipe! • Lightweight. • Compact. • Hypoallergenic + preservative, fragrance, and odor free. • Comes with a waterproof case. • Large Bag are available for refills making these an eco-friendly choice. • Made of an eco-friendly, biodegradable plant cellulose (but you should still peck them out!) Small Bag To Pack Out Toilet Paper As lovers of the outdoors, it’s so important that we protect our wild spaces by adventuring in alignment with the Leave No Trace 7 Principles.   A major rule of Leave No Trace is “Pack It In, Pack It Out”, which includes our poopie paper.   Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be as gross as you may think.   Try using a bag that has a zip seal. Bonus points if it’s repurposed packaging that you can’t see through. You can reuse bags from items like: • Trail mix • Kale Chips • Doggie Treats • Quinoa • You get the idea, basically any other baggie with graphics on it so you can’t see the contents inside. Wag Bag What’s A Wag Bag And How Do I Use One?   Wag Bags are these nifty little bags that allow you to pack your waste out when digging a cat hole simply isn’t an option. When Should I Use A Wag Bag? Some areas where it’s better to pack out your waste includes:  • Alpine • Big Walls • Canyons • High Traffic Trails • Lakes • Oceans • Rivers • Snow   It’s always a good idea to keep a few of these with your adventure gear and one in your pack. Be sure to check with the local rules and regulations to see what the proper pooping method is. Some areas require all users to use Wag Bags, for example, Mount Whitney. Hand Sanitizer Don’t spread E. coli and other harmful bacteria!   ‘Nough said.   Use hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands after you have completed your business in lieu of soap and water. Backpacking Poop Kit Bag Finally, now that you have all of your essential items and know how to make a backpacking poop kit, you’re ready to put it all together in a super sweet poop bag!   Look for something: • lightweight • small • has a zip closure • and, of course, second hand for eco-warrior queen points NAC NOTE: NAC Uses a small roll top dry bag to keep toilet paper and everything dry. When guiding I carry two poop kits and a dry bag with extra toilet paper, enough for a large group. I am looking into having specialized bags made. Sum-Up To summarize, you’ll need 6 items when putting together your backpacking poop kit:  1. Trowel 2. Toilet Paper (and/or wet wipes) 3. Small Bag to pack out toilet paper 4. Wag Bag (may be optional, required in many alpine wilderness areas) 5. Hand Sanitizer 6. Backpacking Poop Kit Bag Written by The Wildflower Team for Dare To Be a Wildflower. Published June 22, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, February 25, 2024) Good Morning, You may have noticed a little change above! If not, scroll up and you will see that we have even more NAC Partners offering Niagara Adventure Club's Season Pass Holders even more great discounts and benefits! Previously, a Season Pass was a great value, now it's quite simply extraordinary. Register Online and get yours now!   This past Friday, NAC visited the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show. As always, there was a wide variety of vendors offering everything from adventure sports, travel opportunities, all kinds of innovative outdoor gear, wildlife exposure and information galore! During our rounds, we had many interesting conversations and made a few new connections that may very well turn into NAC Partnerships and exciting event opportunities.     Check out our Events Page for the newly added upcoming events, including a gathering to witness an incredible celestial marvel that hasn't been witnessed in Central Canada since 1979. Join us here in Niagara Falls, the city determined to be the best viewing location across the globe, for a fun gathering with new and old friends as we share in this experience, a Total Solar Eclipse. You won't want to miss it, as it won't happen again until 2099!   While on the Events Page, don't forget to register for one of our upcoming hikes, and as always, Friday evening Rock Climbing Events at Climbers Rock Inc.! New climbers are entitled to a free day pass and a free climbing lesson provided by NAC, a value of $50! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Backpacking season is upon us, and as always, Spring will bring much rain. It's more important than ever during this time of year to ensure your gear is up to par for the drastic weather conditions you are to face. But what could be more important than your shelter. Water proofing your tent isn't the easiest of tasks, and if done poorly could make for many miserable treks. This week, let's go over the proper way to keep yourself dry and safe in a properly waterproofed shelter! Most Tents will already be Waterproof when you buy them. But that doesn’t mean they’re ready to be taken out into a rainstorm and plopped down on any terrain and you will have a warm, dry time. You won’t. While these tents have done a lot of work already for us, there are a few more things we should do to make sure they are field ready.   We want to do three things to truly waterproof our tent. We want to make sure all the ties are tight. We want to make sure our Groundcloth is ready. And we want to seal the seams. TIES TIGHT On the Rainfly, we are going to want to make sure the ties are tight when put over the tent. Doing this in the Rain is going to be very annoying and it can actually not be done right, as the Rain can make the ties sag. Do this at home. If the chords are not reflective you may want to buy some and replace them. Not only are these chords easier to see at night, just in case you must tweak them during a night, but they are also strong enough to be tied in a Hitch Knot. A Hitch Knot is perfect for Rainflies as we can adjust them if we need to without a lot of time. GROUNDCLOTH Groundcloths are a great aspect of a tent, but can be improved upon. Groundcloths keep the water out of the tent in most wet conditions. But, if it gets too wet, a Groundcloth can actually collect water, and filter it into your own tent. What we want to do is make sure that the seam around the bottom of the tent and the Groundcloth are one. Tuck the Groundcloth into that seam and seal it. If you want to, you can make an extra patch for the groundcloth. Take off the groundcloth and measure it while on a tarp, marking around it. Cut the tarp and stitch it into the groundcloth and into the seam around the tent. This is only really needed for older tents, most newer tents simply need the groundcloth tucked into the seams and sealed. SEAL THE SEAMS Sealing the Seams is going to be the hardest part of this process. On older tents, you will need to seal and waterproof every seam. To do this you are going to to need to use a sealant on the inside of all the seams and then let dry. Then repeat. After that application is dry you are going to need to get a waterproof spray and cover the OUTSIDE of the seams and again let dry.   If you have a newer tent, you will see the seams are Tape Sealed. Tape Sealed means that are sewn and stitched with a tape inside of it as a sealant. These will not need to be waterproofed. But odds are the Rainfly seams and the seams on the floor will still need it. When you are using a sealant on these seams make sure you are doing it from the INSIDE of the tent. To do this, take the tent and flip it inside out. Push the seams all the way up to reveal the stitching. Also, because of the chemical attributes to the sealant, make sure you are doing this where you can get enough air. If this tent is not brand new, you may need to clean out these seams first with a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Make sure you make a complete and smooth seal. Let it dry and then do it again.   Taking these measures are going to make those rainy nights out in the wild so much more comfortable and dry that you will be very pleased you did it. Dryness and safety during these times is paramount. And all it takes is a little bit of time and a little bit of know-how. Written by Troy Robbins for Eureka Blog. Published November 5, 2014 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, February 18, 2024) Good Morning, Over the next little while, we are doing a few things that are a little different than we usually do. Check out the upcoming events, and you will find that we have a variety adventure related social events in our list. Starting with the Outdoor Show. We have visited this event a few times in the past, and it is always a great opportunity to network and meet many fellow adventurers. Shortly after that, we will visit Toronto to experience the Banff Film Festival. Join us to witness adventure in the making while we watch short films created by some of the worlds most daring thrill seekers.   You may be very interested an upcoming event we shall soon post. A fun outing to witness a rare event that hasn't taken place in Canada since 1979. This year a Total Solar Eclipse will take place over Ontario, and it has been stated that Niagara Falls will be the best place on the planet to witness this event in 2024. Come join friends, old and new, for snacks, beverages and an amazing celestial show. Watch our Events Page to ensure you don't miss this one!   ONLY 11 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024 ICELAND EXPEDITION! The Deadline to register for July's Iceland Expedition has been extended until February 29th, 2024. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Many many years ago, when I first took to this hobby, meal planning was much more difficult. Upon visiting the local outdoor store you could only find a limited selection of Freeze Dried Meals. Although they were edible, and supplied all the necessary nutrition and calories, they weren't much for flavour. In fact, most tasted like soggy cardboard, which led to many of us using dehydrators to make our own meals. These days, it's much different. With so many different brands offering a large selection of delicious meals, is it really worth the time and effort to dehydrate your own meals. Well, to know that answer, you would first need to know the difference between the two options, so let's dive in... Freeze drying vs dehydration are two opposing popular ways of boosting the shelf life of food for future consumption.   However, with the ongoing hyped up craze about dehydrating machines and all their benefits, it’s understandable if you don’t know the difference between freeze dried and dehydrated food or if a freeze dryer is the same as a dehydrator While freeze dried vs dehydrated food serve the same purpose – adding shelf life to the food in season for consumption when that particular food is out of season – each has its own benefits and drawbacks.   Needless to mention, it pays to understand how the two methods vary before committing to one. Let’s help you here. What Is the Difference Between Freeze Dried and Dehydrated Food? 1. Processes To understand the major benefits and drawbacks of each of these models, it pays to have knowledge of the processes involved in both and how each of them works first.   Freeze drying is a 3-step process. It involves selecting the type of food that you want to dry and freezing it. Next, the food is placed in a strong vacuum (make use of a good vacuum food sealer). Here, the ice crystals in the food sublimate turn directly into water vapor rather than passing through the liquid state. The food is then placed in vacuum storage bags or containers and stored either in a freezer, pantry or in an emergency kit when prepping.   On the other hand, dehydration involves using heat, dry air, and air movement to remove water from food. Dehydration can be done with or without a dehydrator. 2. Nutrition Of course, the first consideration that should top your checklist is how good each of these methods preserves the nutrients in your food.   Freeze-drying has the upper hand at this front. Researchers suggest that since freeze-drying food involves removing up to 98% of the food’s water without the use of heat, the food tends to maintain a significantly higher nutrient content compared to dehydration.   A 2011 study published in the journal for National Institutes of Health wanted to investigate the effects of freeze-drying on the antioxidant compounds in selected fruits.   At the end of the study, the researchers reported that this method didn’t exert significant changes in the number of nutrients.   On the other hand, dehydration is known for leading to a higher loss of nutrients. This could be attributed to the fact that this process involves subjecting the nutrients to high heat (up to 140℉) and light.   For instance, some vitamins such as A and C tend to decrease once they are subjected to high heat or even air. The A vitamins are also sensitive to light. Therefore, the sun will definitely have a toll on them if you are relying on it to dry your food. 3. Taste Having seen that more vitamins and minerals are stripped when dehydrating than during freeze-drying, it’s pretty much obvious that freeze-dried food tastes great.   Freeze-drying removes water only. Since it does not involve heating, the nutrients, flavors, and color of the food are left intact and remain so for quite a long time with proper storage.   Worth noting, this is what makes most nutritionist and food experts to recommend freeze-drying when dealing with herbs. 4. Use Of Additives Another major difference between freeze dried and dehydrated methods is the use of additives. If you are fond of buying dehydrated food from stores, then you must have realized that they have very high sugar contents. This sugary taste comes from the preservatives added during storage to extend the food’s shelf life. On the contrary, freeze-dried food has almost 98% of its water content removed. This translates to a reduced foothold for bacteria that make food go bad. This also means that fewer (if any) additives are used.   Be advised, however, that the only way to keep off additives and preservatives from your stored food is to freeze-dry or dehydrate it at home. 5. Texture This is where dehydrated foods beat their freeze-dried alternatives. As I have told you before, freeze-dried food has most of its water content removed. Dehydrated food, however, has a considerable amount of its water content sealed in.   As a result, dehydrated foods have a chewy texture and are sweet in taste. Unfortunately, remember that their taste slightly differs from that of fresh food due to the sugar, salt, and other preservatives used.   On the other hand, freeze-dried food tends to have a crispier and crunchy texture since they are virtually dry. 6. Variety People are coming up with ways to freeze dry or dehydrate different types of food each day. However, it’s undeniable that freeze-drying offers a lot of options than any other food preservation method.   Freeze-drying allows you to use almost all foods ranging from high-water content to low-water content varieties. This means that you can freeze-dry not only herbs but yogurt, ice cream, cheese and fruits among others.   On the other hand, dehydration mostly favors low-water content foods. This limits you to certain meats, vegetables, and fruits such as apples 7. Rehydration. Regardless of the method that you go for, you’ll want to rehydrate your food before consuming it. Freeze-dried foods are much easier to rehydrate than dehydrated foods. The best part about rehydrated freeze-dried food is that it’s almost similar to fresh food in all aspects. These foods also rehydrate easily and only require water (hot or cold).   Dehydrated foods are another story. These foods can be really tough and this means that rehydration won’t be a walk in the park.   While cold water can still be used to rehydrate dehydrated foods, hot water is most preferred since it speeds up the process. Beef jerky, for instance, takes up to 4 hours to rehydrate when using cold water. On the other hand, the same process could be done in utmost 30 minutes using hot water.   While the use of hot water seems more promising, it might be a huge problem during emergencies and when you are far from civilization. 8. Cooking And Baking Basically, both freeze-dried and dehydrated foods can be rehydrated and be used in a variety of dishes. All in all, freeze-dried food offer more options in that, they don’t vary much from fresh foods upon rehydration.   Dehydrated foods, on the other hand, remain very different from fresh their fresh food derivatives. This means that the two don’t deliver the same results. You could be limited to certain dishes due to this reason. 9. Shelf Life Freeze-dried foods still take the lead here. Dehydrated foods contain between 30-50% of their water content compared to the 2% water content in freeze-dried foods.   What this means is that while these two methods aim at extending your food’s shelf-life, dehydrated foods are more susceptible to microbial growth than freeze-dried foods. That being said, you should expect the latter to last for much longer. In fact, experts say that freeze-dried foods could be stored indefinitely if stored in a free-standing freezer at zero degrees Fahrenheit.   This is subjective though. Whether you are dealing with dehydrated or freeze-dried foods, minute leaks in the packaging bags, cans, or jars could lead to bacterial growth even without causing any color changes on the package. Therefore, proper care is required irrespective of the method of preservation that you go with. 10. Cost And Efficiency Freeze-drying your food seems like the best way of preserving food until you consider the cost. This method is usually quite costly especially in terms of power. Store-bought freeze-dried foods are also considerably costlier than their dehydrated alternatives.   The presence of many brands on the market today has brought the price of these units lower than ever before. Today, almost anyone can afford a basic dehydrator today.   In addition, these units don’t require so much power to run. Thus, you could save hundreds by dehydrating lots of food for usage when the supply is low.   On the same note, you don’t need to rely on a food dehydrator to dry your food. There are a lot of other ways to do this including spreading it in the sun, putting it near or over a fire, or even hanging it in your car!   Worth mentioning, however, is that dehydration can be time-consuming. This depends on the method of dehydration that you are using and the size of your family.   All in all, considering most of the other factors, freeze-drying stands out in terms of efficiency and speed. The key benefit here is that there is less waste credit to the long shelf-life of the foods. In addition, most freeze-dried foods can be added to virtually any dish that requires freshness. Bonus: Video Conclusion Freeze-drying and dehydrating food are great ways of prolonging your food’s shelf-life and saving on cost in the long run.   However, either of these two methods has its pros and cons.   At the end of the day, what matters is your preference, the types of foods that you’ll be dealing with the most, and what you intend to do with that food.   If you intend to store food for a couple of weeks or months, dehydration might work for you. You can do it even without a food dehydrator. On the other hand, if you want to store lots of food for years and don’t mind power consumption, you might consider freeze-drying. Written by Eric Mitchell for Dehydrator Lab. Published July 28, 2023 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, February 11, 2024) Good Morning, On this past Friday, we once again pushed and challenged ourselves at Climber's Rock Inc. during another Rock On Climbing event. After a free lesson, courtesy of NAC, our two newest climbers did an awesome job of completing some very challenging climbs for their first visit.   Have you ever wanted to try indoor rock climbing? Well, now you can try it for free! Join NAC for a Rock On Indoor Climbing event and for your first visit, you will receive a free guest pass, and a free indoor rock climbing lesson from yours truly! (Gear rental fees apply)    I am very happy to announce that I have secured 3 new NAC Partners that will be offering awesome discounts to Niagara Adventure Club Season Pass Holders! If you are a 2024 Season Pass Holder, watch your email for the upcoming discounts including your discount codes and any information you may need. I will have it all finalized within the next 14 days.   ONLY 18 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR THE 2024 ICELAND EXPEDITION! The Deadline to register for July's Iceland Expedition has been extended until February 29th, 2024. We have 5 persons registered and still have space for 7 more! This is the trip of a lifetime. Iceland offers a landscape unlike any other, it will leave you in awe. And at this price, you would regret it if you missed it! Register and reserve your spot before it's too late!   Lastly, the Gros Morne National Park Expedition is a go! I will obtain permits on February 26th. The starting date may have to be moved by one day to guarantee the permits, but the trip will take place during the final weeks of September! I will spend the week working on pricing and have it posted to the web site within remainder of this month. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club

Solo Hiking can be a dangerous endeavor. If anything goes wrong, you could be stranded a long time without help. Letting people know where you are and leaving a copy of your plans is always a requirement of solo hiking. Unfortunately, woman who are solo hiking have some added dangers to consider. It shouldn't be this way, but unfortunately it still is. This week we will look at some of the dangers of solo hiking from a woman's perspective, and what women can do to mitigate those dangers. Even the most social of butterflies needs her quiet cocoon time for reflection now and then. Hiking alone isn’t better or worse than hiking with your partner, friends, or family—it’s just a different way to enjoy the outdoors.   When you hike with others, it’s more of a social event. You get to know people in a different setting than usual, and there’s probably a lot of talking and laughing. Plus, let’s face it: you’re relatively safe as part of a group.   When you’re out in the wilderness alone, however, it’s different. There’s this sort of badass “edge” to solo hiking, right? Nobody’s there to help you if you run into trouble. You start thinking about how vulnerable you are and problem-solve quickly-even if it’s only in your head.   It’s an interesting experience, but not a bad one.     Whether you hit your favorite hiking trail solo or you head out for a road trip to your favorite national park alone, here are some safety tips for women who solo hike. The Benefits Of Hiking By Yourself The best aspect of hiking solo is that it’s all about you (damn straight!). Most of us enjoy being with friends and part of a group. But when we’re with others, our decisions and actions have to be made as part of that group. There is always a little tension involved in balancing all the individual needs.   Consider something as simple as taking a ten-minute breather on the trail. To some hikers it may be a much-needed rest. But to others, it may feel more like an interference in stride and rhythm. However, for the benefit of the group, a decision has to be discussed and made together. On the other hand, hiking by yourself means total freedom. It’s entirely up to you to decide when you eat or take a break. Want to jump in that alpine lake? Get a closer look at that weird tree fungus? Rip a giant fart? Go for it, sister.   Hiking alone also means peace and quiet. Can we get a hallelujah?! There’s a peacefulness that can’t be replicated when you’re with others. No words have to come between you and the beauty around you. The miles just flow. How often do you get to spend a day without having to communicate with another human? Embrace the solitude! Tips For Hiking Alone First, understand that 99.9% of hikers are a friendly bunch who are out to enjoy nature just like you are. Additionally, most of these tips are based on common sense, no-duh advice everyone hiking alone should follow—not just women. But let’s face it: Along with having to deal with boobs and periods, being a woman means we sometimes have to take extra precaution for our safety. Does this suck? Yes. Is it totally unfair? Yes. Is it something we are dealing with so we can have a happy and safe time alone on the trail? Yes. So how can you make your alone-time hiking trip foolproof and totally safe? You can’t. What you can do though, is make it way safer. 1. Know your hiking abilities and your limits Yes, we’re putting this first because we see you out there trying to be superwomen! It seems like we’re all constantly trying to push our limits and comfort zones because, “We can do it!” Yes, of course we can! But that doesn’t always mean we should. If this is your first attempt at hiking alone, don’t plan 20 miles on a crazy-hard backcountry trail. Stick to well-traveled trails (where it’s also more likely a fellow hiker will be by at least every hour). When it comes to your body, challenge it but don’t push it. Know what you can handle in the beginning and build from there, working your way up to the longer hike.   