Kula Yoga Fest

By Gary Moore

Knowing little about yoga, I was intrigued when I first learned about the Kula Yoga Fest, a three day wellness retreat held at Lyman, New Hampshire’s beautiful and historic Ogontz.

The event was run by Laura Erickson of Mountain Kula Yoga in North Conway. I had her on my program on WYKR in June and found what was planned for the July 24-26 Fest even more interesting.

My plan to attend the Saturday sessions had to be canceled because of Linda’s stay at DHMC but I did manage to make it to Lyman on Sunday am and glad I did.

I learned a lot about yoga from watching various sessions and talking with instructors and participants who came from all over the U.S.

I was especially interested in the Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class which was offered several times during the weekend. The session I watched was taught by Jana Olen of Sup Yo Adventures.

Several of the earlier classes were taught by Sharon Akers also of Sup Yo Adventures.

The exercises that were performed while anchored off shore on paddle boards were enjoyable to watch. They required coordination and concentration to perform on a platform that was not stable like those of other classes held indoors or on solid ground.

Olen invited me to participate but I declined as I had not come prepared with a bathing suit or other suitable clothing to be on the water. I can only imagine how relaxing it would be floating on the water and following Olen’s quiet instructions for positions that she first demonstrated.

I was both amazed and envious of the dexterity of the participants in all the classes I watched to get in positions I could never imagine my 80 year old body allowing.

Perhaps some day I can try Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga.

Everyone I spoke with was having great experience and hoped to return next year. You can contact Laura at https://www.mountainkulayoga.com/ to learn more.

To learn about Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga and other offerings from Sup Yo Adventures go to https://www.supyoadventures.com/.

Enjoy Your Hike But Be Prepared

We are in the peak of the hiking season and huge numbers are on the trails. Unfortunately, many are unprepared and need rescue. It has been a busy time for search and rescue teams in Vermont and New Hampshire this summer often taxing them with multiple calls for help at the same time.

SAR is the responsibility of Fish and Game in New Hampshire and the State Police in Vermont. Neither department could operate successfully without the help of volunteer SAR organizations.

I would like to suggest that when you head out, you are responsible for your own safety and that of others who might have to rescue you.

You need to be prepared and equipped for possible problems that might arise from a slip and fall to bad weather.

Be sure to carry ample water and food, extra clothing, a map and compass and know how to use them, and always have a light, either a head lamp or flashlight. Also needed are a whistle, a knife, waterproof matches and a small first aid kit.

All too often hikers rely on a cell phone as their only emergency equipment. That is a big mistake. Many places there is no cell service and batteries drain if used in the cold or for long periods.

It is important that you plan your hike by making sure you understand the terrain you will be traversing, the weather predicted and approximate time your hike will take. Be sure to let someone know where you will be hiking and when you expect to return.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief Colonel Kevin Jordan put it well. “People must always take personal responsibility as they head out by acknowledging their physical limitations, being aware of changing weather conditions, and knowing when it’s time to turn back. It is imperative that people enjoying New Hampshire’s natural resources exercise a high degree of caution. Unsafe and irresponsible behavior also puts first responders at extreme risk of injury.”

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to be willing to turn back if the situation warrants. Don’t be foolish. There will be another day to complete the hike safely. In some 65 years of hiking around New England, New York and in the west, I have aborted my hike several times, when the weather changed, darkness was approaching or I simply was not feeling up to continuing.

I spent some 20 years as a member of the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue Team and can attest that many rescues would not have been needed if the person in need had simply used common sense.

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga on Ogontz Lake

Bits and Pieces

Tune in to WYKR 101.3 FM or 1100 AM on Thursday at 6 p.m. for The Outdoor Edge. Thoughts on the Out-of-Doors airs as a segment of the program on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month.

My guest will be Steve Agius, Wildlife Refuge Manager for the Silvio O Conte National Wildlife Refuge.

Parting Shots

It has been hectic as Linda was hospitalized at DH four days, home two, and back for two more. Then she had her regular chemo on Thursday and wore a pump for two more days.

Most of what we had planned to do got canceled but hopefully this week will be better. Summers are short around here and we need not waste time.