Friday off the cuff

I've decided that at least Every Friday I would do a write up on the weeks summary and I am calling it Off the Cuff Friday for now. If you can come up with a better name please let me know.

So I started off this week in one of my favorite places, The beach. It was a necessary venture as I was completely burned out and tired from work, school, and launching the new site. I actually am going to do a trail journal on this trip because it was absolutely amazing as far as wildlife went. The only reason I haven't is because I can not find the cable to my camera.

I guess the biggest story to come out of the week is the Departure of Ivan Levin from American Hiking Society. In case you don't know Alatrails is an American Hiking Society alliance member which entitled it's members to certain benefits and privileges from  the organization. Ivan served as the trails program manager and in doing so was responsible for things like National Trails day and  alliance partnerships. In leaving Iven has left open a position which could really be of  interest to many of you. Please feel free to check out the details over in the forum.

http://www.alatrails.com/forum/index.php/topic,608.0.html

In other news, it would appear that the ticks are in full swing and poison ivy is getting more aggressive due to global warming. There's no getting around it. Tick's are a part of life when hiking the great outdoors around these parts this time of the year. for those of you who have never had a tick bite before I can assure that it is no reason not to go out and enjoy the great outdoors this time of year. Tick bites are completely painless and so is their removal. Tick's can be deterred by using a  bug repellent containing deet around all openings to your clothes and wearing long pants. One concern however is that while rare ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. The CDC has a nice little section on Lyme here:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Lyme/

Something I hate more than any bug out there though is poison ivy. Thanks to jay for posting this article over on the forum:

http://www.alatrails.com/forum/index.php/topic,574.0.html

So there you have have it. one more good reason to recycle and carpool to work. Not only are you saving the planet but you are saving all of us from the DREADED ITCH of poison ivy.

there are lot's of events coming up in the calendar:

Looking to stay cool? Why not hit the water with the Cahabe River Society's weekly paddle.

If you are not so sure of your paddling skill why not take a class this weekend.

The Cahaba chapter of the Sierra Club is hosting a bike ride along the Chief ladiga Trail.

So Get out there but be safe. The temperatures are coming up so make sure and use sunscreen and drink water like a crazy person.

Well I think that is gonna wrap up this weeks off the cuff posting from yours truly. I hope everyone is enjoying the new site. If you have any questions feel free to contact me via the contact for in the navigation menu on the left.

Matthew