The same is true for solo backpacking. Even if you’re a backpacking pro, still start small with solo backpacking until you find a comfortable (and safe) plan. 2. Choose your trail ahead of time and get to know the terrain “Plan your hike, and hike your plan”. To rush out on a hike alone without proper planning is asking for trouble-and we don’t mean the good kind. Use every resource available to get to know the trail before you set out.   One of the best resources is AllTrails.com.(http://AllTrails.com) When you’re searching for the perfect solo hike, take the difficulty level into consideration. All Trails does a great job outlining the difficulty level, elevation gain, and type of terrain. Also, check out the comments and photos posted by others. Are there streams to cross? Any elevation changes? Will it be rocky or smooth? Think about what you’re ready to tackle and what you aren’t.   If you’re heading out into wild places, then it’s a good idea to get an idea of what kind of wild animals you might encounter on the trail (um, no thank you bear attack). The comments and pictures on All Trails will likely mention any obvious threats.   If you’re heading into the Pacific Northwest (like Glacier National Park) in the United States, then you’re flirting with bear country. If you’re heading out to the Grand Canyon or another desert in North America, then the sun and heat will be your greatest threat.   Get to know what to expect from the natural elements ahead of time so that you can be prepared. 3. Check the weather Make sure you plan for sudden changes in temperature or precipitation. Even if the forecast is proclaiming, “Bright and balmy all day, bitches!” you should still bring a few extra layers that protect against surprises. Remember, hypothermia is real, dangerous, and misunderstood — it can strike in relatively warm environments. Hypothermia (in case you don’t know) is rapid cooling of the body. This means it can be triggered by cold, wet, or a combination of both. You don’t want to mess with on any of your outdoor adventures, but definitely not alone. 4. Learn to read a map and use a compass Time to finally earn that orienteering badge! This is one skill you will be happy to know (and hey, show off a bit). Let’s say you’re two miles off your route and can’t get a signal on your phone, then what? Knowing even the basics of orienteering can help you out of a potentially dangerous situation. Try to get a physical map of the trail that you plan on hiking, or print off a copy and bring it with you. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on a map. 5. Let everyone (but not “everyone”) know your hiking plans There are a number of security measures that you can put in place before leaving for your hiking trip alone. This involves telling your friends and family important information such as:   • your specific plans/routes • the places exactly where you are going • what day and what time you expect to return • the directions you plan to follow and possible alternative routes • your mobile phone number • your vehicle description • your license plate number • the local authority phone numbers (sheriff’s department, police, fish and game commission) for the country or area that you will be in   If you’re relatively new to hiking by yourself, arrange to contact members of your family or friends within a certain timeframe. Keep them posted of your whereabouts and your safety. And for heaven’s sake, don’t announce on social media you’re planning on hiking alone or share your route. 6. Park your car where it’s easy to spot and leave information inside It’s important to leave detailed information about your hiking plan in your car before you head out. Make sure it’s findable for rescuers, but not visible through the window. Explorer Chick Senior Guide Lauren shares why it’s important to take the extra time to do this.   "If I’m hiking alone, I leave a folded up note on the seat of my car with the date, my ETA back to my car, and the route I’m hiking. If the police or park service pops my lock to check my car (if it’s been there longer than it should have), they’ll know where to look for me." -EXPLORER CHICK SENIOR GUIDE LAUREN   If you experience a serious problem, keep in mind that popular trails are usually well-patrolled and Search & Rescue will take action if called upon. However, DO NOT use this as an excuse to head out on a hike unprepared! 7. Remember your cell phone (or satellite communicator) Make sure you have your cell phone with you at all times and that it’s fully charged. Trying to “get away from it all”? No problem! You can turn it off and put it in the bottom of your pack. If you want to use it to take photos, at least make sure you turn on airplane mode. That way, it isn’t wasting precious battery life constantly looking for a signal.   NAC NOTE: Make sure that a cell phone will work in the area you plan to travel and if not to arrange some other form of communication like a Garmin InReach or SPOT Device. Garmin InReach is much much more reliable whereas SPOT sometimes fails. The newest Apple Phones have Satellite communications built in, but again, it's not 100% reliable. 8. Bring your dog If you’ve got a dog, bring that pupper hiking with you! It’s a nice way to enjoy a little extra security. Plus, your bestest buddy will be beyond thrilled with an adventure full of smells and gross stuff to roll around in. Just make sure before you go that the trails you plan to hike are dog-friendly, and keep your furry friend on leash (always follow Leave No Trace). 9. Pack the 10 Essentials Short or long hikes, these items should be with you no matter what:   • navigation (topographic map and a compass) • sun protection • insulation/extra clothing • illumination (headlamp or flashlight; spare batteries) • first aid supplies and the knowledge to use them • fire-making supplies (butane lighters, waterproof matches, fire starter) • knife and repair tools • snacks • water and/or water filtration • emergency shelter   Make sure to double-check before you head out to see if anything needs replacing or updating. 10. Pack some extra protection We’re not talking about that kind of protection. At least not without a cocktail in hand and a good hookup story. No, we’re talking about a few extra personal safety items you may want to think about bringing along as a woman. Both Lauren and Explorer Chick Guide Kirstie carry knives, which have the added benefit of being multipurpose tools for a variety of uses. Lauren also recommends pepper spray.   "Trusting your gut is #1. If your instincts say something is up — it probably is. You should be vigilant." -EXPLORER CHICK GUIDE KIRSTIE   Another one of our Explorer Chick guides, Erin, recommends carrying a whistle. “They are already attached/built in to some packs but they are sometimes overlooked.” If your pack doesn’t come with a whistle, then a Fox 40 Whistle or a Whistles for LIFE will do the trick. This can come in handy in so many situations, from warding off grubby (read: aggressive) hikers to alerting rescue crews in the event that you are injured or lost. 11. Invest in a Hiking GPS/Satellite Communicator Our Explorer Chick Guides are true explorers in every sense of the word. They love getting out and hiking solo. They also take hiking safely very seriously. One thing they never leave home without is a personal satellite communicator. Lauren opts for a SPOT while Kirstie and Explorer Chick Guide Kimberly both rely on the Garmin inReach Mini. If you start hiking alone on a regular basis, do some research and find a device that works best for you.   "I have a Garmin inReach Mini [and] it’s perfect for solo traveling. I can use it to track my hikes, camping, and fly fishing trips. It has weather, two way messaging anytime (especially great for backcountry trips with no service), and I can mark waypoints and see where I am with an app on my phone. Basically, it’s like having service when there’s not any. It marks my longitude and latitude and can even send updates to my family, friends, and posts on social media." -EXPLORER CHICK GUIDE KIMBERLY   You will be more than ready to go on a hike with these tips but most importantly, enjoy yourself and the beautiful views! You will surely have so many pictures and need the right hiking quote to post on Instagram. Written for Explorer Chick Blog.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=r0cijztSzTX12OKRsoueMWhI_FxpW0D97D96PdLPnho.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9leHBsb3JlcmNoaWNrLmNvbS8iLCJyIjoiYmQ5NGQ2YmQtZjkzMS00YzNjLTg1OWQtMDQ3MmZkNjgzNmQxIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) Published March 25, 2021 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, February 4, 2024) Good Morning, On this past Friday, we visited the Niagara Glen, a favorite hike amongst many. Although I had titled the event, "Winter Whirlpool Hike", there was no sign of winter anywhere. I love the Niagara Glen, but it's truest beauty shines when it's covered in fresh snow and the river is running thick with ice. Unfortunately, we didn't have any of that this year. Still, it was an amazing hike, as the Glen never disappoints.   Have you taken a look at our upcoming events (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=W_1ducQvr5EezPJHd2v8D8jNUe0lnTaF98M6KPE_hb4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJmNjA1MmJhNC1kMzI1LTQwZmQtYTY2Ni0xMjlkOTg3MTE5NDIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)lately. We have our usual hiking and climbing events,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=W_1ducQvr5EezPJHd2v8D8jNUe0lnTaF98M6KPE_hb4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJmNjA1MmJhNC1kMzI1LTQwZmQtYTY2Ni0xMjlkOTg3MTE5NDIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) but I threw in a bit of a mix by adding the Outdoor Adventure Show (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=PtLRWj43txC4ulRvPaV2ZGFXJ5IS9zlqC-2Q4Xyx2Io.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL291dGRvb3ItYWR2ZW50dXJlLXNob3ctMiIsInIiOiJmNjA1MmJhNC1kMzI1LTQwZmQtYTY2Ni0xMjlkOTg3MTE5NDIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)and the upcoming Banff Film Festival.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=JNd9qgMuG2TIgGDvZwv-PLT4wJ-04YuuwABRB06lsy4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL2JhbmZmLWZpbG0tZmVzdGl2YWwiLCJyIjoiZjYwNTJiYTQtZDMyNS00MGZkLWE2NjYtMTI5ZDk4NzExOTQyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) Make sure you take a look at the events page and get in on some of our fun and adventurous events, if not all of them!   I have finally gotten to the task of choosing and editing photos from the 2023 Season (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=Iwe5uNyo2GI02ErsfvjJjz_vDNcmUXAPKnldQU2hBQU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9nYWxsZXJ5LzIwMjMiLCJyIjoiZjYwNTJiYTQtZDMyNS00MGZkLWE2NjYtMTI5ZDk4NzExOTQyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)and added them to our photo galleries!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=rwLibsoI96w7HWiG9dALyvHYmrcpCDsjd-AMNAhwuN8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9nYWxsZXJ5IiwiciI6ImY2MDUyYmE0LWQzMjUtNDBmZC1hNjY2LTEyOWQ5ODcxMTk0MiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Make sure you check out the 2023 galleries (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=Iwe5uNyo2GI02ErsfvjJjz_vDNcmUXAPKnldQU2hBQU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9nYWxsZXJ5LzIwMjMiLCJyIjoiZjYwNTJiYTQtZDMyNS00MGZkLWE2NjYtMTI5ZDk4NzExOTQyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)and see if you're Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=CtSIWX_88aBvxREEzZP-VGrcVT1eXzoND5i4HR-tIgw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS8iLCJyIjoiZjYwNTJiYTQtZDMyNS00MGZkLWE2NjYtMTI5ZDk4NzExOTQyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)famous!   The Deadline to register for July's Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=KS6xiDXJQfdT7Gy2U1eXonDDFG5PmoUymWeCxLiWzZU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImY2MDUyYmE0LWQzMjUtNDBmZC1hNjY2LTEyOWQ5ODcxMTk0MiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)has been extended until February 29th, 2024. We have 4 persons registered and still have space for 8 more! This is the trip of a lifetime. Iceland (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=KS6xiDXJQfdT7Gy2U1eXonDDFG5PmoUymWeCxLiWzZU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImY2MDUyYmE0LWQzMjUtNDBmZC1hNjY2LTEyOWQ5ODcxMTk0MiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)offers a landscape unlike any other, it will leave you in awe. And at this price, you would regret it if you missed it! Register and reserve your spot (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=KS6xiDXJQfdT7Gy2U1eXonDDFG5PmoUymWeCxLiWzZU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImY2MDUyYmE0LWQzMjUtNDBmZC1hNjY2LTEyOWQ5ODcxMTk0MiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)before it's too late! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/5bOrjEFFJ/c?w=G9FYYBL2fMNc76NQJoESnQiZNeewgpvDKF8vbwR-4yI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiJhNDZmMDFmNi00MDE1LTQzOTItYjJjYi02YzFlZTM5YzJjZjAiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

When it comes to gear there is little as important as your hiking boots. Let's face it, your feet are your mobility and without mobility, you're not going to accomplish much out there. Taking care of your feet is extremely important, and the best way to do that is dress them correctly. Socks and Boots can make a world of difference. This week, we are going to delve into Hiking Boots and help you get the perfect fit for you! Confused when shopping for hiking boots? Here's how to choose the right pair If you are about to start hiking, the single most important consideration in terms of kit is what you put on your feet. You are going to be spending a lot of time with your hiking boots, so choose wisely and treat them well. You’ll be glad you did.   Read on to find out more about how to choose hiking boots, and how they should fit. Which type of do I choose? There are a few options when it comes to hiking footwear. What you choose will depend on the kind of hiking you are planning.   Hiking shoes and trail-running shoes are low in the ankle, fairly light and will not need much (if any) breaking in. They are good for shorter hikes on terrain that is not too challenging, as they’re flexible, reasonably sturdy (hiking shoes are tougher than trail shoes) and the ventilated mesh will help to keep your feet cool. They offer less stability than boots when you are carrying a full backpack, and will give minimal protection from water and debris. Experienced hikers often use them on tough terrain, but this is not a good idea if you are new to hiking.   Hiking boots, which come up higher on the ankle (mid-cut or high-cut), can be broken into two main categories: those designed for most people and those built for serious expeditions in the most challenging environments. Full-grain leather boots are only really needed for the hard-core stuff. Most hikers choose synthetic/leather (suede, nubuck) boots, which offer good waterproofing, protection, and durability, and are suitable for almost all conditions. How to shop for hiking boots — learning the lingo You will likely hear a lot of weird-sounding terms when you are trying to find the hiking boot or shoe that best suits your needs. Here’s what you need to know.   The insole, which is usually removable, offers cushioning and comfort so your feet are not sitting directly on the harder midsole.   The midsole determines the level of stiffness underfoot and protects your feet from the pounding they are going to take. A stiffer midsole gives more protection from rocks and hard, rutted terrain, but more flexible midsoles are easier on your feet.   The outsole is your foot’s first line of defense. It is made of rubber of varying degrees of toughness, and carbon is sometimes added. The hard-wearing, aggressive lugs are designed to aid traction. The lug (tread) pattern and depth vary greatly; the deeper the lug, the greater the traction, while widely spaced lugs shed mud more easily. Some boots also have a rand, a strip of rubber reinforcement around the entire boot, or just the toe. It’s there for added protection.   The upper is what you see of the boot above the outsole and midsole. It can be made of leather or synthetic materials, or, usually, a combination of the two.   The tongue should be comfortably thick. It stops debris from getting in and keeps your foot away from the laces.   The collar or cuff wraps the ankle. The inside should be soft, while the outside will be rigid on anything more robust than shoes designed for easy trails.   The toe box is where your toes sit. It ought to be wide enough to allow them to splay, but also tough enough to protect them.   Robust hooks, eyelets, and d-rings will allow you to lace the boots securely and to your liking.   The membrane is a layer of fabric (such as eVent or GoreTex) that provides breathability and waterproofing. What to look for when buying hiking boots  Spend time choosing your hiking boots or shoes. A low-cut or ankle-height pair will be ideal at this stage of your hiking life. Think about where you will be hiking, how often, and what kind of backpack you will be carrying (a boot with a higher cut will aid your stability if you are hauling a heavy pack). This is how you’ll get it right.   • Get the best pair you can afford. • Try them in-store later in the day, when your feet are slightly swollen. If you buy online, don’t settle: send them back if they are not right. • They should be secure but not tight. And if they are too loose, your feet are going to slide around inside — this sort of friction can lead to hot spots and blisters. You may also have to tie your laces extremely tightly, and this can cause pain on the top of the foot. • Make sure your heel does not slide up and down as you walk. This is a sure way to rub the skin from your Achilles tendon, which you absolutely do not want to do. You should be able to slide a finger down the back of your heel, but it should be a snug fit. • You should be able to wiggle your toes in the toe box. Squished toes can lead to blisters and sweaty discomfort, especially when you are heading downhill with a pack pushing you on, which will jam your toes against the top of the boot. • If you wear insoles, bring them when you are trying on boots. • Try a few pairs and don’t be rushed into a purchase. Ask as many questions as you like. • Wear them around the house or doing errands to break them in and ensure they are the boots for you. If you have bought boots rather than hiking/trail shoes, they will likely feel a little strange underfoot – stiff and clumsy – but this is normal. Wear them first on an easy, short hike to see how they feel.   A note on socks. There is little point in carefully choosing a pair of boots and then pulling on any old pair of socks. You need socks designed for hiking, so they ought to be breathable, quick to dry and offer decent cushioning. A combination of synthetic fibres and a wool such as merino is excellent. A small percentage of Lycra can help with fit and may stop your socks from slipping down into your boot. Written by John Carroll (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=amWB7n0CTKUKC0wfn_ZIeSxYRxyx_jAg--lTLHnFzbE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudG9tc2d1aWRlLmNvbS9hdXRob3Ivam9obi1jYXJyb2xsIiwiciI6ImMwM2E1NDEzLTNkMGItNGM0MC05OGVmLTA3MDhiZjQ2ZWVmYiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)for Tom's Guide.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=l4NGYIKcZbCd-srvH9IVJSHASd_MTlJanskRnNnHLAU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudG9tc2d1aWRlLmNvbS8iLCJyIjoiYzAzYTU0MTMtM2QwYi00YzQwLTk4ZWYtMDcwOGJmNDZlZWZiIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) Published June 3, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, January 28, 2023) Good Morning, This past Friday, a small group of five once again headed to Climbers Rock Inc. (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=IjRELFoGunmP8P8sjB7M59v5p-It9eWbA5mGRogN3zE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmVyc3JvY2suY29tLyIsInIiOiIzNTY0Mjc3My0yMTZmLTQ1ZmEtYmQ3OS00M2JmNjc1MjY0ZmQiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for a fun and challenging evening of indoor rock climbing. Have you tried rock climbing? It's incredibly fun, challenging and an awesome form of exercise. And the best part, come join Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=tX75cGUitEAZXkUZbt6nqGxyAeJMeqm0VkJ2b80OI10.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiIzNTY0Mjc3My0yMTZmLTQ1ZmEtYmQ3OS00M2JmNjc1MjY0ZmQiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for your first visit to Climbers Rock Inc. (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=IjRELFoGunmP8P8sjB7M59v5p-It9eWbA5mGRogN3zE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmVyc3JvY2suY29tLyIsInIiOiIzNTY0Mjc3My0yMTZmLTQ1ZmEtYmQ3OS00M2JmNjc1MjY0ZmQiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)and we will supply you with a free day climbing pass and a free indoor climbing lesson. Come on, how can you say no to that?   I have finally had a chance to sort and edit the photos from our trip to Yosemite, California from October, 2023. After taking much time to crop, resize and watermark the photos, they are now ready for your viewing pleasure on our Photo Gallery.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=FoaE7l4zt6A0dy9mn_xx8ZcDG3PBKbM7kMuu4RYYDMo.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9nYWxsZXJ5L3lvc2VtaXRlbG9vcDIwMjMiLCJyIjoiMzU2NDI3NzMtMjE2Zi00NWZhLWJkNzktNDNiZjY3NTI2NGZkIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)   There are only 3 more days to sign up for the Michaux Forest Multiday Hike - The Appalachian Trail,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=l6WasWnYGd_KQ2-IUN9msVB5L8p3FB2HaGvmBRVGxdY.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjM1NjQyNzczLTIxNmYtNDVmYS1iZDc5LTQzYmY2NzUyNjRmZCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) that will take place on April 15th in Pennsylvania. There are only a few spots left, so act fast!   As previously stated, the deadline for July's Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=t5vVMUAwCKby4Ib3_wF-hJ5NhLIDzB71IHgtDQsazOA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjM1NjQyNzczLTIxNmYtNDVmYS1iZDc5LTQzYmY2NzUyNjRmZCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)has been pushed to February 29th, 2024. There is plenty of space left, but it won't last long. Get your spot now!   There are a six new events posted on the Events Page (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=tX75cGUitEAZXkUZbt6nqGxyAeJMeqm0VkJ2b80OI10.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiIzNTY0Mjc3My0yMTZmLTQ1ZmEtYmQ3OS00M2JmNjc1MjY0ZmQiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)and below, make sure you take a look. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/15Or9U6Hg/c?w=H-USpVX6JJeO5GcJDe_tbFBFm90T7b6uDoQFMTXHTj0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI5YjI5ZWY3NC05OWIyLTRjN2YtOWQwOS02MWE5MDYxMjgzMzAiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

