Our mission is simple: we provide outdoor experiences and educational opportunities that inspire respect for self, others and the land.
Muddy Boots Newsletter
November 2020
Season of Change
Nature gives to every time and season unique beauty; from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it’s just a succession of changes so soft and comfortable that we hardly notice the progress. ~Charles Dickens

Another flip of the calendar and we are firmly into the season where the reds and oranges of the leaves have passed to shades of brown and now lay on the ground. The days remaining to hike are still numerous, but will likely require a hat, gloves and extra layer. This season is still our favorite time of the year to patter along the trail tread.
 
The 2020 season has drawn to a close and we have excitedly posted our 2021 offerings. Check below for links to four adventures which have the reward of an Early Bird discount. Beginning in January, and contingent on COVID, we will offer a couple of online workshops and trainings to see everyone through the dregs of winter cold. Be on the lookout for those updates in December. 
 
In the meantime, take a gander at this newsletter and our upcoming offerings, including games with drawings. Chances to win are only available to individuals who participate. You've got one month to read the next book for discussion, author, John McPhee's, Coming into the Country.

We look forward to sharing our next adventure with you. Until then, take care of yourself, grab a map, make a plan, go outside!

Happy Trails!
Step Outdoors, LLC
Proofreading Credit: Meg W
Upcoming Offerings
Fun, Games and Queries

We get it, 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. We think there needs to be some incentive for fun with a challenge whereby everyone can participate.

Beginning November 8th, and continuing for five weeks, we will be offering a game or query. You will have until Friday to complete the challenge. One entry per person. Each entry is entered into the Friday drawing. All entries will be entered into the grand prize drawing on December 11th.

New Challenge Each Sunday: November 8, 15, 22, 20 and December 6.

We look forward to your entries. Entries can be submitted on Facebook
through the comment section of the event or sent via email at info@stepoutdoorsadventures.com. 
Book Discussion - Coming into the Country
Friday, December 11
7 pm - 8:30 pm
ZOOM Call

Author: John McPhee

Book Description: The reviews tell of an unforgettable account of Alaska and Alaskans. Woven into the story is a rich tapestry of vivid characters, observed landscapes, and descriptive narrative, in three principal segments that deal, respectively, with a total wilderness, with urban Alaska, and with life in the remoteness of the bush.

About the Author: John McPhee began his writing career in 1965 as a staff writer for The New Yorker. Coming Into the Country was originally published in 1977. This book acquaints the reader with the lore and techniques of placer mining, the habits and legends of the barren-ground grizzly, the outlook of a young Athapaskan chief, and tales of the fortitude of settlers―ordinary people compelled by extraordinary dreams.

About the Discussion: Grab a glass of wine, or beer, and prepare a small plate of snacks. Format is question and discuss.

RSVP Required: December 9th by 6p (EST).

Early Bird Discounts

From now until 6p (EST) on December 15th, receive a discount for registering, and paying in full, for any of the four offerings listed below.

Additionally, any Early Bird registrants will also be entered into a drawing for a goodie bag valued at $150.00. Think of winning the goodie bag as a little holiday gift for yourself.
Pumpkin Granola Bars
  Makes 14-16 square bars

An easy, on-the-go recipe good for hikes or a snack at home. Easy to mix in additional ingredients like raisins or chocolate chips.

Ingredients 
  • ¾ c pumpkin puree
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ c room-temperature butter
  • ¼ c honey
  • 3 tbs molasses
  • 2 c rolled oats
  • ½ c sunflower seeds
  • 2 tbs almond flour
  • 2 tbs shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 2 tsp ground flax (optional)
  • 1 tbs grated orange zest
 
Instructions
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease a cake pan.
  • Beat pumpkin puree, egg, butter, honey, and molasses together in a large bowl. Stir rolled oats, sunflower seeds, almond flour, coconut, ground flax and orange zest into the pumpkin mixture; spread into the prepared pan.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes. Cut into bars while still warm.

Adapted Recipe Credit: AllRecipes
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Preparing a Trail Description
  
A component of Plan Ahead and Prepare is to learn about the trail you are intending to hike. Knowing what to expect reduces the risks of injuries and a reduction of outdoor enjoyment. Oftentimes, a description of the trail you will be hiking can be found in a guidebook or an online resource. But what if it is not a regularly-hiked trail and no description exists? Create one of your own.

One of the exercises we give our Land Navigation Workshop attendees is to write their own trail description based upon what they read from a map. Anyone can complete this Plan Ahead practice, adding as much detail as makes you feel secure for your venture.

Creating Your Own Trail Description:
  • Plot your intended route on a map.
  • Beginning at the trailhead, measure the total distance and note any junctions or points of interest to the ending trailhead.
  • Make a notation of any water sources (i.e. spring, creek) and their location. Additionally, make a notation of any significant land features.
  • Now that you have an overall “view” of your hike, begin plotting those details in a written description. The details might include elevation gain/loss in what distance, the location of the creek and/or when the creek is crossed, the location of switchbacks or when a trail makes a hard turn. The greater the details, the more you learn before you go and a better understanding of where you are on the map during your hike.

Graded Effort: Send us your trail description and a copy of the map you are referencing. We will share ideas to increase your skill of writing trail descriptions.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
Due to a hosting issue we have changed our website and email addresses. Please update your bookmark and contact list.
Step Outdoors, LLC
3152 Gore Rd.
Derby, VT 05829
970.946.5001