Dog Days and Fall Planning

     Well we are headed directly into the dog days of summer and it is beginning to show. It is just plain hot out there. Many of you have given up the hiking trails for cooler, less buggy pursuits such as canoeing and kayaking. I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get involved in your local waterways organizations that help preserve and protect our many scenic rivers and creeks. We will have more on that after the jump. I will also be covering way to get ready for the upcoming fall season. I know it may seem like a long way off but it will get here sooner than you think. I would also like to welcome a new partner to AlaTrails  who will be bringing with him a great deal of experience and information.

On the River
    There really is nothing finer than a dip in any one of Alabama's long free flowing rivers on a hot summers day. The Cahaba, Coosa, Sipsey, and Black Warrior rivers are some of the best. Just make sure you do you part to keep up the surroundings. Also understand that these waterways require protection and maintenance just like our hiking and biking paths. Consider Joining a river maintenance group or charity. It will make you feel a lot better about using these resources and will help everyone enjoy them in the future.
Here are some links in case you need help finding them.

Cahaba River Society

http://www.cahabariversociety.org/

Black Warrior River Keeper

http://www.blackwarriorriver.org/

Friends of Hurricane Creek

http://www.hurricanecreek.org/index.html


Get ready for Fall

    Ok, so it may be hotter than wool sock in a dryer right now but amidst all the summer fun a slow change is taking place. Back to school gear is starting to appear on store shelves. Football schedules are being published. New gear is showing up in the outfitters and pumpkins and turkeys are starting to fear for the worst. All of this could only mean one thing... Fall. Well it will be a while yet, but you might want to consider getting somethings in order for a great season. Know that fall is one of the busiest outdoor seasons for Alabama. Once the air starts to cool and the leaves start to turn people will be coming out to hiking trails and campsites in droves. reserve early for campsites so you will have your choice of the best when the time comes. These days may campsites and parks take reservations online.

Alabama State Parks - Our beloved state park system. Not taking reservations online yet but they are just a phone call away.
http://www.alapark.com/

Recreation.gov - The replacement for reserveusa.com. Handles reservations for many national parks and campgrounds.
http://www.recreation.gov/

Reserve America  - An online reservation system for many state park systems.
http://www.reserveamerica.com/

    Get fall gear in order. Remember that camping trip you took early last spring. Remember how you didn't wash your sleeping bag. You can be guaranteed some serious funkiness if you don't give it a wash before you need it again.  Now is a great time because line drying your bag in the sun gives down some serious fluff. Give backpacks a dunk in a five gallon bucket with some Dr.Bronners soap. I like the almond flavor. Your pack will small good and it will help keep the material from wearing out so soon. Buff out trouble spots with a microfiber cloth. These things are great dirt erasers. Just remember to be aware of any special needs fabrics. Some waterproof, breathable fabrics can be damaged by regular soaps and detergents. Give hiking boots a rub down with some conditioner. It will keep both leather and synthetics alike looking good and help extend their life. Make an inventory of your fall and winter clothing so you can determine if there is anything you need. Now is one of the best times to buy cool weather items because they are on sale and you can get them at bargain prices. I suggestspadout.com for doing price comparisons but don't forget to support your local shops.
    Don't forget to get yourself in shape. Been to a few too many barbecues this year? If you are planning to do that thruhike of the Pinhoti this fall you had better get your training schedule in order.  Get yourself scheduled for a workout that targets your weaknesses on the trail. if you find you wear out quickly consider endurance training like a spinning class. Core strength routines and weight training are great for making sure you have the strength to portage a canoe or lift that great big expedition pack. A dab of yoga will help you body for recovery from just about any trail experience.
    Taking just a few steps like this will ensure your fall will be a great one this year. So don't put it off. A whole new season is head your way in a hurry.


Our New Partners

    AlaTrails would like to Welcome on board a new partner, Lee Van Horn. Lee Has been around for quite some time now and is a fanatic about Alabama's trails systems and the Pinhoti. He publishedalabamatrail .org by himself for years and now brings his experience to AlaTrails. We would like to give a very warm welcome to him and we look forward to working together to bring you as vast an array of information about the Pinhoti and all of Alabama's trails as possible.


From the Forum

    Many of our members have been discussing their goals for this fall
    http://www.alatrails.com/forum/index.php/topic,798.0.html

    Our resident gear deal finder has discovered the joys of The Box    
    http://www.alatrails.com/forum/index.php/topic,558.0.html

    And even photographers understand that Life's a beach
    http://www.alatrails.com/forum/index.php/topic,859.0.html