One of the most common mistakes I see when hiking and backpacking, is either poor choice in a backpack or a backpack that isn't properly fitted. Having the wrong backpack can completely ruin your hike not to mention your back. So this week, we will take a look at some of the different types of backpacks and how you should wear them. Are you looking forward to your first backpacking trip? Or maybe you’ve been on the trail and are wondering why your back hurts so much. A poorly fitting backpack can be a real hazard, causing back and hip pain, setting you off balance, and turning a beautiful hike into a miserable slog.    In this article, we will set you up for success with three important steps: backpack fitting tips, how to properly pack a hiking backpack, and the right way to wear a heavy hiking backpack. Once you have these pieces sorted out, you will be ready to check out some of the best hikes with confidence and comfort. Hiking Backpack Fitting Tips The easiest way to get a backpack that fits well is to go to an outdoor equipment store where you can try some on with expert guidance. If you are buying a pack online or getting one from a friend, you might not have access to a professional opinion. But don’t worry: you can easily confirm on your own if a pack is a good fit for you.   The first thing you will do is measure your torso and hipbelt (not the same as your pants size!) and choose a pack that fits these dimensions. Whatever site you buy from will offer tips for taking these measurements, and be sure to look at the pack’s sizing guide, as different brands will vary.  The Many Straps of a Pack, or How to Properly Wear a Hiking Backpack Once you have your backpack in hand, you will see that there are plenty of adjustments to make. The torso size is key because too short a pack will strain your muscles and too big a pack will destabilize you. When you have that proper torso size, you can move to the hipbelt, which is the most important part of the backpack to adjust.  The Hipbelt The pads of the hipbelt should sit high on your hips, around where your ‘love handles’ would be. Shrug your shoulders and tighten the hipbelt here. Your hips do a lot of the work in carrying the weight of a backpack, so if you find your shoulders hurting during a hike, you probably need to readjust the hipbelt.    You do not want this to be too tight that it hurts or too loose that it slips down. It should be snug in order to stay affixed in place while you hike. If you find yourself with bruises (called hip rot) or a rash on the hip, it is probably because there is too much movement of the hipbelt. The Shoulder Straps Once the hipbelt is in place, you can use the shoulder straps to make adjustments to get the pack to sit snugly against your body. It is a good idea to do this initial adjustment with a bit of weight, say ten pounds, in the pack. If it is totally empty, you may not get a good feel for how the weight will feel on your shoulders and hip. Load Lifters and Sternum Strap There are still a few more straps on the pack, namely the load lifters and the sternum strap. The load lifters are small straps that go from the top of the pack frame to the shoulder straps. When properly tightened to about a 45-degree angle from the pack, these straps bring the load closer to your body, which makes it easier to carry with the pack’s center of gravity closer to your own. The sternum strap should sit about an inch below your collarbones and be just tight enough to keep the shoulder straps off your armpits.   Make sure you do not overtighten any of these straps. If you do, you will feel tension, in your neck as the load lifters pull your head back or in your chest as the sternum strap pulls your body inward. You want the shoulder straps to be snug, but they should not pinch your armpits or restrict your arm movements at all. How to Properly Pack a Hiking Backpack You might not realize it matters, but there are actually ergonomic reasons that you should pack in a specific way. This mostly concerns where the backpack’s center of gravity is and how you can bring it closest to your sturdiest parts.   The best place to put heavy gear is in the middle of a hiking backpack. The bottom of the pack is great for bulky items like sleeping bags and pads and maybe your pajamas. Heavy items down here, though, will make the pack sag, and for back safety, you should avoid letting it hang lower than four inches below your waist. Throw these bulky light items in first, especially ones you won’t need to access until camp, and then pack the heavier items like cooking gear and food next. Weighting the core middle area of the pack will help you feel stable on the trail.   Finally, the top of the pack is for trail essentials like your rain jacket, first aid kit, and supplies for water filtration and toilet usage. You don’t want to put anything too heavy up here, as it will throw off your balance and cause unnecessary tension. Hiking backpacks also have plenty of strap pockets and loops for storing headlamps, bug spray, navigation tools, high-calorie snacks, and other small essentials that you might want to access on the move. How to Adjust a Hiking Backpack on the Trail Lean Forward Because the backpack’s weight is mostly behind you, leaning forward slightly will help you feel more balanced. Especially while going up or downhill, be aware of how the backpack’s position can change how heavy it feels. Try making slight adjustments to the straps and backpack’s positioning as you walk so you can learn to identify these stressors and improve your comfort on the trail. If you are wondering if trekking poles are worth it, they can certainly help in this situation to disperse weight better.  Avoid Load Fatigue One helpful way to give yourself a rest as you continue hiking is to alternate between backpack positions. It is common to take a few minutes with a hip-heavy load, where you loosen the shoulder straps slightly and give your upper body a rest. Then you can switch, tightening the shoulder straps back up and loosening the hipbelt a little. You don’t want the pack to be in danger of falling off or affecting your ability to walk, but a few moments of small adjustments can help you recover mid-hike and avoid muscle fatigue. Rest It is so important to take breaks along your hike. Not only for water and snacks but also to give your body a rest. Even if you are only taking a short water break, you should take the pack off and shake out your shoulders. Take a moment to assess how you are feeling and if there are any sore places on your body that you need to address. If you ignore pain, it will likely only get worse, so pay attention to what your body needs and make changes.   With these backpack fitting tips, you should be ready to hit the trail and conquer many trails. Make sure you listen to your body, pack smart, and stay safe. Happy hiking! Written by Benjamin Panico (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=ebXUUrbbyUJ9UfP15Gm5_3WCRqoBhWbXm86S6Wybd6Y.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2JlbmphbWlucGFuaWNvLyIsInIiOiI1MDc2MGZmNC1jMDYzLTQ1ZTAtOTIxOS0xY2Y4ODQ5MGE0ZDciLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for Broadmoor Outfitters.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=XWnMrEIPupFZ82bIBdkjLYcOSWNPK_c94Y7nDAw6z4c.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vIiwiciI6IjUwNzYwZmY0LWMwNjMtNDVlMC05MjE5LTFjZjg4NDkwYTRkNyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Published November 11, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, January 21, 2024) Good Morning, This past Friday, we hosted our first hike in a while. Although is was a short 8km hike, it was a very pleasant one. With myself and six other brave hikers, we pushed through the light snowfall, and even in -15°C temperatures, this was a great hike. We laid first tracks, as we had a trail covered by fresh powder, and we were the only hikers out. Starting at Rockway Conservation, we hiked the Bruce Trail over to Louth Conservation and then hiked the new Lower Falls side trail that takes you deeper into the Conservation area and to a second, lower waterfall. It was a beautiful site, and will be amazing to see come Spring thaw.   I have moved the deadline date for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=8R4SzbFo26D2w58CKOxekdHNLp2aS4-QpQk8qxiValc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)to February 29th, 2024. I am having a hard time filling this trip, and it seems that the reason is the media and the active volcano currenly erupting in Iceland. I want to remind everyone that Iceland is an island of Vocanic activity, and there is always a volcano erupting there. In 2023, we flew in just one week after an eruption, and we hiked to the active volcano at the end of our trip. It was incredible to see. The current volcanic eruption is small, and no where near where we will be on the island. The media is making a fuss about this one because it happened near a small town, and for safety, the town was evacuated. I want to assure everyone that this eruption will not affect this trip and we will be more than safe.   We still have 5 spots left for the upcoming trip to hike the Appalachian (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=FWKJgMV18XghNvhG3Rz2rkUzVxiaezsdf6b5h7kbi3c.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)Trail through Michaux National Forest in Pennsylvania. Please register by January 31st for this trip. It will be a very beautiful multiday hike through a gorgeous mountain range. Please register soon!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=FWKJgMV18XghNvhG3Rz2rkUzVxiaezsdf6b5h7kbi3c.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   There is still plenty of time to get your 2024 NAC Season Pass!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=pBEheSIRZ3xsBvh-SSLnh-MPCROdwkG0h5m2_RT2Vq8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) With an NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=pBEheSIRZ3xsBvh-SSLnh-MPCROdwkG0h5m2_RT2Vq8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)you will gain access to a season of adventures, new friendships and incredible memories. You'll also have access to discounts and benefits (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=nWmhfCbcoDwaP1uSN9r_PUyYQpcIiCCuGkIdxUAVlRk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI5YWNmZjJhNC04YzY0LTRiY2MtYmI0ZS0zYzY3YmYxYjhiMGEiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)from our NAC Partners (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=nWmhfCbcoDwaP1uSN9r_PUyYQpcIiCCuGkIdxUAVlRk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI5YWNmZjJhNC04YzY0LTRiY2MtYmI0ZS0zYzY3YmYxYjhiMGEiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)that makes the NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=pBEheSIRZ3xsBvh-SSLnh-MPCROdwkG0h5m2_RT2Vq8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjlhY2ZmMmE0LThjNjQtNGJjYy1iYjRlLTNjNjdiZjFiOGIwYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)by far the best value in a hiking club pass in all of Ontario! And there are two new NAC Partners currently in the works, keep your eyes on the web page and upcoming emails for more information. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/e1OqSZIes/c?w=eQmGjlwwpzaL7x4zl2yoI6s4anBHRdWzqcp1prkC_Ns.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiJjNzc1ZDBlMi02YTE4LTRhOTktYjE5OC1kMDVjNWYxYTA0NjAiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

In 2023 Niagara Adventure Club added Climber's Rock Inc. (https://climbersrock.com/)to our list of NAC Partners. Since then we have hosted numerous climbing events and introduced quite a few adventurous people to the world of indoor rock climbing. Feel free to join us, and if it's your first time, NAC will provide you with a free day pass and a free lesson. But why should you come you ask? Well, read on... Appropriate for almost all ages, indoor climbing improves fitness while building trust, teamwork, and problem solving skills – as well as expanding one’s social network. Adding indoor climbing to one’s regular workout routine yields an array of benefits for adults and children alike, no matter what fitness level or prior experience they bring to the sport. Benefits of rock climbing include increased physical fitness, improved problem-solving skills, building trust and teamwork, and an expanded social network. Rock climbing indoors is a healthy activity everyone from families to business associates can enjoy together. Who Can Rock Climb? A person does not need superhuman strength or massive arms to start climbing. In fact, it’s common to witness a slender, flexible woman out-climbing a burly, toned man. What a person does need to begin rock climbing is to sign up for a beginner climbing lesson at their local indoor climbing gym. The lesson will teach the necessary safety skills for indoor rock climbing. A Total Body Workout Nearly every climb will at some point engage almost every part of one’s body, from toes to fingertips. A challenging, all-over body workout demanding coordination, endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance, rock climbing is one of the most calorie-consuming fitness exercises out there. The calories burned while rock climbing rival many more commonly employed workout routines, such as running, cross-country skiing, and bicycling. An Excellent Exercise in Problem Solving Unlike so many other workout routines, rock climbing offers the added mental element of continuous problem solving in the midst of a physical workout. Most gyms possess a great variety of injection-molded plastic handholds and footholds. These holds are bolted to the wall in particular sequences, which are marked out as climbing routes. The climber attempts to ascend a selected route without falling. Building Trust and Teamwork Rock climbing is one of the best team building activities available for individuals, families, and corporations alike. Participants must learn to work together cooperatively to achieve their individual aims, which they cannot safely achieve alone. Climbing partners literally hold each others’ safety and security in their hands every time they belay. Expansion of Social Network Climbing regularly at an indoor gym opens up a new social scene. Since rock climbing safely demands a partnership between climber and belayer, it’s an inherently social endeavor. Climbing partners often discuss “beta” for routes, or the particular way that each believes a certain move or series of moves is most effectively performed. Oftentimes, too, a climber is helped by beta and encouragement shouted from those watching on the ground. Indoor Climbing for Families and Businesses Parents looking for active family activities should consider signing their children up for a lesson at an indoor gym — and learning with them. Seeing children as young as six (and sometimes younger) climbing the walls of indoor climbing gyms is not uncommon these days. Climbing gyms often do not allow children under a certain age (often 12) to use the gym without adult supervision.   Businesses can also benefit from using an indoor climbing gym for a corporate outing. Gyms often offer package deals specifically designed for this purpose. The teamwork and team building skills acquired in the informality of the climbing gym environment can potentially translate into a more effective, efficient, and mutually supportive workplace. Written by Lisa Mitchel (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=jiN0otDzYMLbzfJcGYMy14eIUFdK8fKHdXCrE7KPU54.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly90aGVhZHZlbnR1cmVyci5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2xpc2EvIiwiciI6ImFjNGUyN2YxLTEwMDUtNDYzNy1iOTQ4LTU4YWM5NzhmM2E3NCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)for The Adventurerr.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=zTgICzWx6edKj2r-ENXhdWdEChS63_n8EAjogFoBgzI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly90aGVhZHZlbnR1cmVyci5jb20vIiwiciI6ImFjNGUyN2YxLTEwMDUtNDYzNy1iOTQ4LTU4YWM5NzhmM2E3NCIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Posted October 22, 2017 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, January 14, 2024) Good Morning, Well, the bug finally got me. I have been ill for the past few days. Much like most of you, I HATE being sick. On Friday, however, I pumped myself full of medication and a small group of 5 attended Climber's Rock for our Rock On Indoor Climbing event. Although I didn't do any climbing, I did put on my harness and belayed like it was nobody's business. It's been a minute since we've been climbing, so everyone was a little rusty. But all who attended finished strong.   The 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=dEIjmMWJ_i_wbx9gWDv85bXfnMH0_jYZOKIYdv6chl4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)still has plenty of space. This trip promises to be an incredible journey across one of the planet's most surreal landscapes. Currently there are still 9 spaces left, and only 16 more days to fill the spots.   We still have 5 spots left for the April trip to the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=qIGCCOjSDqrVvn4ngPivO16ihZ0-MXUeg98uD89ck3I.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) There are only 10 more days to register for this amazing trip that is only a short drive away. The Appalachian Trail is world famous, and the Michaux National Forest is a gorgeous mountain trek. If you're going to do one trek this season, this should be the one! Please register soon!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=qIGCCOjSDqrVvn4ngPivO16ihZ0-MXUeg98uD89ck3I.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   There is still plenty of time to get your 2024 NAC Season Pass!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=B-H67-nf3rMPNkf1RXaSASkLUyJtnMHSluDzVNSQjW8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) With an NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=B-H67-nf3rMPNkf1RXaSASkLUyJtnMHSluDzVNSQjW8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)you will gain access to a season of adventures, new friendships and incredible memories. You'll also have access to discounts and benefits (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=C2H6ExKXoiUUViwT7uYjfuo-t4QMGb5HQwYSEGvPnfA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiJkNmU4ZjU3OC1mODNiLTQ3M2QtOGUyNi1kYjNmYjFmZjIxM2YiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)from our NAC Partners (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=C2H6ExKXoiUUViwT7uYjfuo-t4QMGb5HQwYSEGvPnfA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiJkNmU4ZjU3OC1mODNiLTQ3M2QtOGUyNi1kYjNmYjFmZjIxM2YiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)that makes the NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=B-H67-nf3rMPNkf1RXaSASkLUyJtnMHSluDzVNSQjW8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImQ2ZThmNTc4LWY4M2ItNDczZC04ZTI2LWRiM2ZiMWZmMjEzZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)by far the best value in a hiking club pass in all of Ontario! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/9eOq6nElr/c?w=uQq12hLZUV4ibeC0cHrlJshV4gpmBaSFRtEA7MAl7C4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiJiMjc0ZmE3My03OWM5LTRkYzYtYThmOC1kN2NmNGU5NjZkZjAiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

Any Winter hiker will tell you how tiring it is to be "post holing" through deep winter snow. Post holing is the term used to describe the action of stepping into deep snow. With each step you have to lift your leg very high to get out of the hole you just made and step forward to sink and leave another "post hole". The fix for this? Snow Shoes! Although you will still sink a few inches in your snow shoes, it's much better than those 30" holes you've been digging for the last hour and a half as you only moved 200 meters. Snowshoeing is one of the easiest winter sports to try. It’s also pretty easy to make sure you stay safe and have fun too. Follow our step-by-step guide to take your first steps on snowshoes this year.   If you’re a beginner, here’s how to get ready to snowshoe:   1. Get the right gear: Rent or buy snowshoes and consider poles and traction devices too. 2. Dress for winter: It’s all about the right layers from head to toe. 3. Pack a backpack: Bring the 10 essentials for safety, plus a few extras. 4. Choose a place to go: Before you head out, check the weather, conditions and avalanche forecast. 5. Practice your technique: Learn how to travel safety in hilly terrain to avoid wipeouts. 6. Follow our trail tips: Advice on snowshoe etiquette and how to keep the wilderness wild.   Learn all the details below, then start playing in powder snow and crunching along winter trails. 1. Get the right gear Snowshoes Obviously you’ll need snowshoes. Choose a pair that’s designed for the type of terrain you’ll be tackling (flat trails vs. steep peaks or something in between) and can accommodate your weight, plus gear. If you aren’t ready to buy snowshoes, many snowshoe areas will rent them. Renting snowshoes is a great way of trying different brands and styles.  Poles Some people like to use poles to help with balance and stability. They can be particularly helpful in deep snow and give an extra sense security on slopes. Adjustable poles with snow baskets designed for backcountry skiing make great snowshoe poles. If you have regular ski poles sitting in the garage, those will do in a pinch. Just make sure they’re the correct size for you. Traction Devices If you plan to snowshoe in steep or icy terrain, or if you regularly head out on hard-packed trails, you might come across snow that’s too icy and crusty for snowshoes to be helpful. Consider stashing traction devices in your pack that you can swap out for your snowshoes. 2. Dress for winter Once you’ve got your gear, the secret to staying warm and comfortable when snowshoeing is dressing in layers. This lets you shed a layer if you warm up while working hard or add a layer for extra insulation on breezy mountain tops or chilly mornings. If you start to sweat, take off a layer to avoid soaking it, otherwise you’ll be cold and damp when you stop.   Choose warm, moisture-wicking base layers next to your skin, and waterproof or water-resistant outer layers to protect from snow or sleet. Add a fleece jacket or lightweight puffy jacket as a mid layer when it’s really cold. Keep your hands, neck and head warm Bring a toque along, plus a neck gaiter to keep your throat warm. Pack waterproof and insulated ski gloves or mitts for cold temperatures and bring lighter weight water-resistant fleece gloves for warmer days. “I always bring two pairs of gloves when I go snowshoeing so I have a dry pair if one gets wet. Nothing’s worse than wet hands when it’s cold out.” – MEC staff tip Choose insulated boots For casual snowshoe walks, insulated winter boots will keep your feet warm and dry. They don’t offer much ankle support, though, so for backcountry snowshoe adventures you’ll be more comfortable in hiking boots. You can wear your summer hiking boots for snowshoeing, along with some warm wool or synthetic hiking socks. If you’re prone to cold feet, invest in a pair of insulated winter hiking boots. To keep snow out of the tops of your boots, layer on a pair of gaiters. 3. Pack a backpack Not sure what to bring snowshoeing? Even if you’re heading out for a on a short trip, it’s important to pack some key items. The weather changes quickly in the winter and you should be prepared in case you are out longer than you planned for.   When you’re packing your bag, make sure it includes all of the 10 essentials (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=GWkdhwviKmvMJcnZQ6dwvSb6u-KUKIm5eUTMd10xIhQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9mb3J1bS9uYWMtYWR2ZW50dXJlLXdlZWtseS1hcmNoaXZlL3ZvbHVtZS0xMDItdGhlLTEwLWVzc2VudGlhbHMtZm9yLWhpa2luZy1hbmQtY2FtcGluZyIsInIiOiJkZjE3MWVkMC03YzI2LTQ1YzItODgyYy1jOTU2M2Y4MjVhZTAiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)+ extra insulation, along with the gear and clothing outlined in the points above. “Always bring a headlamp and a map of the trails – it’s easy to get disoriented in winter. Pack lots of snacks in your bag too!” – Pascale V-R from Chèvres de Montagne, an MEC Outdoor Nation partner Add extra items to stay warm Stash a few extras in your backpack for a snowshoe trip to keep you warm:   • Bring your water in a vacuum bottle or get an insulated water bottle cozy so it won’t freeze. Better yet, bring tea, coffee or hot chocolate. • Handwarmers are great for thawing chilly hands or warming up your phone battery so you can get a snowshoe selfie. • A lightweight insulated bum pad, seat cushion makes eating your sandwich on the cold, cold ground way comfier. 4. Choose a place to go As long as there’s snow on the ground, it’s fairly easy to find a place to go snowshoeing. Some suggestions to get you started:   • Pick up a local snowshoeing guidebook or map. • Head to a ski resort or cross-country ski area. Many of them have snowshoe trails that you can use for a fee. • Visit the trails at local regional, provincial or national park. • Check out what your favourite local hiking trail looks like in winter mode. Before you head out, check the conditions and weather forecasts to ensure you have the right gear and know what to expect. Trails can be hard to follow in winter, so remember to pack a map and compass or GPS and brush up on your winter navigation skills.   If you plan to snowshoe in BC and Alberta (or anywhere with avalanche potential), check the avalanche forecast too. Trails that are fun hikes in the summertime can become treacherous avalanche terrain in the winter. 5. Practice your technique If you can walk, you can snowshoe… on flat ground at least. Things get a bit more complicated once hills are involved. Poles can help a lot with balance and control, and if you brought traction devices, steep slopes are where you’ll want to use them. Tips for snowshoeing uphill • In soft snow, use the toe of your boot to kick steps into the snow. • If it’s icy and crusty, use the crampons on the bottom of your snowshoe to bite into the hard top-layer of the snow. • If it’s too steep, try to make your own switchbacks (zigzagging back and forth) up the slope. Tips for snowshoeing downhill • Keep your knees bent and your body weight slightly back. • Plant your poles in front of you for balance. • With each step, make sure your crampons dig into the snow. • If you start to slip, sit down to stop yourself from sliding further. • When the slope is too steep, take off your snowshoes and put on your traction devices, or kick steps down in your boots. Tips for traversing or side-hilling • Use your uphill snowshoe to dig into the slope and make a flat surface to stand on. • Keep your weight on your uphill snowshoe. • Use your poles for balance. If you have adjustable poles, make your uphill pole shorter and your downhill pole longer. Tips for turning and going backwards • Make wide turns so you don’t step on the back of your own snowshoe (and trip in the process). • You’re likely to step on your own snowshoe if you try to walk backwards, so make a U-turn instead of putting yourself in reverse. 