Read in this issue:
:: Boomer Yearn for Physically
    Challenging Holidays
:: Free Adventure Preview on
    January 18 (see article on
    the right)
:: Gaia Women & Weights - next     classes in January
:: Coming up Winter adventures
    for Women in January and
    February
:: Gaia Club

Visit Gaia's website for more information on "Personal Fitness Training" and more Adventures for Women.

“I Did It! Now I Can Do Anything!”

Boomers Yearn for Physically Challenging Holidays
To Feel Empowered And Live Their Dreams

“I did it! Now I can do anything!” cried Zaidah Green, a 51-year-old hair stylist, her cheeks wet with tears, as she reached the south rim of the Grand Canyon.

She had completed her five day trek 30 miles, rim to rim, of the Grand Canyon with other women. She had never hiked more than 10 km at a time.

After this incredible boost, she felt so powerful she trained for and ran the 42 km Rome marathon to raise money for leukemia and later cycled 100 km to raise money for MS.

“I have to take care of myself. I’m in the second half of my life”, says Green.

Unlike their parents’ conventional wisdom of “You slow down as you get older”, many Baby Boomers are getting more physically active as they age.

Women like Green secretly yearn for a physical challenge so they’ll feel more empowered and confident, so they’ll experience the adventures they’ve dreamed of before it’s too late and live rich, full lives.

Catherine D’Aoust of Gaia Adventures challenges you to trek down and up one of the most ancient, exotic natural arenas on earth, the Grand Canyon from with a 10,000 feet elevation change.

Your journey will take you along the scenic but forgiving Kaibab and Bright Angels trails. Roaring Springs, Ribbon Falls, Colorado River and Plateau Point are but a few of the treasures awaiting you on this backpacking adventure.

If you love the sea, you can burst through your “limits” with her on the internationally renowned, 75 km West Coast Trail. This historic backpacking route takes you along sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, caves, sea arches, sea stacks and beaches on the stunning coastline of south western Vancouver Island.

Margaret Cowan of Mama Margaret & Friends Cooking Adventures in Italy inspires you to hike, cook and drink in the Mount Etna and Stromboli areas of Sicily.

If you’ve always wanted to hike near a live volcano, you can trek 15 km in the Mount Etna lava flows and foot hills. On the island of Stromboli you can climb up 45 degree angle paths to within 500 metres of its active volcano and watch it throwing its fire into the night sky like fireworks.

Cowan, 56, never thought she could run the Vancouver Sun Run in 2003 but did, and got sidelined in 2005 with sciatica. Now she’s working out three days a week with her trainer, D’Aoust, so she make a 12 year dream come true.

Next May she’ll climb to the top of the mountain in Stromboli, watch the sun set, marvel at the volcano’s spectacular, firey show close up and descend back to town in the dark through volcanic ash wearing a head lamp.

Never thought you could run a full marathon?

Cowan has created a tour for the Running Room, a 42 km marathon in Turin, Italy followed by four days of celebrating, hiking, eating and visiting wineries in the magnificent Barolo wine country, home to some of Italy’s top reds. What a way to celebrate your dream coming true!

For more information, contact Catherine D’Aoust at 604.329.1257

Coming up:

Learn to Snow Shoe on Seymour

Easy, Introduction to Winter Hiking with Snowshoes

3 to 5 km, 2.5 hours, 255m (895 ft)

Saturday, January 6

Half day, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM

$49 plus GST [or $95 incl. GAIA Club membership];
includes training & guide. Snowshoe rentals extra.

Snow Shoe the most popular trails of the North Shore. Learn how to fit and select your snowshoe; how to hike efficiently, up and down the trails safely; and get the insider info on where to go for the spectacular views.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please call or email Gaia.

Winter Retreat for Women:
Cross Country Ski and Snow Shoe in
Manning Park's Winter Wonderland

Moderate, Classic Cross Country Skiing,
Snow Shoeing

January 19 to 21, 2007

Weekend Retreat for Women

$455 + GST ($435 + GST GAIA Club);
includes transportation, accommodation in Manning Park Lodge, guiding and trail fees, healthy lunches. Other meals and rentals extra.

Ski Manning Provincial Park, famous for its plentiful snow and uncrowded ski conditions. Our experienced guide will lead you on a ski adventure through beautiful rolling hills and wooded terrain.

Our tour begins on Friday at noon. Get to know the others in the group as we travel to Manning Park.
We stay at the comfortable Manning Park Lodge in shared accommodations and take in the many resort features: Loon Lagoon indoor hot tub, Bears Den pub, Big Cat Bistro and more. Saturday we cross country ski from Lightning Lakes to Strawberry Flats and return, about 15 km of groomed trails. And on Sunday we explore snow shoeing along Manning's marked nature trails. Experience this fun getaway in the company of women in the Cascade Mountains.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please call or email Gaia.

Snowshoe Hollyburn

Moderate, Winter Hiking with Snowshoes

Saturday, February 10

Full day, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

$85 plus GST [$75 + GST GAIA Club]; includes trans-portation, guide, healthy lunch. Snowshoe rentals extra.

Hike on wonderful nature trails in Cypress park. It’s a great way to start the winter backcountry season and to savour the history of those who have gone before you on the old Hollyburn trails.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Please call or email Gaia.