DOLAN SPRINGS TRAILS NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2017
www.dolanspringstrails.com

Dolan Springs Trail System

President: Sue Baughman, Vice President: Ian G., Secretary/Treasurer:
Carol Ann, Directors: Marie Hedrick, Tom Love, Lynn Rosati & Sean Dixon


NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

On January 11th, the new board of directors was sworn in by Mohave County Supervisor Jean Bishop. The directors for 2017 are as follows:

Sue Baughman – President: Sue "Itchy Foot", a retired Marine and resident since 1980, founded our trail system of 480 acres in 2008. Her passion for the great outdoors motivates many to go and explore all of the great trails here in Dolan Springs and in nearby towns. Sue is also the Honorary Mayor of Dolan Springs.

Ian G. – Vice President: A native of South Africa, moved here from Atlanta four years ago looking for a healthier lifestyle. Ian worked as a Software Engineer for a start-up company before taking early retirement. He is enjoying the quiet desert beauty and slower pace of life. He enjoys writing, hiking and working on the trails.

Carol Ann – Secretary/Treasurer: Carol Ann is co-owner of Adventure Concierge, a local business providing travel services. She is VP of Kids Against Dumb Stuff (KADS), former secretary & school liaison for the Dolan Springs Community Council. A member of the Meadview Chamber of Commerce & Friends of the Joshua Tree Forest.

Marie Hedrick: Marie, Sue's Mom, moved here reluctantly from Indiana in 1979 to follow her husband's dream. When she was able to move back 16 years ago, Marie found that she had become a native and decided to stay. Marie is an artist whose pictures are inspired by the local landscape.

Lynn Rosati: A native of Long Island, moved to Las Vegas about 6 years ago, then moved here 5 years ago, looking for a warmer, drier climate, and a peaceful lifestyle. An avid photographer, artist and hiker who runs our Facebook page. Lynn is involved in many volunteer activities around town.

Tom Love: A snowbird from Ely, Nevada. Tom worked as a mechanic and a correctional officer. He enjoys ATVs, horseback riding and the great outdoors.

Sean Dixon: Sean was born in New York, graduated in Plano, TX and moved here in 1998, where he drove a truck for the government for several years. He likes to target shoot, play with his dogs and take things apart.


TIDBITS FROM THE PREZ:

As I look back at 2016, we had a very successful year. The high point of the year was going to Washington D.C. to receive a national award for our trail system.

You, the members, made this possible, thank you. We started to do more fun things, other than trail work. We had several 4x4 trips (with more to come), some awesome hikes and other social events. We have some of our members doing power walking 3 times a week at different locations.

This past year our members logged in 1002 volunteer hours, which equates to $18038 @$18.00 per hour. We had 506 signatures at the guest register with 281 hours on the trail. We hosted Earth Day, Mt. Tipton National Trails Day, and American Hiking Society's National Trails Day and we are going to host them again this year. At Dolan Daze, we organized community health screenings with the Lion's club and had a very successful raffle. 

We have a lot of other exciting things happening this year. In March we have 8 volunteers coming in to work on the trails. Jay Fleming will help us put together a drone presentation. Working with the BLM, we flagged an area about 1/3 mile around the meditation circle to create an ADA trail. Ian added a page to our website, showing Jim Sumler's beautiful pictures of our local fauna and flora, be sure check it out. How many are interested in a camping trip this summer?


TEN BEST PLACES TO HIKE IN NORTH AMERICA:

North America's snow-capped peaks, jagged cliffs, towering volcanoes and verdant forests are calling your name, and there's no better time than the present to grab your boots and hit the trails. Based on the opinions of travelers and experts at U.S. News Travel, here are the best hiking destinations across the continent:

#1 Yosemite: Most travelers flock to Yosemite National Park's valley area, where some of the most popular trails can be found (including the daunting Half Dome), but you'll find more tranquility in the back country.

#2 Grand Canyon: A hiking trip to the Grand Canyon is one you'll never forget. You'll find more popular routes like the Bright Angel Trail and the Rim Trail along the canyon's South Rim. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, head to the North Rim.

#3 Glacier National Park: With more than 700 miles of hiking trails in northwestern Montana, don't be surprised if you see mountain goats, elk or even grizzly bears while taking in the scenery of pristine mountains and fresh water streams.

#4 Yellowstone: There are more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Popular routes include those in the Canyon and Norris areas. The fall months are best for hiking.

#5 Banff: This area is renowned for its many hiking areas. To top off striking vistas of the Rocky Mountains, there are more than 80 trails. Catch a glimpse of the hoodoo rock formations along the Tunnel Mountain trail.

#6 Jackson Hole: With the Grand Tetons serving as a backdrop, Jackson Hole's hiking trails are sure to impress. This laid-back Wyoming destination has routes for a variety of skill levels and scenery that you won't get tired of photographing.

#7 Acadia National Park: This park in Maine offers a variety of expeditions. Hikers will enjoy stretching their legs along verdant forest trails or along craggy coastal paths.

#8 Kauai: Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking along Kauai's scenic cliff sides and testing their stamina on the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Nature lovers should head straight to Waimea Canyon's verdant paths which can also be challenging.

#9: Sedona: Hiking in Sedona is kind of like walking on Mars. Numerous trails lead through red rock canyons and past mystical "vortexes." In addition to Red Rock State Park, visit the Palatki Heritage Site to see ancient Hopi dwellings.

#10: Adirondacks: For some East Coast hiking, venture to the Adirondacks in upstate New York. With 2,000 miles of trails in the region and 46 high peaks, hikers can experience a new view every time. While nature lovers can rough it in the woods, the area also has luxury cabins and lodges.

We may not be in the top 10, but our trails are pretty darn amazing as well!


 SEVEN BENEFITS OF REGULAR ACTIVITY:

Want to feel better, have more energy and even add years to your life? Just exercise.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are hard to ignore. Check out these seven ways exercise can lead to a happier, healthier you.

1. Exercise controls weight:
Exercise can help prevent excess weight gain or help maintain weight loss. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn. It's important to start slow, but consistency is the key.

2. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases:
Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent high blood pressure? No matter what your current weight, being active helps decrease your risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, cancer, and arthritis.

3. Exercise improves mood:
Need an emotional lift? Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. You may also feel better about your appearance and yourself which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

4. Exercise boosts energy:
Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Regular physical activity can improve your muscle strength and boost your endurance. Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep:
Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. Just don't exercise too close to bedtime, or you may be too energized to hit the hay.

6. Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life:
Do you feel too tired or too out of shape to enjoy physical intimacy? Regular physical activity can improve energy levels and physical appearance, which may put you back in the mood.

7. Exercise can be fun … and social!:
It gives you a chance to unwind, enjoy the outdoors or simply engage in activities that make you happy. Physical activity can also help you connect with family or friends in a fun social setting. So hit the hiking trails or take a walk with friends.

It's important to start slow and then build up your endurance level. 20 minutes 3 times a week is a good way to get started.


CONTACT INFORMATION:

  1. Visit our website at www.dolanspringstrails.com

  2. Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dolanspringstrails

  3. Join our google group to get regular email updates of our activities by going to https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dstrails and clicking on the "join group" button.


PICTURES OF TRAIL'S GROUP ACTIVITIES:

 


Pine Canyon Hike


Hike with local School Kids


Sue accepting RTP Best Trail Award



Hot Springs, Lake Mead Hike

 


 CARTOON:


    Copyright 2017 – Dolan Springs Trails Group, www.dolanspringstrails.com

Previous Newsletters:
Spring 2016
Holidays 2015
Spring 2015