6. Follow these trail tips It’s awesome to see snowshoeing getting more popular. Since there are more people out in the trails, follow these snowshoe etiquette tips to keep things fun for everyone:   • Move aside: Step off the trail when you stop for a hot chocolate break or if there are faster snowshoers who want to pass. • Yield to skiers: It’s way easier for a snowshoer to step out of the way than it is for a skier to stop. • Stay off ski tracks: Snowshoe prints ruin groomed cross-country ski tracks or backcountry ski skin tracks. • Take turns breaking trail: In deep snow, it’s hard work going first! • Slide off the trail: If you bum slide or toboggan on your way down, do it off the trail. Sliding on the trail makes it icy and hard for others to walk on. Finally, when you’re outside playing in powder or crunching along trails, keep the 7 Leave No Trace principles (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=N7FojNQbZrQdu_ghNhWkkYQHDGGtiJZUzBHtnbTOM34.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9mb3J1bS9uYWMtYWR2ZW50dXJlLXdlZWtseS1hcmNoaXZlL3ZvbHVtZS05Mi10aHJ1LWhpa2luZy0xMDEtbGVhdmUtbm8tdHJhY2UtbG50LXByaW5jaXBsZXMtb24tdHJhaWwiLCJyIjoiNTliZDM4ZDItNzhiNC00NWY4LTlmYWUtODRhNDY4OWQyZDBjIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)in mind. A few ways to keep the wilderness wild: • Pack out your garbage: Yep, this includes nut shells, orange peels and banana skins. They’ll all melt out of the snow and be litter for hikers. • Pick up poop: Clean up after your dog and pack it out. No one wants to stumble on a poop landmine in spring. • Don’t be tempted by cuteness: Even if they’re adorable, don’t feed the squirrels and birds. They have their own winter food sources and we don’t want them to start relying on people. Posted on Mountain Equipment Company Expert Advice(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=mtgxy33EYCWvg1xK8q0siP_ikx0YzFPFPcSYmNmE7rA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubWVjLmNhL2VuL2V4cGxvcmUvbGVhcm4iLCJyIjoiZGU0YTA3NjktMGNhOC00NmIzLTgxMGItZjI2MWUxYWMxY2U4IiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, January 7, 2024) Good Morning, WELCOME TO 2024! It is January 7th, 2024 and this is the first Adventure Weekly of the 2024 Season. I am not going to lie, it's pretty much the exact same as the Adventure Weekly's of past seasons, now it just has a different year at the top and there are more NAC Partners!   2024 is off to a slow start. Unfortunately, most everyone had to cancel for the 2023 Festival of Lights Walk, and so the event was cancelled and rescheduled for this past Friday, and again not many could make it. But even with a smaller group of 8, it did not disappoint. The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights is unrivaled in the world, so if you haven't seen it yet, I highly suggest you do! Bonus tip, try to make it on the right dates, and at the 8:00pm mark to also catch the incredible Fireworks. Check out the Niagara Falls Canada Website (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=WWpr6Xr0gsRXCbc16Fc3BDlNeqdNs7LFI0ksozXloTM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWZhbGxzdG91cmlzbS5jb20vZmlyZXdvcmtzLyIsInIiOiI5ZTJlMGZjYS00ZjFlLTQ1M2UtODExZS1mOWY5YWE4N2JmMWUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for the fireworks schedule.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=WWpr6Xr0gsRXCbc16Fc3BDlNeqdNs7LFI0ksozXloTM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWZhbGxzdG91cmlzbS5jb20vZmlyZXdvcmtzLyIsInIiOiI5ZTJlMGZjYS00ZjFlLTQ1M2UtODExZS1mOWY5YWE4N2JmMWUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)   Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=t4ujdSRhaQNBT6aMHyEaojgVFxBALBAeB_CF_xgGJg4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)still remains open and there is still plenty of space remaining. This trek is an incredible and life changing adventure. It is also the perfect backpacking trip for beginners! Registration seems to be slow, and many have expressed their concerns of the Volcano. I assure you, the Volcano will not be an issue. Volcanos are monthly occurrences in Iceland and the current one is being largely exaggerated by the media. It is no where near the area we will be, and it is rather small. If you have any concerns or questions about this trip, please reply to this email. I will contact you as early as possible to answer any questions in detail.   There has been very little interest in the April trip to the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YIcINu7o--TdaBkear6XUe3nf91a9GzgcBOenAkKnF0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Therefore, if I do not have a group of 8 for this trip by January 15th, I will cancel the trip and replace it with a smaller trip somewhere along the Bruce Trail. If you are interested in the Appalachian Trail, please register as soon as possible!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YIcINu7o--TdaBkear6XUe3nf91a9GzgcBOenAkKnF0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   If you haven't purchased your 2024 NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YULJ9tX3jWQppw9BgGQJQg3hfw4Dx0vVBzUHQoiX8_M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)yet, what are you waiting for? An NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YULJ9tX3jWQppw9BgGQJQg3hfw4Dx0vVBzUHQoiX8_M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)gets you access to a season of adventure, new friendships and incredible memories. Not only that, but you'll also receive discounts and benefits (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=RM5kMgW0ca_iRMFjd1NOLjngFaUTxc7V_h05fC2DQKA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI5ZTJlMGZjYS00ZjFlLTQ1M2UtODExZS1mOWY5YWE4N2JmMWUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)from our NAC Partners (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=RM5kMgW0ca_iRMFjd1NOLjngFaUTxc7V_h05fC2DQKA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI5ZTJlMGZjYS00ZjFlLTQ1M2UtODExZS1mOWY5YWE4N2JmMWUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)that makes the NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YULJ9tX3jWQppw9BgGQJQg3hfw4Dx0vVBzUHQoiX8_M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)by far the best value in a hiking club pass in all of Ontario! Get yours now!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=YULJ9tX3jWQppw9BgGQJQg3hfw4Dx0vVBzUHQoiX8_M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjllMmUwZmNhLTRmMWUtNDUzZS04MTFlLWY5ZjlhYTg3YmYxZSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/cbOpOcPnQ/c?w=ltSYVM8Fv1paRTuAlTXKkpVV_GTtqJt-7Qlw616nEWM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI1MTIyNzAxZi1mOGY4LTQxMGQtOTk0Ny0xZjlhOTZkNmQ2MmEiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

It's common knowledge that indoor climbing is a fun sport with many physical benefits. It is a great way to be social, meet new friends and stay in shape. However, it's not the easiest sport to get into, it requires some skill and uses many different muscle groups that most of us are not used to using on a regular basis. So, what's the best way to prepare for climbing and hone those skills, let's dive into the best exercises for climbers. Climbing is a very challenging sport and requires a lot of strength and stamina, which is why it’s such a great workout. Indoor rock climbing is an efficient way to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. It’s a great way to work on your balance and coordination. As in outdoor climbing, indoor rock climbing work is must to train your mind and body to climb up by pushing yourself to new heights.   Being a highly demanding sport, indoor rock climbing training will not suffice merely with rock climbing exercises on the wall. This is a tasking total-body work, and these 13 rock climbing exercises for beginners can get you fully ready for indoor climbing both psychologically and physically. 13 Best Indoor Rock Climbing Workouts We have compiled this list of 13 rock climbing workouts that will help you increase your strength, stamina, and flexibility while also improving your climbing technique. You can practice them in-house as the rock climbing exercises at home. Pullup: Strength & Endurance Pullups are a great exercise for climbers to be done indoors and don’t require any equipment. Plus, they provide an intense workout that is perfect for those days when you don’t have time to go to the gym. Pullups train your entire body while building strength, endurance, and core strength are crucial for rock climbers. The muscles are worked on the front of the body most when you do pullups. You will be using every muscle in your body as you pull yourself up to full extension. Spiderman Pushup  Spiderman Pushups are a great workout for the climbers to start rock climbing. They are intense and require a lot of upper body strength. It is a great strength-building workout for the arms, core, and shoulders. They are so intense that it will be hard to do them for more than five minutes at a time.   To perform these pushups, you will need a sturdy, stable surface. You can use a chair, tree, or fence to do them on. When performing these pushups, you will need to have the body in an athletic position. The position is similar to the front lever, with the hands and feet touching simultaneously.   The Spiderman Pushup is also great for improving your grip strength. Your hands will be similar to when you are climbing holds. Keep your hands in the same position as when you are doing pullups. It is a great exercise to do once or twice a week and especially beneficial when used with your front lever routine. One-arm Suspension Trainer Inverted Row Climbing is a great exercise for toning the arms and shoulders, but it can be tough to get a good workout if you lack space or flexibility. One-arm suspension trainers make it easy to do various exercises without having to use your legs, and inverted rows are one of the best exercises for the arms and shoulders.   This rock climbing trainer allows you to lift weights with just one arm, making it an ideal workout for climbers who want to work their arms, shoulders, and legs. You can also use a one-arm suspension trainer to do squat or bench presses.   To get the most out of your inverted rows, you should vary the angle at which you hold the bar. The exercise will determine how low you lower the bar and how far away from your body you hold it. Single-leg Burpee: Leg’s & Abs Muscles The single-leg burpee targets the muscles in your legs and abs. You can perform this workout using any object around your house, like a phone book or a door frame.   Standing with one leg in front and the other one back. Place your hands on your hips and jump into the air, landing on the opposite foot. Keep your balance and repeat the motion with the other leg. Bentover Row: Build Upper Body Muscle Bentover row is a great strength-training exercise for building upper-body muscle. A great indoor climbing workout is a great way to work your back and core muscles. The main muscles that are worked during a bent-over row are the traps and the rhomboids.   Perform this exercise by leaning forward from a flat position parallel to the floor with your torso. Pull yourself up until you are about two inches above the ground with your arms straight. Keep straight and bend your elbows to help you lift. Return down until you are in the starting position.   You can do this exercise, which can also be done with a band, but it’s not as effective because it doesn’t allow you to use your muscles properly. Reverse Cable Flye: Aerobic Fitness Reverse cable flyes are great to add an indoor climbing workout to your routine. Using this exercise, you can work on your balance, strength, and coordination. You can also use reverse cable flyes to increase your aerobic fitness.   There are two different ways to perform this exercise. You can either pull your feet off the ground while doing this exercise or lift your feet up and down while doing it. Either way, be sure that you do not bend your knees too much when doing these exercises. They should be straight when you are doing these exercises.   Reverse Cable Flyes will help you strengthen your leg muscles and help improve your leg strength. You can also use this exercise to add an effective way of working on your legs. Forearm Kettlebell Curl: Improve Strength & Power If you’re looking for an intense indoor climbing workout, consider doing forearm kettlebell curls. This move targets your biceps and forearms and can help improve your strength and power while climbing.   Foam Roll – Get the Rippage out of your Legs. Like with your back, you should foam roll your legs every time you have to. This helps loosen up any tight muscles in your leg muscles and make them stronger.   Try adding a reminder to your daily routine to foam roll your legs at least once a day. If you have time, try doing this workout on alternate days. This will help you get the most out of your leg workouts. Single-leg Lever: Quadriceps & Hamstrings The single-leg lever is a great way to work your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise is also great for improving your balance, as it requires you to stabilize yourself while keeping a foot on the ground. If you can do this exercise with both legs, do so! This will help you get the most out of your climbing workout. Swiss Ball Pressup: Core & Abdominal Muscles Swiss Ball Pressup is one of the most unique and challenging rock climbing exercises at home that you can do for your abdominal muscles. It requires balance, coordination, and strength in your core muscles. The Swiss Ball Press is a great exercise to help tone your midsection and improve your posture.   This exercise is a great choice for those who want to lose weight and get rid of belly fat. Like it, sit-ups, also known as the ab crunch, are an excellent way to tone your abdominal muscles and improve your posture. Toe to Heel Leg Raise: Improve Balance & Endurance If you’re after an intense workout to do anywhere, then consider performing toe to heel leg raises. Yes, it can be an excellent workout at home, keeping rock climbing in mind. You can perform this exercise on a stair climber.   A great activity to include in your rock climbing training if you have limited space or want to kill two birds with one stone by doing something that also helps improve your balance and coordination. Single-leg Plank: Cardio Workout As a rock climber, one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy and fit is to include a variety of exercises in your routine. One great exercise is the single-leg plank. This move targets your core, glutes, and hamstrings, and it’s a great way to get a cardio workout while also building strength and endurance.   To do the Single-leg Plank:   1) Lie flat on your back on the floor with your palms flat on the ground next to your hips.   2) Lift one leg straight and parallel to the ground.   3) Hold this position for two seconds, and lower your leg back down to the floor.   4) Repeat this sequence with the other leg. Slow-motion Bicycle: Heart Rate Up & Calory Burn Slow-motion bicycle workouts are a great way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. They can improve strength and endurance. To do the slow-motion bicycle exercise:   1) Start with your hands and knees, with your arms straight and palms flat on the ground.   2) Shift your weight to your right arm and raise it perpendicular to the ground.   3) Hold this position for two seconds, and lower your arm back down to the floor.   4) Repeat this sequence with the other arm. FAQs What exercise is good for rock climbing? Rock climbers face many physical challenges while scaling the cliffs and mountains of their favorite climbing destinations. While different exercises are beneficial for rock climbers, some exercises are more specific to this sport than others. Here is a list of six rock climbing-specific exercises that can help improve overall fitness and strength:   1) Climbing stairs.   2) Crawling on all fours.   3) Pulling yourself up a wall using only your hands   4) Jumps on a trampoline or piece of equipment with a good rebound for height.   5) Running and Hiking.   6) Weight lifting. How can I practice rock climbing without a gym? There are many ways to practice rock climbing without a gym. One way is to find an outdoor climbing spot near you. Another way is to use a bouldering wall. A bouldering wall is made out of metal bars that climbers can climb on.   Boulders are the equivalent of climbing on the ground. They are available in almost every area but are more prevalent in areas with lots of climbing gyms. How can I practice climbing without climbing? Climbing is both a psychologically and physically demanding sport. Climbing can be practiced without climbing, but it is not as satisfying. Moreover, it is difficult and frustrating because it takes longer to build the skills necessary to climb effectively.   There are several ways to practice climbing without actually climbing up a rock face, including taking climbing classes and going rock climbing outdoors merely for short climbs until you have mastered the basic techniques. Once you have mastered these fitness techniques, you can venture out on longer climbs. Can rock climbing be your only workout? Rock climbing is an efficient way to get your heart rate up and burn calories. It’s also a great workout for the arms, legs, and core. If you’re new to rock climbing, start with easier climbs first so that you don’t get injured. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, try some more challenging climbs. Is rock climbing once a week enough? Rock climbing is a popular sport that many people enjoy. It can be done at any fitness level and can be fun for all ages. However, many people believe that rock climbing once a week is not enough to maintain good physical condition. Many experts recommend rock climbing once a week as a starting point, but increasing the frequency as your conditioning improves. Can rock climbing get you ripped? Rock climbing is a great way to get fit and ripped. It provides an excellent workout, but it also builds strength, agility, and endurance. Rock climbing is both an indoor or outdoor sport and to be done in various settings, such as gyms, parks, or cliffs. Wrap Up So, indoor rock climbing workouts are a great way to get a full-body workout while having fun. They are also a great way to improve your strength, coordination, and balance. If you are looking for a new workout routine or want to have some fun, indoor rock climbing workouts are worth trying.   So, what are you waiting for? Master over the tricks mentioned in this indoor rock climbing workout list. There is no need to get out there to start climbing. Written by Afzall Rahman (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=zY1bRoRd0FLmFQy6UOyx7IXcgnVsMQJjoUuveTGTyEQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmluZ2NhbGwuY29tL2F1dGhvci9hZG1pbi8iLCJyIjoiMWEwNTg2OGYtMTllZC00Mzg4LTg1OWYtNTc4NzM5YTAzYzZmIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)for Climbing Call,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=QFa2pEV8AcL0_hdNqLtcbopFwsVUv9VLpS3yzW8HZxg.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmluZ2NhbGwuY29tLyIsInIiOiIxYTA1ODY4Zi0xOWVkLTQzODgtODU5Zi01Nzg3MzlhMDNjNmYiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) published on April 29, 2022 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, December 31, 2024) Good Morning, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! It is December 31st, the final day of 2023, (or 123123). I would like to thank all of those who supported Niagara Adventure Club and participated in our many adventures this past year. In 2023, Niagara Adventure Club hosted 23 Indoor Rock Climbing Evenings, 13 Day Hikes, 2 Multiday Hikes and two International Expeditions. This was NAC's busiest year ever, hosting events nearly every week. Our two International Expeditions, Iceland and Yosemite, California, were a great success and all those who participated pushed their limits and learned new skills, all the while creating memories that will never fade.   Due to rising costs, you may have noticed a slight increase in our pricing for 2024. Day hikes will now be $5 per person, and Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=CvEfpDyGFL6piGg8U6khfsPCuokYckVNC_jasQm6_Kc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)prices have also increased by $5. However, this only means that purchasing a Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=CvEfpDyGFL6piGg8U6khfsPCuokYckVNC_jasQm6_Kc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)is now of even greater value! For less than $5 a month you can have access to a year of adventures plus all the benefits (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=FmNLtcwcahSKtm_mYqhIh6I23wuTacX_OfP0fc0mj8M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiJlNWYxYzQ1MS1lODFjLTQwODUtYTQyNi0xODZiZmU4ZmE0OGIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)offered to Season Pass holders from our NAC Partners!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=FmNLtcwcahSKtm_mYqhIh6I23wuTacX_OfP0fc0mj8M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiJlNWYxYzQ1MS1lODFjLTQwODUtYTQyNi0xODZiZmU4ZmE0OGIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=3R10RbwOAZzLPwcYKumM2JoABWeivswEFzEMkY0pBm0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)sales are a big part of what keeps this club operating. The funds generated from Season Passes (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=CvEfpDyGFL6piGg8U6khfsPCuokYckVNC_jasQm6_Kc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)goes directly to the cost of operating this club. GET YOUR SEASON PASS NOW!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=CvEfpDyGFL6piGg8U6khfsPCuokYckVNC_jasQm6_Kc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=e_WQZwDoQgZTnUaoiAbt1anrY5kG_DiAEBtqv6ty5J4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)is open and we still have plenty of space left! Registration will close on January 31st @ 10:00am. The magical land of Iceland is like nothing else on this planet and is truly life changing. Join us as we spend 9 days trekking through the backcountry of Iceland and visiting the capitol. This is one trip you don't want to miss.   On April 15th, NAC will be hosting the Michaux Forest Multi-day Hike.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=ManuaSxVvhzaSJA3tXh-PqfxEFLJ_AdRMbH8Di4qMK8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) This six day adventure will have us hiking the Appalachian Trail through Michaux State Forest for 4 days and 3 nights in the state of Pennsylvania. The event will begin on Monday, April 15, 2024 and run for 6 days and 5 nights until Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Check out the event info below or on the web page!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=ManuaSxVvhzaSJA3tXh-PqfxEFLJ_AdRMbH8Di4qMK8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   2024 will begin with our Festival of Lights Walk,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=GBgNaBiNH_JMh5R4oE60TWu7YmQQmDBcuvmmRRRhRnc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL2Zlc3RpdmFsLW9mLWxpZ2h0cy13YWxrLTIiLCJyIjoiZTVmMWM0NTEtZTgxYy00MDg1LWE0MjYtMTg2YmZlOGZhNDhiIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) our Rock On Indoor Climbing (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=ZsUMuc34l4meChnWEfsTmYx7ifEqPTUZejSjkQp-IbY.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL3JvY2stb24taW5kb29yLWNsaW1iaW5nIiwiciI6ImU1ZjFjNDUxLWU4MWMtNDA4NS1hNDI2LTE4NmJmZThmYTQ4YiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)evenings, and a beautiful day hike in Lincoln, Ontario.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=qpR6H3dNz0Ol6OlhEj5mDjhzhZCr2eR2clCxYW_GsKo.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL3JvYmJpbnMtd2F0ZXJmYWxsLWhpa2UiLCJyIjoiZTVmMWM0NTEtZTgxYy00MDg1LWE0MjYtMTg2YmZlOGZhNDhiIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) Check below for full details, and get your spot soon! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy adventuring! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/59OovRECW/c?w=PbaZrseij0VG2wQfBSrlfQJZ7RlzvnlrI15j9U2nzgU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI1N2NjOGVkNC05MzY3LTQyZDktYmFiNi0yMTNkN2FkMjY1Y2MiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

