Venturing Outdoors
Kelli McElhinny
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
In spite of a mid-March temperature that stubbornly hovered below 30 degrees, I headed out to Frick Park on a Saturday morning with 13 other hikers to get a little exercise and a lot of good food. We were about to embark on a Curry Hike hosted by Venture Outdoors, a local nonprofit organization that encourages people to get outside.
As we trekked through the scenic woods, our trip leader Darlene Schiller pointed out all kinds of interesting things along the way. (For the record, the hemlock tree is edible. The hemlock plant led to Socrates’ demise.) A Mt. Lebanon resident, Schiller has been a volunteer with the organization since its inception in June 2001, when it was known as the Western Pennsylvania Field Institute.
After a brisk two-plus mile hike, she led us back to the pavilion at the park’s bowling greens. There we enjoyed a variety of Indian dishes spiced with curry prepared by the very capable Kanak Iyer, a South Hills financial consultant who mastered her culinary skills in her native South India.
While this was the first Curry Hike offered by Venture Outdoors, specialty outlings such as beer tasting and wine tasting hikes are now staples on its schedule. With good reason. I recently participated in one of their beer hikes and no, we didn’t relive our high school days drinking in the woods. Following a strenuous two-mile hike, we headed to our trip leader’s house to try out nine different craft beers and an impressive spread of munchies. Welcome to the great outdoors!
The popularity of the beer and wine hikes led the organization to look at different opportunities to combine food, drink and exercise. “Right now the specialty hikes are really taking off,” says Rob Walters, programming director, who notes that the group frequently looks to its member base to generate new hike ideas. (Here’s a sweet one: the Chocolate Hike in Riverside Park which is scheduled for this weekend.)
It’s not surprising that people are flocking to such hikes, which often end up with waiting lists. It’s much easier to justify eating or drinking after you’ve already worked to burn off a fair amount of the calories.
Hikes, bikes and more
But Venture Outdoors is more than just hikes; the organization’s mission is to connect as many people as possible to the region’s extensive natural resources. Those already active in outdoor sports know the rich diversity of recreational opportunities in the area. One of the group's goals is to act as a network for others so it’s easy—and fun—to explore all kinds of options. Kayak and Fireworks, anyone?
In fact, the organization helped develop an appreciation in a population that couldn’t enjoy fully outdoor recreation just a few decades earlier. “It didn’t make sense to go out on rivers that were polluted. It didn’t make sense to go hiking in mountains in smoky air,” said Michael Sobkowiak, communications and operations director. “Now, everyone can get out no matter what their ages are. Then they can teach their children, their colleagues, whomever. We’re sort of priming the pump.”
So now you can engage in activities year-round, from spring and summer fare such as kayaking, canoe camping and fishing, to winter excursions like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Ever creative, the group is always conjuring innovative activities to inspire: Urban escape hikes offers five to 10 mile treks exploring city neighborhoods. Gardens, Murals and a Museum, oh My! features a short hike though the North Side with visits to colorful Sprout Fund murals, notable neighborhood gardens and the Mattress Factory.
Starting in May on Wednesdays: Happy Hour Kayaking—an invigorating one-hour paddle followed by stops at North Shore watering holes.
With 1500 members and a detailed Web site and newsletters, the group now reaches around 8000 people. Participants not only have a chance to shape up, but they also end up with a renewed appreciation of our outdoors. “Every few months when the schedule comes out, everything changes,” says Walter. New trip leaders, programs, parks, conditions.
Newcomers need not worry about honing their skills before venturing out. “We don’t want to be a pretentious club. It’s not like people should be intimidated if they’ve never done something before,” Sobkowiak says.
Activities are appropriate for all levels, including newbies. My curry hike group reflected a range of experience levels. One fellow hiker was a first-time participant, while another joins in activities nearly every other week.
The talented, experienced pool of approximately 50 trip leaders, most trained in wilderness first aid and outdoor leadership courses through Venture Outdoors, are capable of stepping in when beginners need help. “We try to make it accessible to everyone,” Schiller said.
One major draw? The social scene. “A ton of friendships have come out of Venture Outdoors,” Sobkowiak says. “Even marriages,” Walters adds.
“Every hike I’ve been on, I’ve met the nicest people,” says Esther Mattes, a Venture Outdoors member since 2003 and a trip leader for the past year, “You can come if you don’t know anyone.” Another plus? She’s learned of many other organizations through her Venture Outdoors connections.
A year’s membership is a bargain, starting at $35 for individuals and $65 for families. Members are eligible for discounts on activities (which are open to non-members) and invitations to special events, such as the Brewery Bike & Hike lined up this summer where you can visit East End Brewery for a tasting and a Growler to go-- after a ride through Frick Park.
For a sampling of what Venture Outdoors has to offer, head to the free sixth annual Venture Outdoors festival on Saturday, May 20th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. That's your chance to try waters sports such as kayaking, canoeing or water biking. Or join a group and paddle away in a dragon boat. Anything goes at this event, including fishing, a yoga tent, climbing wall and inline skating instruction. Not to mention more than 100 exhibitors and other outdoor organizations.
Until then, check online and see what's available. My advice? That Chocolate Hike sounds really good.
Kelli McElhinny is a Pittsburgh-based freelance writer who likes hiking, good beer and Indian food, not necessarily in that order.
Photos:
Curry and spices
Darlene Schiller with hikers
Program Director Rob Walter
Post-hike feast
Photos courtesy of Paul Meidinger
Rob Walter photo copyrighted by Tom Altany