Appalachian Trail Hike Planning Workshop + Other Long Trails

Is there a long distance hike on the Appalachian Trail or another long trail in your future, but you're not sure where to start? This program will give you the knowledge and confidence to plan a long distance hike. You'll learn trip planning skills on where to find information, what to look for, gear, footwear, selecting a section, mileage planning, smartphone apps, maps, guidebooks, food, resupply methods, getting to the trail, shuttles, long-term parking, and more. You will gain confidence and skills to begin planning your hike, whether it is a week-long or months-long trek. Taught by expert hike, Andy "Captain Blue" Niekamp, who has over 20,000 miles of backpacking experience including five end-to-end hikes on the Appalachian Trail, a continuous footpath from Georgia to Maine that travels throughout 14 different states. He has also hiked the Buckeye Trail, Florida Trail, Arizona Trail, Camino de Santiago, Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, Sheltowee Trace, Long Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, Ohio To Erie Trail, and other trails.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Backpacking Basics

Are you interested in overnight backpacking but not sure where to start? Join in for a casual conversation and demonstration on the subject. We?ll review from head to toe gear, navigation options, preplanning, food management, water options, Leave No Trace, bear/critter considerations, sleeping approaches, and whatever questions and experiences the group has on their minds. Depending on weather/time/interest levels we can load up and take a three mile hike to tune in packs and go through some field demos on bear hangs, water treatments and criteria for campsites.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Cast Iron Cooking with Cook Wild Kentucky

This class will feature outdoor cooking with cast iron as we prepare and sample several recipes using a campfire and charcoal briquets. Chili, cornbread, a campfire dessert, and more will be on the tasting menu! This class will include information for the beginner cook as well as tips useful to those more "seasoned!" Topics will include outdoor food safety, fire safety, food preparation outdoors, menu planning, and packing tips.

FEE

10

LEVEL

1

Cave Crafts

This activity is for children and adults. Materials will be provided for several craft projects featuring some connection to bats, salamanders, and other cave themes. You do have to register, but there is no charge. Children 10 years or under must be accompanied by an adult. Meets in the Fields facility from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM on Sunday morning.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Hawks n Arrows

The title reads like new dish from an ancient culture; but here at WAW, it means learning the basics of shooting a bow and arrow along with learning the techniques for throwing a Tomahawk. This will include safe usage and beginner shooting techniques. Then participants will have the chance to shoot and try and hit a bulls eye on the target. We will go over hawk safety, and the basics for throwing tomahawks before getting an opportunity to try and stick a hawk in our targets.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Hot Chocolate 5K Fun Run or Walk

Drop in. Join us this morning to stretch your legs in a Hot Chocolate 5K run (or) walk through the park. The out and back course starts and finishes at the horse-camp-parking lot and offers 3.1 miles of flat roadway to accommodate runners and walkers of all abilities. A 1 mile Fun Run option is available for the kids or (for the kids of heart) is an option for anyone not wanting to tackle the full 5K . Dogs on leashes and strollers pushed by parents are welcome of course. Enjoy hot chocolate at the finish-line area and all participants will receive a small memento for braving the Hot Chocolate 5K. Restrooms are available at the start/finish-line area.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Knot Your Daddy's Knot Class

This is knot to be missed!! There are countless knot tying books out there, but they can be frustrating to learn from. They don't show you practical uses for the knots they teach, sometimes the pictures are not clear, and there are 1000s of knots out there, which makes it hard to decide what knots to learn. Come alleviate your frustrations by joining us for a hands-on introduction to the knots that every caver, climber and outdoor enthusiast should know. No equipment or transportation is required. Follow signs from the lobby of the lodge.

FEE

0

LEVEL

1

Makin String

Have you ever wondered how many things you could do with string? Well, actually a lot! It is super versatile and useful in a survival situation. However, what happens when you are outdoors without string? Mother Nature has what you need! Come learn how to make string and cordage from wild plants in the forest during this fun hands on activity.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Orienteering: Adventure with Map and Compass

If you?re looking for a new adventure that is part scavenger hunt, part thinking game, and all fun, then orienteering is for you! Like geocaching, orienteering involves finding hidden checkpoints in the woods. What makes orienteering different is that you don't get to use gps. The only gadgets involved are a map and compass! Participants will receive a detailed orienteering map of the park and use of a compass and timing chip to record their success in finding as many hidden checkpoints as they can within the time allowed. The trip will begin with the basic instruction necessary for success, presented by instructors from Orienteering Cincinnati and Orienteering Louisville. This trip is suitable for ages 8 and up.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Practicing Leave No Trace with Winter Recreation and Caving

This is a hands-on, all-ages workshop presenting the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics as they apply to winter recreation and caving. Guided by two Leave No Trace Trainers, you will gain new insight on how to minimize your impact on the environment regardless of season or location. This isn't a lecture but a fun, interactive program that will take us into caves and onto trails designed to educate and enlighten! All participants will get souvenirs courtesy of the Trainers.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Rise and Shine Yoga

Wake up, grab your yoga mat and perhaps some coffee, and head to the Fields Facility at the Lodge for an all-levels yoga practice designed to bring restoration and relaxation after a fun-filled and adventurous weekend. This will be a restorative practice complete with sitting, standing, and stretching postures designed for all levels. Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to move in (jeans are not recommended). Bring your yoga mat and a small blanket to the Fields Facility (meeting room downstairs) at the Lodge. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to set up. Kristy Matheson, RYT, will be leading us in this yoga practice.

FEE

5

LEVEL

1

Smoky Lake Adventure Plunge

For the first time at Winter Adventure Weekend, The Friends of Carter Caves (FOCC) invite you to plunge into Smoky Lake! This event is a fundraiser, and participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of $50 to donate to FOCC to participate. Prizes for Best Costume and Most Funds Raised will be presented Saturday Night at the Awards Ceremony. For more information, check out the Smoky Lake Plunge webpage, at https://www.winteradventureweekend.com/smokylakeadventureplunge

FEE

0

LEVEL

1