The snow hasn't fallen yet, and the temperature is still a little high for this time of year, but it has gotten colder out there and as such, we need to dress a little differently and pack a little more, just in case. Dressing for a winter hike is not an easy task. Wear too much, and you'll soak yourself in sweat, only to freeze from being wet. Wear too little, and you risk frostbite or hypothermia. It's really a balancing act, and there's quite a bit to know, so let's jump in shall we... When the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the breeze cools your skin, it’s easy to get outside. Hiking in the winter can be a completely different game. The cold, snow, and often the wind can all come together and make it difficult to motivate yourself to shut Netflix down and head out on the trail. If you are a beginner, be sure to check out some guided winter hikes and get a feel for what it’s like before heading out alone!   Your biggest key to success in those cold dark months is learning to wear hiking in the winter. A wardrobe that keeps you warm and dry can be a complete game-changer. It turns a cold and miserable day into a pleasant tromp through the wilderness with breathtaking, snow-capped vistas every way you look. Winter hiking is personally one of my favorite things to do, incredibly as the trails clear of their typical summer crowds and the world seems a bit quieter altogether.    Dressed in the proper attire, you will end up barely noticing the cold, and soon it can be just you out there trekking through the snow back to your cabin with a warm mug of hot chocolate waiting.  LAYER UP Layering for winter hiking is an absolute must if you want to do it right. Layering allows for temperature regulation that you don’t get from wearing your heaviest coat with a t-shirt underneath. The goal is to add and remove layers as you like. When you stop, it can be easy to want to sit and cool down, but immediately throwing a layer will help trap all the heat your body is producing.   It helps to think about your body as a furnace. The more you move, the more heat it will produce. When you take layers off, it’s like opening up all the windows. When you’re moving, it’s okay because the furnace is still pumping at its top-notch. Once you stop, the furnace stops, and the heat starts to disappear through those open windows. If you shut them too late (adding a layer after cooling down), your furnace is still shut off until you start hiking again, and it will be tough to warm back up.    In all honesty, dressing for winter hiking isn’t that different from prepping for some other seasons. It can be similar to what to wear hiking in the Fall, just with a few more mid-layers and remembering to take extra precautions all around. GET THE RIGHT SHOES ON When the winter comes around, tire shops rejoice because everyone is prepping and putting brand new winter tires on their car. Hiking in the winter should be no different than driving. You need the right shoes for the job. Snow and ice interact with the bottom of your feet much differently than dry dirt or mud. I strongly recommend against going out on a trail with your summer sneakers or even summer hiking boots. They simply don’t have the proper insulation or traction.   One way to add traction is through additional traction devices designed to dig into the snow and ice rather than interact with the surface. YakTrax and other versions of microspikes act like a lighter version of crampons used for mountain climbing. There are great traction devices for hiking, trail running, or running in the city.    Not only is traction a completely different game, but your feet are also prone to getting much colder, much faster, in the winter. The ground is essentially a heat vacuum, sucking all of the warmth through the soles of your shoes away from your feet. Winter boots have a thick insulating layer in the sole that helps to reduce this heat loss. They also are better insulated all around, ensuring that the heat your feet make stays in the boot.  PROTECT YOUR EXTREMETIES Boots are one way to help your feet stay happy and healthy during winter hiking. Feet, toes, and fingers are often at the highest risk of developing frostbite due to the poor levels of circulation and presence of fat in them. That means we have to take extra steps to protect all of our extremities.    To protect your feet, wear wool socks, or at the very least, wear synthetic socks. Thick wool socks help provide a huge amount of insulation, even if your feet get a little bit wet. Make sure that the thick socks don’t make your boots too tight, as that can quickly lead to a cutoff in circulation and a faster route to frostbite.   Pack at least two extra pairs of socks, and change them halfway through the hike to make sure your feet are dry. In the winter, dry means warm.   Fleece or wool mittens with an outer waterproof layer are the best moves for the hands. I also bring an extra pair of mittens if the interior layer gets wet while I’m out there.    Included on the list of extremities will be your ears and nose. These spots are also highly susceptible to frostbite or at least frostnip. They can be easily forgotten when dressing, but you’ll feel them get cold quickly on the trail. You can wear a neck gaiter with a fleece layer that covers your nose and cheeks with a hat or headband to take care of your ears. An easy cover-all is a balaclava, but I like to wear these in the extreme cold and add a layer for more ears over that.  EVERYTHING ELSE WE'VE ALL FORGOTTEN Other items to check off your list before hiking would be:   Sunglasses and sunscreen: The sun can be brutal in winter, especially when the snow reflects it.    Gaiters help keep snow out of your boots and, therefore, keep your feet dry.    Batteries die much faster in the winter as the cold will drain them. Bring spares and keep the ones you have close to your body.    Headlamp: Daylight is sparse in the winter, and it will sneak up on you if you aren’t ready for it. Always have a headlamp, so you don’t get stuck in the dark.  Written by Ian Standard (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=sBKJnmynJllo5sRoPnPghHhJ-bpWWrhLfpOeWOj_88I.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2lhbnN0YW5kYXJkLyIsInIiOiIxZDYxMzZhOS1jOTA5LTQxMTUtYmQ3Ny02ODUwNDE5NjU2MzIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for Broadmoor Outfitters,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=jyXK3PMhEAMDGtbujINGghBMSHjdkkb183VoUl63zAI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vIiwiciI6IjFkNjEzNmE5LWM5MDktNDExNS1iZDc3LTY4NTA0MTk2NTYzMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) published on December 10, 2021 N.A.C. NEWS (Sunday, December 24, 2023) Good Morning, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! It is December 24th, Christmas Eve for all those of you who celebrate it! And for all those of you celebrating one of the other traditional holidays, Happy Holidays! No matter what you are celebrating, I hope you get to spend the time with all those you love and cherish.   Don't forget to order your 2024 Season Pass!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=HUR3H6gHka4ibYhE38-xrSHZCsNJhGw62nTqERlQB_Q.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjA5YjYwMTcyLTY0MzAtNDMyYS1hZTEzLTg3ZWNkYjA1ZTM1ZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Season Pass sales are a big part of what keeps this club operating. The funds generated from Season Pass sales go directly to the cost of operating this club, specifically web page hosting and this email system. This year, my fees have increased by 10%, and so Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=HUR3H6gHka4ibYhE38-xrSHZCsNJhGw62nTqERlQB_Q.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjA5YjYwMTcyLTY0MzAtNDMyYS1hZTEzLTg3ZWNkYjA1ZTM1ZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)sales are more important than ever! For less than $5 a month you can have access to a year of adventures plus all the benefits (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=oi4P5FUbkL4JYy7FMDCGk-WyYKXP8SrkWf1LcpNYZRg.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiIwOWI2MDE3Mi02NDMwLTQzMmEtYWUxMy04N2VjZGIwNWUzNWYiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)offered to Season Pass holders from our NAC Partners!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=oi4P5FUbkL4JYy7FMDCGk-WyYKXP8SrkWf1LcpNYZRg.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiIwOWI2MDE3Mi02NDMwLTQzMmEtYWUxMy04N2VjZGIwNWUzNWYiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)   Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=8Dd4RP6wrkF952bXgtk5_2tdRgMsA23huDPTlfkVtbA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjA5YjYwMTcyLTY0MzAtNDMyYS1hZTEzLTg3ZWNkYjA1ZTM1ZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)is open and we still have plenty of space left! Registration will close on January 31st @ 10:00am. The magical land of Iceland is like nothing else on this planet and is truly life changing. Join us as we spend 9 days trekking through the backcountry of Iceland and visiting the capitol. This is one trip you don't want to miss.   On April 15th, NAC will be hosting the Michaux Forest Multi-day Hike.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=puoQ2f6q2YErhO4PBMXA5p6FHSZWU7X3jprbDvP8lyc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjA5YjYwMTcyLTY0MzAtNDMyYS1hZTEzLTg3ZWNkYjA1ZTM1ZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) This six day adventure will have us hiking the Appalachian Trail through Michaux State Forest for 4 days and 3 nights in the state of Pennsylvania. The event will begin on Monday, April 15, 2024 and run for 6 days and 5 nights until Saturday, April 20th, 2024. Check out the event info below or on the web page!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=puoQ2f6q2YErhO4PBMXA5p6FHSZWU7X3jprbDvP8lyc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9taWNoYXV4IiwiciI6IjA5YjYwMTcyLTY0MzAtNDMyYS1hZTEzLTg3ZWNkYjA1ZTM1ZiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   Our last event of 2023 (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=H3c5mlI_hQMzrNgBr5h1HTKQV-RoALmtgFNemXk113E.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiIwOWI2MDE3Mi02NDMwLTQzMmEtYWUxMy04N2VjZGIwNWUzNWYiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)is coming this Friday. The Festival of Lights Walk (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=hzJhfyFxB9gAkagveaN2LEPtHqFwHYcTOdZhaCB1uTs.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL2Zlc3RpdmFsLW9mLWxpZ2h0cy13YWxrLTIwMjMiLCJyIjoiMDliNjAxNzItNjQzMC00MzJhLWFlMTMtODdlY2RiMDVlMzVmIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)is a beautiful annual tradition and open to everyone of all ages. The event is listed as 9kms, but there are shorter options available for the younger hikers. Don't miss the beauty of Niagara Parks (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=xy4QppjFMQnQbg4WjUVZo9IiRSXJx1N9z-NX5yo6pu0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYXBhcmtzLmNvbS8iLCJyIjoiMDliNjAxNzItNjQzMC00MzJhLWFlMTMtODdlY2RiMDVlMzVmIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)in the winter season. Those that wish, may stay after the walk to watch the fireworks (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=EMpVs72QegjQO_o0bjo0GzXArpzjL--KuDqcjuNKVhU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWZhbGxzdG91cmlzbS5jb20vZmlyZXdvcmtzLyIsInIiOiIwOWI2MDE3Mi02NDMwLTQzMmEtYWUxMy04N2VjZGIwNWUzNWYiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)at 8:00pm! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking! Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/1eOoLfjD4/c?w=-xG1JWOj6yx0zYu7qh3uTSATT0aAdaFTkZiTWj8wNgI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI4MzEyZjc0NC0yOTdiLTRjOWMtYTM2OS00NmUzNTliMTgzYTgiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

I am always amazed by the large number of people who find it incredible, even impossible that I continue to guide hikes all winter long. They just either, don't understand the reason for it, or why anyone would enjoy it. Some even go as far as to tell me how unsafe it. To those people, I say, "Quit making excuses!" This week, let's look at why hiking in the Winter is perfectly safe. Blankets of snow are starting to cover the ground, tucking the world in for a long winter break. Getting out on the trails we have become familiar with over the summer and fall automatically becomes a much more difficult task. Not only are they harder to find, but it can be tremendously difficult to motivate yourself to get out and hike in the winter. There are many steps to getting ready, and the experience is entirely different.    With the right winter hiking safety tips, you can step outside with the same confidence you take in the summer. A lot of people talk about seasonal depression happening over the winter. Still, the real secret is, getting outside and hiking in the winter is a magical experience that will keep you fit and happy.    This guide to winter hiking will bring all of the safety tips you need to get up and out with a completely different attitude about winter.  Winter Hiking Safety For starters, it’s important to point out that some aspects of winter hiking are the same as going out in the summer. You need to go prepared, check the weather, bring all the proper gear and follow the trail you choose.   While the general ideas are all the same, some specifics make hiking in the winter a completely different game.  Check the weather Winter weather is a tricky beast that can sneak up on you anywhere, especially in certain parts of the mountains. You are cautioned against lightning storms and heavy rain in the summer, but the winter brings whiteout snow blizzards that can sometimes last for days.    Don’t only look at the weather that’s coming, be aware of what the past few days have brought as well. If there was a fresh dump of several feet of snow, it might require taking extra gear or precautions before hiking. A huge snowfall also means increased avalanche risk, so adjustments need to be made to your hiking route.    When you look ahead at the weather, it can be incredibly tempting to get excited about the first sunny and clear day that winter has brought you after many clouds. What can easily go overlooked here is that clear skies often bring frigid temperatures. Those clouds you hated so much we’re holding the heat in, and now it all has gone.    So, while the sun can feel like the greatest gift possible, it can also bring some dangerously low temperatures along with it. Don’t forget to pay attention to all the aspects of the weather, not just the little emoticon they paste in by the day of the week.  Time your hike with the sun Colorado is chosen by winter lovers all around because of the number of bluebird days it gets. The snow seems to magically appear overnight and leave by the time you wake up, leaving you with fresh snowfall and a bright blue sky to enjoy it under.    As we get closer and closer to the winter solstice (December 21), the days are getting shorter and shorter. Colorado’s shortest day of the year will see only 9 hours and 21 minutes of sunlight. This is a drastic difference from the longest day of the year, where we see just under 15 hours of daylight every day.    On top of the fewer hours of sun, the snow can make things a little trickier as well. As the sun sets, there can be an onset of “flat light,” which makes it much more difficult to see the texture of the snow and where there are bumps and grooves, making hiking in the snow a bit more difficult.   Timing your hike with the sun in the winter is incredibly important. Start your hike right when the sun comes up, and make sure you can get off the trail before the sun comes down. It will limit the length of your hikes, especially as you tend to move much slower while trudging through knee-deep snow than you can in the summer.  Stay hydrated One of the more challenging winter hiking safety tips to follow is to stay hydrated. No one in the world wants to drink the cold water from the cold water bottle on the exterior of your pack when hiking in the cold. Everything at this point is simply cold, and we’re trying to avoid that.   Well, yes, we’re trying to keep as warm as possible when hiking in the winter. The problem is, you need to stay hydrated to stay warm. Proper hydration allows for your blood to flow around your body smoothly. Your fingers and toes need as much blood as they can get in the wintertime to avoid getting dangerously cold.    If you’re hiking in the extreme cold, you’ll run the risk of a water bottle freezing while you’re moving. Try wrapping your Nalgene in a wool sock to insulate it. Also, remember to buy an insulating hose cover for your water bladder. Otherwise, the water may freeze in the hose and make drinking is impossible.    One way to stay hydrated without having to sip on one giant ice cube is to bring a thermos. They may weigh a bit more, but hot liquids will help warm you and make hydrating much more enjoyable. A cup of hot tea on the trail is one of my favorite things about winter hiking. My thermos becomes one of my best friends, going everywhere with me, even into the deepest parts of the winter backcountry.    Try bringing tea, hot chocolate, spiced chai, or hot cider. The drinks that bring warmth along with calories are a bonus.  Load up on Snacks Working through the cold, your body will need to use a significantly higher number of calories to stay warm. That means that hiking in the winter is the greatest excuse this world has ever seen to snack like it’s the last day on earth. Bring all kinds of snacks along with you, especially those you don’t usually let yourself have.    Calorie-dense snacks that you can eat while you hike are optimal for winter hiking. You can get the 280 calories that a Cosmic Brownie has to offer while on the move. Stopping often means letting your body cool down, especially if you’ve followed the old-time rule of “be bold, start cold.”    Not only will you feel much colder if you stop more often, but it’s also harder for your muscles to start warming up again after you’ve stopped. That means making your hike even harder on yourself. Eat on the go and forget about whipping up a trailside feast while hiking in the winter.  Dress the Part The clothes you choose to wear out are one of the most important parts of winter or any hiking. Knowing what to wear hiking in Colorado is a skill that needs to be mastered all year round but becomes even more important when the cold sets in.    Utilize the layering system to prepare yourself for the stop-and-go moments of a winter hike. You can throw another layer on quickly when you stop, doing so before you start to feel cold, and take it off right when you start hiking. Layers allow for more controlled temperature regulation while hiking, and that’s an essential aspect of being outside in the winter.    The main difference in dressing yourself in the winter is that you need to remember to dress your hands and feet. The cold can make your toes and fingers highly susceptible to injury, and wearing the best socks, shoes, and gloves can be a lifesaver. Wool is the winter hiker’s best friend, as it won’t hold sweat and keeps you warmer than most other fabrics.  Winter-Specific Safety Risks There are some specific risks that you will inherently take by being outside in the winter. This is one of the biggest reasons we highly suggest going on any guided winter hikes before setting out on the trail by yourself. If you’ve never hiked in the winter before or maybe want some more experience at it, these guided hikes are one of the best ways to get the knowledge and skills you need.  Avalanche Risk Snow-capped peaks are stunning to see and photograph, but they can also be unforgiving. One of the more dangerous aspects of winter hiking is entering into avalanche terrain without knowing it. Avalanches are widespread in Colorado, and the past couple of years have been considerably more dangerous than others. This is only one of the many reasons everyone who goes out in the winter should be well-versed in avalanche safety.    If you choose to go without a guide, we highly recommend taking an AIARE (The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level One course b(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=xjVa5vH17Q-8L_Fw73knZz5INifJ0AsNvlnsBHiJ9as.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9hdnRyYWluaW5nLm9yZy9haWFyZS1sZXZlbC0xLyIsInIiOiIzYzEwYTEyOS00OTJlLTQ1MDctOGQ0NC0yNjljYWMwMmFmNDUiLCJtIjoibHAifQ)efore heading into the mountains. This course teaches you how to identify avalanche terrain, what factors increase the risk of avalanches, and how to stay safe in the backcountry. It also is a great resource to learn how to use avalanche safety gear to save yourself and the partners you hike with.    One of the best things you can do is check conditions before heading out. Avalanche.org (http://Avalanche.org)is a fantastic resource that shows you the level of risk in particular areas. The trick here is knowing what you are looking for, which brings us back to taking an avalanche safety course.    To attempt to provide you with enough information about avalanches to provide the level of safety needed. What I can say is, be careful and stay out of avalanche terrain unless you genuinely know what you are doing. There are plenty of beautiful places to go with little to no risk of avalanches.  Hypothermia and Frostbite Cold injuries are much more common than we give them credit for. Hypothermia and frostbite are the most common and most well-known cold injuries, but conditions such as Chilblains can happen more quickly and more often. Chilblains is the inflammation of blood vessels that results in swelling, pain, and itchiness from cold exposure. While it isn’t as “serious” as frostbite, the more our bodies are exposed to the cold and not appropriately treated, the easier it is to get more injuries.    Hypothermia is any time your body temperature starts to drop below 95 F. There are a couple of sure-fire ways that you can distinguish hypothermia from other issues while in the backcountry.    The main signs of hypothermia will start with uncontrollable shivering that slowly moves towards slurred speech and lethargic movements. Keep in mind that this only describes mild cases of hypothermia, and when your body continues to get colder, you will experience worsening symptoms.    Preventing hypothermia and frostbite is all about dressing appropriately, staying dry, and keeping your body fueled with food and water. Learn more about treating and preventing these two common cold injuries by taking a wilderness first aid or first responder course.  Written by Ian Standard (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=TzWWPaIjayRutRKK5BcVFQHsYH4hrmQq1SZfL5rW_TI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2lhbnN0YW5kYXJkLyIsInIiOiIwZjc1ZGVhMy0wMTVmLTQyYzctOWYyMS1lOGY5ZTg4NTM0YmUiLCJtIjoibHAifQ)for Broadmoor Outfitters,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=H5db1ZCL-GgeS4jag2Kfg-L57vcV6n4uNALRHL680d0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vIiwiciI6IjBmNzVkZWEzLTAxNWYtNDJjNy05ZjIxLWU4ZjllODg1MzRiZSIsIm0iOiJscCJ9) published on December 3, 2021 N.A.C. News (Sunday, December 17, 2023) Good Morning, Niagara Adventure Club Season Passes (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=kY70mQ_L88FMLSuG_qNgMnZBNhrdW1I0665VctBDq7k.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6ImQ4MzI5NjU0LWU1NmMtNDM5OC05YzMyLWM2NDhhZDI3NzkyNCIsIm0iOiJscCJ9)are available for the 2024 Season! Get in on the adventure at an incredible value! Your $50 Season Pass goes a long way. That's less than $5 a month for access to an entire year of Adventures. And don't forget, Season Pass Holder's have access to many discounts and services from the NAC Partners.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=Dzl38g-2cGznXECNVMuISvrd6Gd-nRdJrB4bTHw4OZE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiJkODMyOTY1NC1lNTZjLTQzOTgtOWMzMi1jNjQ4YWQyNzc5MjQiLCJtIjoibHAifQ) That alone, covers the cost of your pass! And don't forget your friends! Get a friend a Gift NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=JYxMEEesJQ3dZTpPKzsemZeHb9fv__FDuctlx_a6epA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6ImQ4MzI5NjU0LWU1NmMtNDM5OC05YzMyLWM2NDhhZDI3NzkyNCIsIm0iOiJscCJ9)and you'll have a hiking companion for the season!   Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=ws3ObmXtVFFsbMkgke3a8T7ZPAAxqHDeP5PY43l_2XU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6ImQ4MzI5NjU0LWU1NmMtNDM5OC05YzMyLWM2NDhhZDI3NzkyNCIsIm0iOiJscCJ9)in now open for everyone! Registration will close on January 31st @ 10:00am. There are currently nine spots remaining for the trip, but they won't last long!   The Gros Morne planning continues, but I am not able to get permits until February. More information will be released in the first week of February. For April, I have laid out a plan for the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. We will spend four days on trail, with a day before and a day after for travel time. More on that to be posted soon.   If you live in Ontario, and you regularly hike the Bruce Trail, then you need to join this group! Bruce Trail Hiking Lost and Found (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=r8CpftgJe0w2wNHhrmH0sVb6xAJ1j2cEl3rML5Qbf4c.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL2dyb3Vwcy8xMDIzMzQ3ODgxNTg4OTI2LyIsInIiOiJkODMyOTY1NC1lNTZjLTQzOTgtOWMzMi1jNjQ4YWQyNzc5MjQiLCJtIjoibHAifQ)was created by Rob (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=CAXTRaLRN7zup7iZuOxVSbuutj7F_juyLT9IUTqev54.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL3JvYi5mZXJndXNvbi4zNTkiLCJyIjoiZDgzMjk2NTQtZTU2Yy00Mzk4LTljMzItYzY0OGFkMjc3OTI0IiwibSI6ImxwIn0)a few years ago and it's constantly growing. Hikers now have a venue to report Lost and Found Equipment and clothing along the trail. And if you lost something on a hike, it's the best place to start searching, put up a post and the approximate location, and hopefully someone will get it back to you! Share this group with all your hiking friends and hopefully we can fins all our lost gear. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/edOnf0YJl/c?w=35-1rgkfF-Q2BvwaEaZVKdMKPyY2yoF9cJuBk2kOeW0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiIxM2NjMGE2NS01YmNlLTRkZWEtOTVkNC02OTVmNGFmMjQxNTIiLCJtIjoibHAifQ)

Hiking in the backcountry is always perilous, but in the Winter Season there are even more dangers! Don't let it discourage you though, with a little knowledge and some extra gear you will be able to stay safe and handle anything that a cold Winter's Day can throw at you. Social media and winter photography can make the winter seem like a wonderland filled with nothing but adventure and fun. The other side of the winter can be a dangerous trek for anyone who might not properly manage cold injuries. Knowing the signs of hypothermia and how to treat it are a small portion of the necessary skills to have under your belt before heading out into a snowy landscape.    By the end of this, you may ask, “is it safe to hike in the winter?”   We want to assure you that hiking in winter is a safe thing to do, so long as you come ready for the cold. Without this preparation, many cold weather injuries can get those who come ill-prepared. To ensure you don’t end up in a dangerous situation, here is a list of the most common cold weather injuries and how to treat them.  Hypothermia The most commonly-known cold injury is likely to be hypothermia. We talk about it as a precautionary tale to anyone going out in the cold, but very few people are fully aware of what it is and what to do about it.    The idea of hypothermia is simple. The prefix ‘hypo’ means less than normal or below. Thermia relates to temperature, and when applied to us, it’s our body temperature. Hypothermia then is having a body temperature that is lower than normal. This starts to happen in prolonged exposure to cold environments. Your body can’t make enough heat to make up for the heat loss, resulting in a decrease in overall temperature.   Once your body temperature reaches 95 degrees or below, you are considered hypothermic. Measures to prevent reaching this temperature should be taken beforehand, but once it’s reached, the job is focused on warming someone back up and preventing further heat loss.    There are three main stages that hypothermia can be classified into. The first sign of hypothermia is what you can expect. There will be shivering and reduced circulation. In the second stage, there will be a general slowness that the body takes on. There is a slow pulse, slow movement, a state of confusion, and delayed thinking processes. The final stage is where one may lose consciousness and become unresponsive.    Becoming hypothermic can threaten one to stay inside all winter long. Still, there are plenty of basic treatments that will allow you to travel around in the winter without ever feeling threatened.    How to treat hypothermia: • Slowly rewarm with skin to skin contact • Learn how to make a hypo-wrap (like a warm person-burrito) • Take preventative measures to stay dry and warm • Use movement to warm up • Get to safety Frostbite Another one of the most common cold weather injuries is frostbite. This specific injury can range from frostnip to third-degree frostbite and limb loss. While most frostbite cases will fall closer to the frostnip side of things, it’s important to prevent any injuries before they happen.    Frostbite can happen in surprisingly warm conditions. If it’s raining and your skin is exposed, it’s easy to grab a minor case of frostnip or frostbite in temperatures up to 50 degrees. Unless you’re drinking it, all water becomes your enemy at such low temperatures. Any tissue that reaches 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit will take on the symptoms of frostbite, but they can be observed earlier on as well.    The first symptoms to look out for are numbness, tingling, and pain when rewarming the area. It’s common to get blisters when experiencing second-degree frostbite as well as a wooden or waxy feeling. Third-degree is a much more extreme scenario that often leads to loss of digits.    Like hypothermia, the most important part of treating frostbite is preventing it. Wearing warm and dry gloves, scarves, and hats that cover the more commonly-exposed areas of the body is the best way to stop yourself from experiencing this injury. Bringing multiple sets on a long trip will help ensure that you stay dry and can switch out when necessary.    After a cold weather injury like frostbite, you will likely have issues with that body part for the rest of your life. Because of this, we must repeat that prevention is the absolute best way to “treat” any of these injuries.    How to treat frostbite: • Rewarm the area with skin to skin contact • Only thaw the area if there is no longer a risk of it re-freezing • Do not use excessive heat to rewarm • Keep all exposed skin covered and dry • Seek medical attention Chilblains For anyone that spends long periods in the wilderness, chilblains may be all-too-familiar. It may be a foreign concept for most, but it is still a risk.    Chilblains are spots on the skin that result from extended periods of time with moisture and lower, non-freezing temperatures. The skin will develop small spots that are itchy, swollen, tender, and often painful.    One of the best ways to diagnose this injury is rewarming and observing. While many of the symptoms are similar to frostnip or low-level frostbite, these symptoms aren’t resolved when rewarmed.    The more often your skin develops Chilblains, the more likely it will happen in the future.    How to treat Chilblains: • Rewarm the area and keep it dry • Prevention measures such as keeping dry and warm Trench Foot The final cold weather injury on our list is trench foot. This happens when feet are wet and cold for an extended period of time. They start to look like old raisins, full of deep wrinkles and crevasses that will be very painful.    This can happen in the field for a variety of reasons. Anyone who gets their feet wet in the snow and fails to get dry quickly may experience low levels of trench foot. If it goes on all day, this can be a serious injury that isn’t comfortable or fun to even look at.    How to treat trench foot: • Dry the feet and apply baby powder • Change socks often • Keep the feet clean • Stop hiking and go to an area to rest Written by Ian Standard (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=mM52XNGAJ79tv1Qz4kegyFcizwPjSx5e3nsI4E4S0wk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2lhbnN0YW5kYXJkLyIsInIiOiJkYzk3M2EwZC05NjE5LTRkYjktOGIyMy00YjYzZmZmY2RjZmIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for Broadmoor Outfitters,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=8loU0E4goKqzdAod_WCJZ6NBHerxpE5SPjF8Zd0waJQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vIiwiciI6ImRjOTczYTBkLTk2MTktNGRiOS04YjIzLTRiNjNmZmZjZGNmYiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) published on January 21, 2022 N.A.C. News (Sunday, December10, 2023) Good Morning, 2024 SEASON PASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=iVxxKhakrZKaJQMMKh2Jg2PSp3O8862A7dxicEalQlA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   Get your 2024 Niagara Adventure Club Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=iVxxKhakrZKaJQMMKh2Jg2PSp3O8862A7dxicEalQlA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)and get access to numerous day hikes, discounted expeditions, priority access to incredible adventures and discounts from all of the NAC Partners.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=uSLGVJpEzkHxO8mGN9OdlAJ8RPAop1L3YtcH-0NauNk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI2NDA0OGNiOC1iMzZhLTRhZmYtYTFkOC1lODkxYzM4YjRhMjMiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) Not to mention, you will be helping a local club keep operating and guiding adventures for another year!   Get a gift pass for that hiker on your list!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=g1ODgJs0EdVNK0LWTXk34woMT-7SrwuwTTYN_DC7PT4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   Order a Gift NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=g1ODgJs0EdVNK0LWTXk34woMT-7SrwuwTTYN_DC7PT4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)before December 15th to ensure that your gift reaches your friend or loved one before Christmas Day. All Gift Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=g1ODgJs0EdVNK0LWTXk34woMT-7SrwuwTTYN_DC7PT4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)orders will be processed and mailed out within 4 business days of receiving payment.   REGISTER FOR THE ICELAND EXPEDITION 2024! (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=f5kvPdcDxXOpbi8dpxf6jlP4bY6-oQJWi9msGuLnK-s.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL2ljZWxhbmQtZXhwZWRpdGlvbi0yMDI0IiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)   Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=3OAvbxE0-RC4jGAuHlJaMVye9wtVQiQySbdUQ2HA8i0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjY0MDQ4Y2I4LWIzNmEtNGFmZi1hMWQ4LWU4OTFjMzhiNGEyMyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)in now open for everyone! Registration will close on January 31st @ 10:00am.   Iceland offers a landscape like no where else in the world and as someone who has experienced it, I can say it is truly life changing. Join us in 2024 while we venture through the heart of the Icelandic Backcountry and experience a world unlike any other!   The planning for our Gros Morne trip in September continues, but very slowly. I have confirmed that commercial permits for large groups are available, but not until February. There is no one in the office until mid January to discuss it with, so for the time being, the plans are on hold.   Finally, I have 2 weeks in April to host an event, and I am looking for ideas! I hope to plan a 3 or 4 day backpacking trip for this time and have been considering a section of the Appalachian Trail within driving distance. If you would like to recommend a section of the trail, or another trail altogether, respond to this email and let me know. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/fbOn8H711/c?w=wfYMF7-k-jOb7KGbGvKOQmQtyQIaW7s7UDMkaz3_jB0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI1MzA1YWJmYS0wOWNmLTRmYWItOWU4NS03ZGM5N2QxZDQ0ZmUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

Whether you like it or not, Winter is here and with it, freezing cold temperatures. A very smart man once said, "If you choose not to find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but still the same amount of snow!" One way to find joy in the snow is to stay warm and dry, so let's take a look at a few tips for staying warm in those cold winter temperatures. Hiking in winter can quickly turn south if you don’t head out prepared. Sometimes you feel warm and happy until you’re miles from your car and the deep, bone-crushing chill starts to settle down. A successful winter camping trip, or any winter outdoor activities, rely upon staying warm.  No matter the conditions, it’s possible to keep warm for a long time. You only need to know-how. Here are five time-proven tips for staying warm on any winter adventure. Happy snow days! Get your body moving One of the greatest fallacies of all time is that you can stay warm if you throw on the largest puffy jacket there is and sit still. The truth of the matter is that clothes don’t produce any level of heat. All they do is trap the heat your body produces.   The more you move, the more heat your body makes.    During winter outdoor activities, your body becomes a furnace. You’re making the heat that will help to keep you warm. Plan a trip that will have your body constantly moving. You want to use all the energy you’ve stored over the holiday season and put it into productive, heat-blasting movement.    The catch is, you must be careful with how intensely you move. Moving uphill quickly, or putting high cardio levels into your day, can soon lead to sweat. In the winter, sweat is no longer your friend; it is exactly the opposite. Getting wet will increase the speed at which your body enters hypothermia. So, keep your movement consistent, but pace yourself and stop before you start to break a sweat.  “Be bold, start cold” The way you dress is also incredibly important for winter hiking. It will always be tempting to start hiking in a puffy jacket and thick fleece pants.   Why not, right?   It’s cold out, so you may as well be warm. Unfortunately, this is one of the quickest paths towards making yourself drastically cold.    Experienced hikers and winter campers like to say, “be bold, start cold.” What they mean is, if you start hiking with fewer layers, while a bit cold, you’ll quickly warm up and thank yourself for dealing with the cold for a short period.    Starting cold will help you to manage the sweat situation. When you stop, remember that all of the heat will be quickly sucked from your body to the cold air around you. Have a jacket handy that can be tossed on as soon as you stop moving to help trap the heat. Before you get going again, throw that jacket back in your bag, and then can you start hiking again. Eat… a lot Every furnace needs a fuel source. The more you feed the furnace, the more heat it can produce. What we’re saying is, here is the perfect excuse to load up on as many calories as humanly possible while hiking.    Foods with high fat and calorie counts are optimal for winter camping. Butter becomes your best friend. Extreme mountaineering trips rely on a hearty stash of butter worth every ounce that it adds to a pack. If you aren’t into eating butter without pause, try eating a spoonful of peanut butter before sleeping and reap the warmth and benefits.    Do your best to take a break from any eating restrictions you may have while at home. Hiking in general demands that you eat far more than normal. Hiking in winter means doubling the daily calories, not worrying about sticking to your New Year’s resolution. This is where brownies become an acceptable and encouraged breakfast food. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate The outdoors can quickly make you tired of hearing people tell you to drink water over and over. It seems to be the only solution to every problem you encounter. People are telling you to drink water to avoid overheating, drink water if you’re sick, drink water every time you breathe, and so on. That being said, if you want to stay warm, drink water.   The trickiest part of drinking water in the winter is wanting to. It seems counterintuitive to drink cold water while it’s cold outside and you want to stay warm. There are a couple of reasons why dehydration can be even more dangerous in the winter than normal temperatures.    First, your blood relies on hydration to help move heat from your core out to your extremities. With less water in your system, it struggles to move heat around the body, resulting in cold fingers and toes that you may not even feel anymore.    Not only do you need it to stay warm, but it’s also essential to drink water because you may not even realize that you’re getting dehydrated. Most people associate dehydration with sweating profusely. Contrary to popular belief, we lose most of the water in our bodies through breathing. In the winter, the steam that leaves your mouth is precious water quickly leaving the body.   One of the most helpful tricks to staying hydrated and warm is to bring a Thermos. It’s heavier, but it can often be a game-changer. Warm drinks like tea or hot chocolate will work to hydrate you and provide a separate heat source. It’s one of the few things that makes it easy to forget about weight.  Bring extras Extra socks, hats, and gloves should be in every winter camper’s backpack. These are some of the easiest pieces of gear to misplace or get wet. The moment your beanie is gone is the moment you start to lose a considerable percentage of heat.    Having extras will allow you to keep warm and, more importantly, stay dry. If you get extremely cold feet, try changing socks halfway through the hike to get rid of all the sweat and cold that comes along with it.  Written by Ian Standard (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=0R5hGY7KLj7x1KvJavNDX9xk2DfRALrmCkJsFPwXqPk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vYXV0aG9yL2lhbnN0YW5kYXJkLyIsInIiOiJiMzEwNGZhYi0xZjBhLTQzMDAtOGVmMC1mYWI3ZTQ0MGQ1NDciLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for Broadmoor Outfitters,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=jSVx4KExSAvxO6srkOq4JxVzYTKEt-eB3_GUDUVhb1M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYnJvYWRtb29yb3V0Zml0dGVycy5jb20vIiwiciI6ImIzMTA0ZmFiLTFmMGEtNDMwMC04ZWYwLWZhYjdlNDQwZDU0NyIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) published on December 30, 2021 N.A.C. News (Sunday, December 3, 2023) Good Morning, You may have noticed, we have a new logo above in the NAC Partners! Niagara Adventure Club would like to welcome AG Dentistry (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=RmbfZR4LA_AZDa3zvC6VhmMi9c-79mktw_2bD_l_Qec.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWdkZW50aXN0cnkuY2EvIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)of Burlington, ON to the NAC Partners Program.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=7STwnKG1AvDeMPuyIkD9miKUbpH0d-BAWxJRhuJ6wl0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9wYXJ0bmVyLXByb2dyYW0iLCJyIjoiNmVjMzVmYWItMzQxZi00N2Q5LTg4MjAtOWQxZDI1MGYxMzEyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) AG Dentistry (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=RmbfZR4LA_AZDa3zvC6VhmMi9c-79mktw_2bD_l_Qec.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWdkZW50aXN0cnkuY2EvIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)has been kind enough to offer NAC Season Pass Holders (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=rPgJ7oiqQyuoFdgh7iqW-RPp4xBsa3w9-6tjM7Gipjc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)a 10% discount on teeth cleanings. Simply make an appointment with AG Dentistry,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=RmbfZR4LA_AZDa3zvC6VhmMi9c-79mktw_2bD_l_Qec.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYWdkZW50aXN0cnkuY2EvIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) and provide your valid NAC Season Pass card at the desk when you arrive! We are very happy to start our new partnership with such a reputable name in the dental industry. 2024 SEASON PASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=t9HOzhVnh0geuZrzBeNJ8c0HC5f1grhDZnBVNU1MrHU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Get your 2024 Niagara Adventure Club Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=t9HOzhVnh0geuZrzBeNJ8c0HC5f1grhDZnBVNU1MrHU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)and get access to numerous day hikes, discounted expeditions, priority access to incredible adventures and discounts from all of the NAC Partners.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=WungKkyJ-XSyCd0CCC3iesw3aw9YPz9NlAmubchaXCQ.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9iZW5lZml0cyIsInIiOiI2ZWMzNWZhYi0zNDFmLTQ3ZDktODgyMC05ZDFkMjUwZjEzMTIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) Not to mention, you will be helping a local club keep operating and guiding adventures for another year! The proceeds of Season Pass sales goes towards the operational cost of Niagara Adventure Club,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=XK9efGWHaV6sl7hL6sziis-XjwnJLwpxm-amDGOQdog.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS8iLCJyIjoiNmVjMzVmYWItMzQxZi00N2Q5LTg4MjAtOWQxZDI1MGYxMzEyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) allowing us to keep trip costs down. So please consider purchasing your 2024 Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=t9HOzhVnh0geuZrzBeNJ8c0HC5f1grhDZnBVNU1MrHU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)now! As an added bonus, those that purchase their pass now, will receive all the benefits of being a Season Pass holder for the remainder of 2023, including priority access to 2024 events! Get a gift pass for that hiker on your list!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=3UW4cq7rxe67cOyd_vz62qAOh-ohpermS98ncCe2AtU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Order a Gift NAC Season Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=3UW4cq7rxe67cOyd_vz62qAOh-ohpermS98ncCe2AtU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)before December 15th to ensure that your gift reaches your friend or loved one before Christmas Day. A11 Gift Pass (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=3UW4cq7rxe67cOyd_vz62qAOh-ohpermS98ncCe2AtU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0zIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)orders will be processed and mailed out within 4 business days of receiving payment.   Priority Registration for the 2024 Iceland Expedition (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=pEfaa3xoTT8YsRYawkgQfpUsYSLjZnSOi_wvNa3hIwM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9pY2VsYW5kIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)in now open for Season Pass Holders only! Registration to the general public will open on December 10th @ 7:00am. (Want to get your spot now, then register for a 2024 Season Pass here)(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=t9HOzhVnh0geuZrzBeNJ8c0HC5f1grhDZnBVNU1MrHU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9yZWdpc3Rlci0xIiwiciI6IjZlYzM1ZmFiLTM0MWYtNDdkOS04ODIwLTlkMWQyNTBmMTMxMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)!   Iceland offers a landscape like no where else in the world and as someone who has experienced it, I can say it is truly life changing. Join us in 2024 while we venture through the heart of the Icelandic Backcountry and experience a world unlike any other!   Planning for our September 2024 Expedition has begun, however, there may be a little snag. Keep watch of future newsletters for more information about this and other upcoming adventures. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/29OmZrvZU/c?w=gio2GcUHqLruIQbz6ybZRSpqbE-MivlW0DDk8nzZqbk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI0N2Y0ODdkNi01YjFmLTRjZWQtYWRjZC1kZTViOTkwM2EzYTEiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

Whether you're hiking, backpacking, rock climbing or skiing, the one thing every outdoor person needs is a good, proper fitting backpack. If you're like me, you need at least 12. But choosing the right backpack is not always easy, and if it's not properly fitted for you, it could make all your adventures very uncomfortable. So let's dive in to choosing and fitting backpacks properly. Planning to buy a new pack for backpacking? There are three main areas where you’ll need to make choices. • Backpack capacity: The size of the pack you’ll need is tied to the length of your trip and how much weight and bulk you want to carry. • Backpack features: These are the refinements that affect how the pack works for you. • Backpack fit: Torso length—not your height—matters most. Video: How to Choose Backpacking Packs Types of Backpacks Weekend (1-3 nights; 30-50 liters) Efficient packers using newer, less-bulky gear can really keep things light on 1- to 3-night trips by using a pack in this range. Be aware that packing light requires self-discipline and careful planning. If you can pull it off, though, the light-on-your-feet rewards are fantastic. Multiday (3-5 nights; 50-80 liters) These are the most popular backpacking packs sold at REI and they’re an excellent choice for warm-weather trips lasting 3 or more days. Packs in the 50- to 80-liter range are also great for shorter trips where you pack a little more luxuriously or multisport activities like backcountry skiing. Extended-trip (5+ nights; 70 liters or larger) Trips of 5 days or more usually call for packs of 70 liters or more. These are also usually the preferred choice for winter treks lasting more than 1 night. (Larger packs can more comfortably accommodate extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag and a 4-season tent, which typically includes extra poles.) They’re also a good option for folks taking young children backpacking because Mom and Dad wind up carrying a lot of kids’ gear. Backpack Features Frame Type • Internal-frame backpacks: The majority of packs sold at REI today are body-hugging, internal-frame packs where the structure is hidden inside the back panel. They are designed to keep a hiker stable on uneven, off-kilter terrain and may incorporate a variety of load-support technologies that all function to transfer the load to the wearer’s hips. • External-frame backpacks: With an external-frame pack, you can see the structure that supports the load: aluminum (usually) hardware on the outside. Because the frame extends beyond the packbag, a backpack like this may be an appropriate choice if you’re carrying a heavy, irregular load (like an oversize tent or inflatable kayak). External-frame packs also offer good ventilation and lots of gear organization options. • Frameless backpacks: Ultralight devotees who like to hike fast and light might choose a frameless pack or a climbing pack where the frame is removable for weight savings. But packs without a frame are much more uncomfortable under heavy loads. Ventilation Some packs feature a suspended mesh back panel to combat the sweaty-back syndrome you tend to get with internal-frame packs that ride against your body. Also called a “tension-mesh suspension,” this is a trampoline-like design where the frame-supported packbag rides a few inches away from your back, which instead rests against the highly breathable mesh. Other packs will have ventilation channels (sometimes called “chimneys”) in the back panel to solve the same issue. Pack Access Top-loading openings are pretty standard. Since items near the bottom and sides are the toughest to get to, smart packers will store overnight gear there and stuff they need for hiking or throughout the day closer to the top. Some packs, however, have panel access, so you can unzip the main pack bag without unloading it from the top. Keep in mind that additional features like this tend to add both ounces and dollars. Pockets Some people like lots, and some people prefer a more streamlined pack. When evaluating pockets, consider the size and placement of each. For instance, elasticized side pockets lie flat when empty, but stretch out to hold a water bottle, tent poles or other loose objects. They can often be reached when wearing the pack. Hipbelt pockets accommodate small items you want while hiking like a phone, snacks, lip balm or sunscreen. Shovel pockets are basically flaps stitched onto the front of a packbag with a buckle closure at the top. Originally intended to hold a snow shovel, they now pop up on many 3-season packs, serving as stash spots for a map, jacket or other loose, lightweight items.   The top lid pocket (sometimes called a pack’s “brain”) is also a matter of preference. Some folks like a single opening for things like sunglasses and a headlamp, while others prefer a top lid with multiple compartments. Removable Day Pack Some packs are designed with a removal daypack that is perfect for shorter trips from camp like summit bids or supply runs during a thru-hike. This removable daypack is often designed in the top lid or reservoir pocket of the overnight pack: It detaches from the main pack and converts into a hipbelt pack or lightweight backpack. Sleeping Bag Compartment This is a zippered stash spot near the bottom of a packbag. It’s a useful feature if you don’t want to use a stuff sack for your sleeping bag or if you want to be able to pull your sleeping bag out of the backpack without unloading other gear. Though it’s designed to carry a sleeping bag, this space can hold other stuff that you’d like to access easily. Padding If you’re using a lightweight pack with a fairly minimalistic hipbelt and lumbar pad, you can suffer sore spots on your hips, lower back or shoulders. If this is the case for you, consider using a cushier hipbelt. (First, make sure your pack is sized and fit correctly.) Attachment Points If you frequently travel with an ice axe or trekking poles, look for tool loops that allow you to attach them to the exterior of the pack. (Rare is the pack that does not offer at least a pair of tool loops.) You might also look for the following: • Daisy Chain: This is a length of webbing stitched to the outside of a pack that provides multiple gear loops for attaching a helmet, tools, wet gear or anything that didn’t fit inside the main packbag. • Reinforced Crampon Patch: This burlier piece of fabric prevents crampon points from gouging holes in the packbag. • Extra Gear Loops: Gear loops on the hipbelt or low on the pack body are useful for clipping extra gear, especially oversize items like skis. Raincover If you expect rain on your trip, this is a good item to carry. Pack fabric interiors are usually treated with a waterproof coating, but water can seep through seams and zippers. Also, the fabric’s exterior absorbs some water weight during a downpour.   An alternative: bundling gear internally in waterproof stuff sacks. Lightweight stuff sacks can be a better option in windy conditions because strong gusts can peel a cover right off a pack. (DIY version: Line the inside of your backpack with a plastic garbage bag.) Hydrations Resevoir Nearly all packs offer an internal sleeve that holds a hydration reservoir (almost always sold separately), plus one or two portals for the tube. Backpack Fit Once you’ve chosen the type of backpack you want, it’s time to fit your pack. It should be correctly sized for your torso length (not your overall height) and hip circumference. Torso Length Some packs are available in multiple sizes, from extra small to large, which fit a range of torso lengths. These ranges vary by manufacturer and by gender. Check the product specs tab for size details of a specific pack. Many packs also feature an adjustable suspension, which can be modified to fit your torso, especially if you’re between sizes. (They’re also a good option for folks who may share a pack among family members.) The drawback: An adjustable harness adds weight to a pack. Waist Size The majority of a backpack’s weight—80 percent or more—should be supported by your hips. Backpack hipbelts usually accommodate a wide range of hip circumferences, from mid-20 inches to mid-40 inches or so. People with narrow waists sometimes find they cannot make a standard hipbelt tight enough and need to buy a smaller size. Some packs offer interchangeable hipbelts, making it possible to swap out one for another. Women-Specific Backpacks Because they have smaller frame sizes, women-specific backpacks often work well for young or shorter backpackers. The torso dimensions are generally shorter and narrower than in men’s packs. Another thing to note is that the hipbelts and shoulder straps in women-specific packs tend to be contoured to accomodate wider hips and breasts. Youth-Specific Backpacks These typically offer smaller capacities and include an adjustable suspension to accommodate a child's growth. Women's backpacks, with their smaller frame sizes, often work well for young backpackers. So do small versions of some men's packs. Additional Backpack Fit Adjustments • Load-lifter straps: There are two. Each is attached to the top of the pack frame and stitched into the top of the shoulder straps. When you cinch them while wearing the pack, they will snug the top of the pack in closer to your body, which should lead to a more comfortable carry and get the weight off your lumbar. Ideally, the load lifters will form a 45-degree angle between your shoulder straps and the pack. • Sternum strap: This strap crosses your chest, allowing you to connect the shoulder straps, which can boost your stability. It can be useful when traveling on uneven, cross-country terrain where an awkward move could cause your pack to shift abruptly and throw you off-balance. Posted on REI Expert Advice(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=T41WYIE3XmgrNCeGI2G0GAeroqX505zXhwFpYHaGSDs.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cucmVpLmNvbS9sZWFybi9leHBlcnQtYWR2aWNlIiwiciI6IjUwN2M5NDllLTEyZjctNDVmZi01YWY4LWM5ODQ1MmNlN2JhMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) N.A.C. News (Sunday, November 26, 2023) Good Morning, I have been working on some of the trips for 2024. Originally I had planned to do something in April, didn't know what yet, Alaska in July, and Gros Morne,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=-EDDjMYWkVfoYYxWxJmnWUXqRjInenX-qEk4joN-CK8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wYXJrcy5jYW5hZGEuY2EvcG4tbnAvbmwvZ3Jvc21vcm5lIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Newfoundland in September. It turns out the trail in Alaska is closed indefinitely for repairs, and so I had to pick something else quick.   So, in April, sometime between the 14th and the 27th, we will do 3 days along the Appalachian Trail.(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=AsfJmtcC-SUaRfmUflRTx6SBQxutUv2LvewVWtdL2w4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnBzLmdvdi9hcHBhL2luZGV4Lmh0bSIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) Somewhere within driving distance. That will be set up and available at a later date. Three trail days plus travel days will make this a 5 or 6 day trip.   For July, the original plan was to complete the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska. But the trail is under repair and closed indefinitely. So, in the meantime, I have decided to visit Iceland (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=fkVHi8OhSTbk7KacOuI2rxLAOIN5zMicFpgxW0xYyG8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cudmlzaXRpY2VsYW5kLmNvbS8iLCJyIjoiYzYyYjEwZGUtMTA0Ni00NmUyLThiZGItN2U5MWY2YjJmNDQ1IiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)again. It's not too hot and there are no insects, so it's the perfect place to be in July! As Iceland is a newly popular destination, it fills up fast. In fact, it fills up so fast, that when Michelle Lucy Travels (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=cIkspaJ4rG7CloSOUYHFpynTjblA2JGqkME48z2rTR0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9taWNoZWxsZWx1Y3l0cmF2ZWxzIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)tried to reserve rooms for July, many of the hotels and hostels were already full! Luckily, being the awesome travel agent that she is, she did manage to secure 6 rooms for 12 people and put 12 flights on reserve, so the trip is good to go. The trip will take place July 15 - July 25. I have began setting up the price, it will be posted within the week.   And lastly, we have the trip to Gros Morne National Park (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=-EDDjMYWkVfoYYxWxJmnWUXqRjInenX-qEk4joN-CK8.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wYXJrcy5jYW5hZGEuY2EvcG4tbnAvbmwvZ3Jvc21vcm5lIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)in September. This will be the last trip I plan and post as we still have a bit of time and there are still a lot of unknowns. However, I will have it planned out and posted by mid-January.   As always, Season Pass Holders will receive priority event access. Each Season Pass holder will receive an email when the event registration opens and will have one week to register before the event opens to the public. We only have five more events this year! Make sure you check below and visit the Events Page (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=M-lfwsPiy0fWBU_flcX82xPyhcqps6PhNqwNB5guQ8o.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiIxZjkwMGZkNS1jZmEwLTQyMGUtYWVkYS0xOTRhY2YzNmRjNWIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for the final events of 2023. We will finish the year up with our annual Niagara Falls, Festival of Lights (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=3xY_LBMC_3xcDluo9YjpPLFeNgG92B2L__MQD4COi_g.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYXBhcmtzLmNvbS9ldmVudHMvZXZlbnQvd2ludGVyLWZlc3RpdmFsLW9mLWxpZ2h0cy0yMDIzLTIwMjQiLCJyIjoiMWY5MDBmZDUtY2ZhMC00MjBlLWFlZGEtMTk0YWNmMzZkYzViIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)walk. It's a beautiful inner city walk where we explore the entire Festival of Lights event, and Niagara Falls all lit up! After the walk, you may want to stick around for the Niagara Falls Fireworks (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=_OCeKNv9ftl88PXhp3aGxyKF67IOaGoz-9EoEDEsJFo.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWZhbGxzdG91cmlzbS5jb20vZmlyZXdvcmtzLyIsInIiOiIxZjkwMGZkNS1jZmEwLTQyMGUtYWVkYS0xOTRhY2YzNmRjNWIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)event at 8:00pm. That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/03Om5CVP9/c?w=hmAqu7Y3sn_DTAjvXFJ9oMFUTr2KFXY4KouyrX-Xp30.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI3ZWNhYmNhNS0zYTFjLTQ3NDctYmUxZC1lODA2NmU2NzU3N2UiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

We have been doing a lot of climbing lately. As such, it's probably a good idea to sound like climbers, when in Rome and such. So without further ado, here is the longest article ever posted in Adventure Weekly! In recent years rock climbing gyms and public climbing walls have been popping up in cities across the world. As such, it’s time we face how popular climbing has become. It's an Olympic sport these days even! And it’s not just mountain towns getting in on the action. Practically every major city in North America has a indoor climbing gym (or five) these days, and in major cities like New York and Boston, the climbing culture is exploding. And while the growth is great for the industry, it means an influx of enthusiastic and often clueless climbers.   The very uniqueness of the culture that draws people to the sport can itself be a daunting barrier to overcome as a beginner—a whole new language has to be learned in order to seamlessly communicate within the climbing community. In short, for newbies, deciphering what the hell anyone is talking about at the crag or the gym can be a real challenge.   Once you’ve got your climbing shoes and a chalk bag or bucket, learning the lingo, language, slang, etc. is the next step any prospective rock climber should take. To help you newcomers avoid sounding like a total kook—and you trad dads brush up on the latest lingo—I’ve gone ahead and outlined 47 essential climbing terms you need to know before you get in too deep. First up: Types of Climbing BOULDERING Bouldering Bouldering is the most simple, most accessible, and thus most popluar form of climbing. No ropes, only shoes and chalk (and hopefully some ground pads). It’s all about technical, difficult moves on short routes—generally no higher than about 15 feet from the ground. While rope climbing is more of a focus on endurance, bouldering is all about power and finess. What started as a way to train for roped climbing but has now evolved into a sport of its own. TRAD CLIMBING Trad Climbing Trad or traditional climbing is a form of climbing where leading is required. Instead of clipping quickdraws into preplaced bolts like in sport climbing however, the climber will place their own protection (referred to as "pro") as they ascend. This protection is non-permanent and the climber relies on pockets, a crack and other rock formations to leave gear in the wall that works much like quickdraws do in that they will only fall as far as their last piece of protection. Once the lead climber reaches the top of the route, the belayer follows and “cleans” the route by removing the placed anchors, chocks, hexes, nuts, and other spring-loaded camming devices. On multi-pitch climbing routes, popular in big wall places like Yosemite and the Gunks for example, the climbing team will repeat this process over multiple times to ascend thousands of feet. SPORT CLIMBING Sport Climbing Sport climbing is different from top roping in that the rope is not redirected through an anchor before it is attached to the climber. Instead the rope hangs below them with the belayer letting out slack as they climb. The climber will place quickdraws at bolts drilled along the route. That way, the climber can only fall as far as their last draw. This type of climbing where the climbing rope trails behind the climber is called “lead climbing.” Top Rope This type of climbing is done by running the rope up through an anchor at the top of the climb and then back down to the climber. This is the safest type of climbing as the belayer can constantly take up slack in the rope as the climber ascends the route, reducing the threat of falling. FREE SOLO - ALEX HONNOLD PHOTOGRAPHED BY JIMMY CHIN Free Solo No partner, no gear, highest stakes. To free solo is to climb a route alone, without using any protective equipment—yes, just like Alex Honnold did on El Cap. A fairly uncommon type of climbing due to its extremely dangerous nature, those who do attempt free solos often choose easier routes, and rehearse many times before soloing harder grades. Deep Water Soloing is a less dangerous and more common type of solo climbing. Deep water solo-ers climb without a rope on overhanging rock faces above deep water. If the climber falls, the idea is that they fall unharmed into water, although rough seas can still pose risks. Free Climbing Don’t call free-soloing free climbing. They’re different. This is one of the most common mistakes made by new climbers. Kind of like the old, all squares are rectangles but not all rectangles are squares colloquialism, free-soloing is free climbing, but free climbing isn’t always free-soloing. Free climbing simply refers to any style of climbing where you strictly use your strength and skill to ascend a route (no tools, like ascenders or aiders). As long as you’re only using hand and footholds to get up a climb, you are free climbing. Free-soloing is just free climbing without a rope or partner, which is where the “soloing” comes in. CRACK CLIMBING IN YOSEMITE Crack Climbing Ascending a route almost exclusively using natural cracks in a rock face—an uncomfortable process using hand jamming, laybacks, and sometimes even your whole body. Apologies in advance for any off-width cracks you encounter—meaning cracks wider than a hand or foot but too narrow to chimney. Adaptive Climbing Climbers with permanent physical disabilities may be considered Adaptive climbers. Adaptive climbing can look different depending on the individual and the ways they need/prefer to adapt their climbing technique to work with their body. In some cases, an adaptive climber may use a chair harness and an ascender to scale walls. BUILDERING Buildering Instead of boulders, you’re climbing buildings or other human-made structures—buildering, get it? Make sure you've got an extra spotter to keep an eye out for security guards. (But seriously, respect land owners wishes, do not climb on structures where it is strictly forbidden.) Aid Climbing Aid climbing is a type of climbing that makes use of rope, fixed bolts, pitons or foot slings, rather than features on the rock itself, to ascend the face. Opposite of free climbing. Almost like Via Ferrata. BELAY Belay Belaying is an essential part of any type of climbing that uses a rope. The belayer is the one responsible for catching the climber if they fall. They do this by running the rope through a belay device which is connected to their harness by a locking carabiner. When the rope is locked into a climber’s belay device, they are “on belay.” The climber is then as safe as they can be and free to get moving. On-sight To lead a climbing route on the first attempt without prior knowledge (beta) of the route or moves. Applies mostly to difficult climbs. Similarly, to redpoint a sport climb means to successfully climb a climbing route while “leading” in one go without falling or resting on gear (see “take” below). RAPPEL Rappel The method of descending from the top of a wall or pitch using a grigri or other belay device on a doubled rope, fixed from above. If you're Eüro, you might say abseil! Ice Climbing A whole different beast, in which the climber uses ice axes and ice screws to set anchors and ascend a frozen ice face, waterfall, or other cliff. Climbing Slang & Terminology BETA Beta This is one of the most useful terms for beginners to learn. Beta is any help or advice from another climber in regards to a climb. Stuck on a move? A request for beta from a more experienced climber will often help get you past it. Careful though, it isn’t usually wanted unless asked for! Sus To “sus” is to check out. Before your first attempt on that boulder problem, you probably want to sus it out first. Inspect the holds, visualise the movement, feel the texture of the rock. FLAPPER Flapper The rock tears a massive chunk of flesh that hangs from your finger. It may look like a bloody mess, but don’t fear - flappers heal quickly and they are an inevitable part of the rock-climbing experience. PUMPED Pumped This is a term that you’ll hear and probably use a lot. And contrary to what you might think, getting pumped doesn’t mean excited in the climbing world. Far from it, getting pumped describes the sensation of extreme fatigue you get in your forearms. When you’re hanging on with everything you’ve got for an extended period of time, lactic acid begins to accumulate in your muscles as the forearms fatigue, making them feel inflated and clumsy, hence the name. SEND Send Sending a route is the most common use of the term. This means successfully reaching the top and finishing a climb. You might also hear someone yelling at you to “Send it!” If you’re climbing strong, they’re most likely encouraging you not to give up and keep at it. If you’ve been frozen in the same position for the last 5 minutes, scared to make the next move, being told to “send it” likely means, “Quit being a wimp and go for it already!” Either way, it’s a good term to know. BOMBER Bomber Basically, bomber just means, really good. If you have a bomber anchor, or bomber hold, this means that it wouldn’t budge even if you nuked it. You won’t have to worry about falling if you have some bomber protection in the rock. WHIPPER Whipper A whipper is a big fall. It’s called this because when a climber falls on lead from above their last piece of protection, they’ll plummet in an arcing, whip-like motion. If you take an impressive fall, you might hear another climber exclaim in admiration, “That was a whipper!” Hopefully the verbal support will reduce the sting of the fall. TAKE Take A command phrase used for roped climbing. The phrase refers to taking up slack in a rope system. For example, when a climber completes a route they’ll often shout “Take!” so their belayer knows to tighten the rope by taking slack through the belay device, allowing the climber to weight the rope without moving down the wall. CRUX Crux “The crux” refers to the most difficult move or series of moves on a climb. Climbs are rated (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=xgJATllL8iy0ZtoGUq4eNIOx-XVtszMBQS3G2kwRvd4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cDovL3d3dy5jbGltYmluZ3RlY2huaXF1ZXMub3JnL3VuZGVyc3RhbmRpbmctcm91dGUtZ3JhZGVzLmh0bWwiLCJyIjoiOTFhMTdjMjgtZGNjMS00ZDMwLTk3YzctMjBhNDg3MjJlZTc5IiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)based on the crux, not their average difficulty. You might cruise easily up half a climb but find yourself unable to make it past the crux move. While the moves in gyms are usually fairly consistent with their ratings, top to bottom, when climbing outdoors, you might be in for 100 feet of 5.9 or 90 feet of 5.7 with about 10 feet of 5.9. This is why reading guidebooks and researching routes is so important in climbing. Know before you go. CRAG - YOSEMITE"S FAMOUS EL CAP Crag General term for an outdoor climbing area with plentiful routes. Can also be used as a verb- cragging is the activity of spending a day at a climbing spot and hopefully having a great time working a project or just sending some moderate routes. Project A project is a route or climb that a climber is dedicating time to work on—generally at or just above their ability level. While not terribly specific to climb, it's a term you'll hear plenty. Often used as a verb, as in "projecting" or in shorthand as proj—even if only in a kind of jest. "Let's go to the crag on Saturday so I can work my proj." APPROACH Approach The route or hike to the base of a climb. TOP-OUT Top-out At the gym you usually jump or downclimb from the final holds, but most outdoor boulders must be “topped out” in order to complete problems. Topping out by definition is the final act of climbing a problem, up and over until you’re able to stand on top of the boulder. Unfortunately, after pulling through pumpy moves, topping out can sometimes be the hardest part of the climb! SPOTTING Spotting Spotting is a safety measure most commonly used in bouldering and sometimes before a climber has placed protective gear on a sport or trad route. A spotter remains below a climber, with arms raised, prepared to help guide their fall to a crash pad and ensure they don’t fall head first or backwards. There’s a lot that goes into being an excellent spotter and if not done correctly, spotting can lead to injury. Be sure to read up on spotting technique before offering a spot to others! CRASHPAD Crashpad Those mattresses you see boulderers carrying around on their backs. When bouldering outdoors climbers, will strategically place crash pads in the fall zone of whatever their attempting to provide a cushy landing. RACK Rack A rack refers to a climber’s sport climbing or trad climbing gear, usually organized onto a sling and harness. Climbing Holds & Wall Features JUG Jug This will quickly become one of your favorite words. A jug—coming from the term “jug-handle”—simply means a great big hand hold. It’s a rock feature you could do pull ups on if you wanted. It’s always a relief to slap your hand onto one of these. Stretches of rock that have a stockpile of amazing holds are endearingly referred to as “jug-hauls.” SLOPER Sloper A sloper is a type of hold that can’t really be held onto by gripping or using fingers. Instead, you’ll be relying a lot upon friction, palming the hold and creating as much surface area contact as possible. A slopey climb will usually be a slightly less steep pitch where you’ll have to rely on friction instead of the more distinct hand and footholds found on other types of climbs. CRIMP Crimp Like jugs, crimps are a kind of hand hold. though unlike jugs, crimps usually aren’t much to get excited about. These are small holds, only large enough to engage the fingertips. If you’re going to tackle a “crimpy” climb, you’ll want to have some good footholds to take the weight off your fingers. Also be prepared for a healthy dose of forearm pump. PINCH Pinch Exactly what it sounds like. The type of hand-hold best used by squeezing both sides with thumb and fingers. POCKET Pocket Another self-descriptor. Pockets are smaller circular hand-hold that often can only be held with 2-3 fingers. Such a hold with only enough room for one digit is known as a mono-pocket. HUECO Hueco Named after the world-class bouldering destination Hueco Tanks, Texas, “hueco” is the Spanish word for hollows, describing the type of hold commonly found at Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site. These are large circular handholds ranging from a size to fit your whole hand or in some cases, your whole body. Many are underclings, making for challenging climbing. CHIMNEY Chimney A wide, vertical crack large enough for a climber to fit inside and shimmy up. Successful climbers will ascend the inside the chimney by using opposing force with the feet and the body. Choss Crumbly, or loose rock, usually considered unsafe to climb. If you’re one of the twisted few who choose to tackle chossy rock, carefully inspect and test holds by gently tapping on it. If it sounds hollow or moves, don’t use it! OVERHANG / ROOF Overhang/Roof An overhang refers to a rock face at an angle greater than 90 degrees (vertical). Particularly steep overhangs that nearly or completely reach horizontal, are called a roof. SLAB Slab The type of rock face positioned at an angle less steep than vertical. Successful slab climbing is often dependent on trusting friction, precise footwork, and balance. HIGHBALL Highball A highball is a boulder problem that is long and high off the ground, so a resulting fall could result in serious injury. Any boulder taller than 15 feet is usually considered a highball, with an upper limit around 25-35 feet. Even with the most crash pads and best spotters, falling from a highball boulder can result in injury, that’s why successful high ball boulderers climb with the mindset that they won't fall. Added height and risk can make a highball send feel extra rewarding! ARÊTE Arête A fancy, French way to refer to the outward-facing corner of a rockface. Difficult arête routes will demand heel hooks, toe-scums, and slap moves. Climbing Terms Regarding Movement HEEL HOOK Heel Hook It seems simple in theory- throw your heel around a hold or feature to use those powerful leg muscles to pull you into the wall. But when used properly, this simple move can is one of the best climbing techniques available for taking weight off your arms, keeping your hips close the wall for balance, and generating power towards your next hold. TOE HOOK Toe Hook An essential footwork technique for steep overhangs. Using the friction of shoe-rubber on the top of your toes and flexing your foot up, against the rock. This position is useful for keeping four points of contact on the wall, and distributing body weight to your feet - giving your arm muscles a rest. SMEAR Smear When there’s a lack of footholds, using friction to of shoe rubber on the bare rock. A tip on smearing - fake it til you make it! The more pressure you put on your smearing foot, the friction there is to help it stick. FLAG Flag Flagging is a body position essential for beginners breaking into higher grades! Flagging allows you to use a free-hanging foot as a counterbalance to statically make the next move. By extending your foot out to one side of your body it acts like a tail, keeping your balance and helping you use less energy on the wall. LOCK-OFF Lock-Off A static, controlled movement of pulling down on a hand-hold until your arm is in a bent position, then using body tension to hold the locked position in order to reach the next hold with your free hand. DEADPOINT Deadpoint A dynamic climbing technique in which the climber times a their movement with the brief instance when their bodyweight is not being pulled downwards by gravity. Not to be confused with a dyno. DYNO Dyno A dynamic climbing movement that requires an explosion of momentum to send your body in the direction of your next handhold. A true dyno requires that both hands to simultaneously leave the wall on their way to grabbing the next holds. While dynos occur in outdoor boulder problems and roped routes, they are often set for indoor competition boulders due to their showy and outrageous nature. Barn Door To swing sideways out from the rock face or climbing wall due to being off balance—the movement often occurs when your right foot and right hand (or vice versa) are your only points of contact, thus causing your weight to swing you backwards in a layback sort of position away from the wall, like a barn door opening. TRAVERSE Traverse Traversing means climbing horizontally instead of vertically. Traversing can be an excellent way to warm up, but there are also plenty of classic outdoor boulder problems that simply traverse to a low top-out. DROP KNEE Drop Knee Drop-knee is a footwork technique that allows certain moves to feel significantly easier! It involves extended straight on a foothold, and heavily weighting the outside edge of the opposing foot— swiveling the corresponding hip towards the wall and torquing the knee downwards. This knee torque brings your hip close to the wall, allowing an easier reach to the next handhold. Written by Bella Rojas (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=jBkQJMnuGIw9ADRcHZjVlBsZD_3F0qEqwU-cuf3Rfg0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmllbGRtYWcuY29tL2F1dGhvcnMvYmVsbGEtcm9qYXMiLCJyIjoiNTA3Yzk0OWUtMTJmNy00NWZmLTVhZjgtYzk4NDUyY2U3YmEyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)for Field Mag,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=d8Dyn6_AY-PyCJIbqwG_n9YMNRCbriN0ykUP2J7WUhU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmllbGRtYWcuY29tLyIsInIiOiI1MDdjOTQ5ZS0xMmY3LTQ1ZmYtNWFmOC1jOTg0NTJjZTdiYTIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) published July 11, 2023 N.A.C. News (Sunday, November 19, 2023) Good Morning, As many of you already know, I do my best to operate Niagara Adventure Club as a Not-For-Profit Agency. I set up pricing for Season Passes and Events at the most reasonable price I can while making just enough to cover the operating costs of the club. There are many operational costs to this club, including web hosting fees, email marketing costs, fuel, ink cartridges and other office supplies as well as marketing materials such as business cards and stickers. So, when I realized that I was running low on stickers, I tried to place order, only to learn the printing service had shut down during the Pandemic.   I started searching high and low for a new printing company that could print on the very specialized material that I use for our indestructible stickers, only to learn that they wanted to charge more than 180% over the price of my previous printing service. This is why I was so happy to find Cindy at Niagara Graphic Solutions!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=T8KCwnoV1KhCMkE9chwdxG1wBORdua7cxrfNELZCYcw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWdyYXBoaWNzb2x1dGlvbnMuY2EvIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Not only was she able to find the material I wanted, and provide me with a price only marginally higher than I paid 3 years ago, but she was able to do it quickly and she did a great job at that! If you have any printing you need done, web pages to build, graphics to design, I highly recommend Niagara Graphic Solutions!(https://www.niagaragraphicsolutions.ca/) I promise you will have a wonderful experience at a great price!   Niagara Graphic Solutions(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=Y5Dq_ygxmASLXABir03r88pkIIAf75asicF7t2UJtRc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWdyYXBoaWNzb2x1dGlvbnMuY2EvIiwiciI6ImEyMGI5MmFiLTNhZjAtNDhiMi04YWRmLTdiOTE1MTcxYTdkYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Facebook: @NiagaraGraphicSolutions(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=36hgN5RL8IyKjTf5xqV8-W-OPL47U_pXbT8LGPCXJ2o.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZmFjZWJvb2suY29tL05pYWdhcmFHcmFwaGljU29sdXRpb25zIiwiciI6ImEyMGI5MmFiLTNhZjAtNDhiMi04YWRmLTdiOTE1MTcxYTdkYSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) Instagram: @NiagaraGraphicSolutions(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=ED-a1pg4oExrq5Q3n_0lte2TzDseCUg_0s1sZEISvjE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9uaWFnYXJhZ3JhcGhpY3NvbHV0aW9ucy8iLCJyIjoiYTIwYjkyYWItM2FmMC00OGIyLThhZGYtN2I5MTUxNzFhN2RhIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) Phone: 905-329-9064 You may notice that this week's Adventure Weekly is very long. Well, it is the longest newsletter we have ever had! It usually takes me 45 to 70 minutes to create these newsletters ,but this one has over 3 hours of labour in it, so I hope you read it in it's entirety. If you don't, I will know!   We only have six more events this year! Make sure you check below and visit the Events Page (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=lyeK6-U-f9dFKH83MDCVjI2GWuoj2kXdIM3bNbbRbC4.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiIxZjkwMGZkNS1jZmEwLTQyMGUtYWVkYS0xOTRhY2YzNmRjNWIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for upcoming events. Don't miss out on the final events of 2023! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/aaOlSZChf/c?w=i6YlJ6oKdoVRlqfHKdigyPu8sF-RGwDySKE-kPTc8yk.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI3ZWNhYmNhNS0zYTFjLTQ3NDctYmUxZC1lODA2NmU2NzU3N2UiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

A "Shoulder Season" is the time when one season is transferring to the next and you never quite know what to expect. Sure, some weather stations try to predict it, but it is very seldom accurate. Shoulder Seasons are the hardest times of the year to make plans, and usually end up by over packing and a lot of extra weight to carry. So, in hopes of offering some help during this shoulder season, here are 10 tips for preparing for adventures during a shoulder season. Fall is often said to be the best season for outdoor adventures. It’s not too hot and not too cold, and the vast array of colours makes hiking up a mountain or waking up to a sunrise all the more enjoyable. But as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, adventuring outdoors in the shoulder season presents new challenges for hikers, campers and backpackers. While you might be reluctant to give up your outdoor hobbies as snow threatens to cover the trails, it’s important to adapt to the changing weather. Here are 10 tips to keep you safe on the trail during the autumn shoulder season. Leave a Detailed Trip Plan Possibly one of the most important tips to follow, letting friends and family know where you’re going, when you’re leaving and when you’re coming back is vital to your own safety. Having a detailed trip plan also encourages you to keep to a schedule, reach your goals and not stray too far into dangerous, unknown territory or take unnecessary risks. Pack Safety Gadgets While this applies to all seasons, packing satellite devices and a first-aid kit is even more important in the fall when sporadic weather is more likely to hit at any moment. Having a satellite device at your disposal allows you to call for help even without service—it could be the device that saves your life. Prepare for Wildlife Encounters Fall is a very active season for bears, as they are foraging and storing up for hibernation in the coming winter months. Due to this, hikers are more likely to encounter wildlife throughout their adventure. Carry bear spray and bear bangers (where permitted) with you as you hike while keeping both within easy reach. Yelling, “Hey, Bear!” or singing and talking loudly (even if you’re alone) lets bears known you’re in the vicinity. If you’re still worried, do some research on what to do during a bear encounter. Dress in Layers As shoulder season is a time known for unpredictable weather, it’s important to pack clothing for all temperatures. The most effective way to do this is to follow a layering system by using base, mid and outer layers to create a barrier between the frigid temperatures of the night while also allowing you to accommodate warmer weather throughout the day. Adding warm toques and gloves to your layering system can save your hands and ears from frostbite as well.   Fall can also bring dreaded rainy weather, which can easily turn to snow the higher you climb, so packing rain shells with added warmth can save you from getting soaked on the trail. Wear Appropriate Footwear As you climb to higher elevations, you’re more likely to encounter snow and ice blocking your path. Getting your feet wet can increase the chances of frostbite, so to make trudging through the snow and ice safer and more bearable, invest in waterproof shoes and gaiters. Packing a pair of cleats for traversing across winter-like conditions can also save you from slipping on your adventure. Do Your Research It does not need to be restated that shoulder season offers unpredictable weather and trail conditions, but checking the weather before you go—ensuring to look at the satellite imagery to see if any storms are heading your way—could save you an unpleasant trip halfway up a mountain before having to turn back. Additionally, consulting apps like AllTrails for current trail conditions, or downloading the map onto your phone or printing out a physical copy, adds an extra layer of safety to your adventure. Get the Right Gear For those backpacking during shoulder season, ensuring your gear is rated for the cool temperatures that roll in throughout the night is vital for your own safety. Especially at higher elevations, it’s not unusual to see freezing temperatures in the fall, so investing in a sleeping pad, sleeping bag and waterproof tent rated to handle that weather can save you a lot of grief. Don’t Skip the Sunscreen While the weather may have dipped a few degrees and the peaks may be snow-capped, the sun is still strong enough to burn you. Slathering on sunscreen can protect you from an uncomfortable, red-tinged neck or painful burn. Light Is Right Shorter days means less daylight, so packing extra light sources and checking that all rechargeables are at full capacity before heading out will save you from tripping on roots and getting lost in the dark. Be Prepared to Turn Back It always stings the pride a bit to turn back before reaching the summit, but sometimes weather, wildlife, unstable trail conditions, personal limitations or mental health conditions make us halt in our tracks. Turning around and heading home early may be the one thing that keeps you alive—never be embarrassed to cut an adventure short. Written by Olivia Wiens (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=L6I38bpSNsI3fg2XewEQ4vbPnsS9rDsMVaIRZoemP84.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwbG9yZS1tYWcuY29tL21lbWJlci5waHA_aWQ9MTY1MDYwMSIsInIiOiI1MDdjOTQ5ZS0xMmY3LTQ1ZmYtNWFmOC1jOTg0NTJjZTdiYTIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for Explore Magazine,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=eyclr66iyQr6HBTiVni2jAANCc3eF9kCpVg1Mol3p_M.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZXhwbG9yZS1tYWcuY29tLyIsInIiOiI1MDdjOTQ5ZS0xMmY3LTQ1ZmYtNWFmOC1jOTg0NTJjZTdiYTIiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ) published September 7, 2023 N.A.C. News (Sunday, November 12, 2023) Good Morning, I can't believe how fast the tail end of this year is going! It's already time to start our Christmas Shopping! With the completion of 2023 quickly approaching, I have began making arrangements to close out the 2023 NAC Season. As you will find below, events (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=5a0vlQ6Pafy5adS7RNt6p2IH3FKsZDw3o1ZjWwdvDes.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)are planned right up until December 29th. We will have two more day hikes, four more climbing events, and to carry on tradition, we will complete the season with our annual Festival of Lights walk!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=YtjzZ19Bz4yMoJcROiC0SsZNK4a1OI2ebeAbunba6Ss.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL2Zlc3RpdmFsLW9mLWxpZ2h0cy13YWxrLTIwMjMiLCJyIjoiYzYyYjEwZGUtMTA0Ni00NmUyLThiZGItN2U5MWY2YjJmNDQ1IiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) This event is always a favorite and I hope you can all join me this year.   On December 1st, NAC will begin selling NAC Season Passes (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=3n-WDmnXJTJwqc00_C9PmNLBjuOGQUGgRqkJw64NRPo.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)for the 2024 Season. Current Season Pass Holders will be able to renew their passes at a discounted price. New Season Pass Holders that pre-purchase their 2024 Season Pass in the month of December 2023 will have Season Pass Holder privileges for the month of December 2023, including free access to day hikes and discounted climbing passes (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=fbGL71nOod3tCcDV3VFCdL1Trv43QFeC-j_KtvjKupI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9jbGltYmVycy1yb2NrIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)at Climber's Rock Inc. (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=R7zTf5dpeYz8Nk1_NnniOCdvcLPxw03eS5XvgwnzKTM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmVyc3JvY2suY29tLyIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)Indoor Climbing Gym.   Make sure you check below and visit the Events Page (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=5a0vlQ6Pafy5adS7RNt6p2IH3FKsZDw3o1ZjWwdvDes.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for upcoming events. Don't miss out on the final events of 2023! A MESSAGE FROM THE BRUCE TRAIL CONSERVANCY That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/54Oku3GON/c?w=6MWmL5jTSW4U-Q10N21MgzkTK1Tm45Glza8eIQvygL0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI3ZWNhYmNhNS0zYTFjLTQ3NDctYmUxZC1lODA2NmU2NzU3N2UiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)

It's no secret that Indoor Rock Climbing is a great form of exercise that both challenges you and leaves you feeling accomplished. But do you know why it's such an incredible form of exercise? Read on to learn how Indoor Rock Climbing can benefit you! If you want to burn some calories but don't want to go to a regular gym, indoor rock climbing is the perfect sport for you. Not only does it get your heart rate going, but it also pushes you to your limits and gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you're finished. The activity has no limitations, as long as you have the essential equipment needed for it.   Indoor rock climbing is one of the most exhilarating sports around. It is a great way to channel your inner adventurer while staying indoors. And the best part? It offers a lot of health benefits. Read below to find out the 5 health benefits of indoor rock climbing. It increases strength and grip Your strength increases when the muscle fibers in your body break down and rebuild. This process is as easy as exercising a muscle consistently. Eventually, the weak muscle fiber breaks down and stronger muscle fiber takes its place, and in turn, your strength increases. Rock climbing exercises all your muscles at once. You’ll use the muscles in your arms and legs to pull you up the wall while your abs work to keep you balanced. It is the ultimate sport for increasing strength. Another benefit of rock climbing is that it increases your grip strength. One of the essential pieces of equipment that adds to your grip is chalk. It Improves coordination and balance Rock climbing develops physical coordination. If you have good coordination already, rock climbing will improve it further. It is a challenging sport where you need to carefully plan your path before proceeding. Rock climbing bolsters cognitive skills that can be used in the real world.   Balance is essential when you’re rock climbing and it goes together with strength. The more consistent you are at climbing the more your core strength increases and further improves your balance. It is important to have the best rock climbing shoe during climbing to have a perfect balance. Acquiring excellent balance will allow you to experiment with different positions in rock climbing. It burns calories Indoor rock climbing is great for burning calories. Calories are essential for gaining or losing weight. The math is simple; to lose weight, you simply eat fewer calories and burn more. The amount of calories you burn off depends on your body type and age. Indoor rock climbing is a great cardio exercise and way more fun than an indoor treadmill. It increases flexibility Rock climbing demands flexibility and adaptability. You have to pull, reach, leap, climb, and jump. Your range of motion will increase so you can leap to the next foothold. If you are not as flexible at the beginning of rock climbing, with consistency, you will end up being much more flexible. All the stretching and reaching can enormously improve your overall flexibility, which in turn, could help tone your body. Conclusion Indoor rock climbing is great for people who are looking to get fit without going to a conventional gym. It reduces stress and improves your flexibility. Everyone should give rock climbing a try! Written by Bestcovery Team (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=DTAWSOBEVLAChRHyvtDS8qTTaVNdmPMu87gnQf4OwB0.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGF0aW1lcy5jb20vYmVzdGNvdmVyeS9leHBlcnQvYmN0ZWFtIiwiciI6IjUwN2M5NDllLTEyZjctNDVmZi01YWY4LWM5ODQ1MmNlN2JhMiIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9)for BestCovery by L.A. Times,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=Lo2m6cbs0zQUVhBjCxpYerN1zNTdMbpJCBX8Ip53PFo.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubGF0aW1lcy5jb20vYmVzdGNvdmVyeS8iLCJyIjoiNTA3Yzk0OWUtMTJmNy00NWZmLTVhZjgtYzk4NDUyY2U3YmEyIiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0) published July 1, 2021 N.A.C. News (Sunday, November 5, 2023) Good Morning, As 2023 comes to an end, I have been working up on finishing all the final chores to complete the 2023 season and expeditions. Some of those chores include finalizing spread sheets and costs, editing, resizing and watermarking photos and posting those photos to social media and NiagaraAdventure.ca.(http://NiagaraAdventure.ca) I also have to start my planning of the 2024 Expeditions, and begin selling 2024 NAC Season Passes,(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=NcQrilUJf57FZnqi9hkpvQd1_OjKjAhwQYezzb03eVA.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9qb2luIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) (2024 Season Passes will go on sale on December 1st). The work of a guide is never done.   As I stated in the last newsletter, the format for events (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=gmWb123RSoBLtHRoJQM5Q7yRwENpAt5p_gwbQioL3xM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)will change for the next while. I will host three indoor climbing events and one hike each month until the weather is a little nicer. I have made this decision due to the lack of interest for Friday hikes, and with the colder weather approaching, interest will drop off even more. I will increase the number of hikes when the weather gets nicer, or when I am able to host on weekends again, whichever comes first. Fingers crossed for weekends!    Make sure you check below and visit the Events Page (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=gmWb123RSoBLtHRoJQM5Q7yRwENpAt5p_gwbQioL3xM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudCIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)for upcoming events. Currently we have two more indoor climbing events and a day hike on the calendar. Climbing is always a blast, and first timers climb for free! (Rental Gear not included). That's right, the first visit to Climber's Rock Inc. (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=rqRV7qJSBMnnDmbVpZdvGLpBGyc6SNQLE8imFI8vFFE.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbGltYmVyc3JvY2suY29tLyIsInIiOiJjNjJiMTBkZS0xMDQ2LTQ2ZTItOGJkYi03ZTkxZjZiMmY0NDUiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)with NAC (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=LD2aX4LwQlK_a_zf0el-GnmfD19tS9c6sGAQ5GwdqIU.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS8iLCJyIjoiYzYyYjEwZGUtMTA0Ni00NmUyLThiZGItN2U5MWY2YjJmNDQ1IiwibSI6Im1haWxfbHAiLCJjIjoiNTVmODRiN2QtNmI0ZS00YmNjLWI3NDQtMTFhMGI4MDk5ZTAyIn0)is almost free. You will receive a day pass and a climbing lesson at no charge. Bring your own equipment or rent what you need for $12 + tax. And while you are looking, check out the upcoming Quarry Ridge Hike!(https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=ATiwh0Xk0u2uyzQTxt0ISnqhv5_H-Sxx1rUQ-9GF7hw.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYS9ldmVudC1kZXRhaWxzL3F1YXJyeS1yaWRnZS1oaWtlIiwiciI6ImM2MmIxMGRlLTEwNDYtNDZlMi04YmRiLTdlOTFmNmIyZjQ0NSIsIm0iOiJtYWlsX2xwIiwiYyI6IjU1Zjg0YjdkLTZiNGUtNGJjYy1iNzQ0LTExYTBiODA5OWUwMiJ9) This is a beautiful hike through Lincoln, Ontario that offers many scenic vistas and close encounters with a few waterfalls. It will be an amazing hike! That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!   Lenny Burch Niagara Adventure Club (https://www.niagaraadventure.ca/so/93OkK7kuj/c?w=3IV8CNuY3hzuwYq93AdfQjqNM4ynMzzAm_jGHY4c5tI.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubmlhZ2FyYWFkdmVudHVyZS5jYSIsInIiOiI3ZWNhYmNhNS0zYTFjLTQ3NDctYmUxZC1lODA2NmU2NzU3N2UiLCJtIjoibWFpbF9scCIsImMiOiI1NWY4NGI3ZC02YjRlLTRiY2MtYjc0NC0xMWEwYjgwOTllMDIifQ)