Buff? Yes we are!!

To Buff or not to Buff – that is the question! Of course for many people, the first question might be - what is a buff, anyway?

The Buff is a multifunctional, tubular piece of fabric (usually made of technical wicking fabric) that is BuffCindy classified as ‘headwear’ but can be used in any number of ways. It's very versatile for activities both inside and outside. Most recently it has been embraced by the hiking and backpacking communities due to that versatility (dual purpose) and its light weight and compressability.

The buff can be used as a neck warmer, head band, skull cap (several different configurations), hood, scrunchy for long hair, face mask, wristband, sun guard, and/or balaclava. (I’ve had one participant who used it as a halter top and another one demonstrated it’s use as a short skirt --- just to prove it could be done!)

In fact, there are so many different configurations that it even comes with an instruction card!

BuffGraphic

You can see this card and click on the individual instructions for use at: http://www.buffusa.com/wear/ways_to_wear_a_buff I love how even the simplest use is given such serious directions! And, of course there are plenty of YouTube videos about how to use buffs --- some serious, some funny and some just to be avoided!

At Adventures in Good Company, we have been incorporating the buff into our ‘recommended packing list’ for many of our trips so you will see it popping up, especially on our hiking and backpacking trips. It’s a pretty inexpensive item to try and I am sure that once you try one --- you’ll want to have more --- in all colors and patterns! And, coming soon, for all you folks that already have AGC t-shirts and AGC bandannas, on your next trip you'll be offered an AGC buff! What could be better?!

(Editor's Note this was written by Jan Latham, Program Director, Lightweight Backpacking Queen, and gear fanatic. If you ever have any equipment questions, just email her at this address)

Trekking to Machu Picchu

Combine a trip to one of the most magical places on earth with a challenging trek in the Andes on a remote trail, while staying at welcoming small eco-lodges with friendly staff and fantastic meals. Start with two days in Cuzco learning about Quechan culture before spending five days trekking on the Salkantay Trail. End with a daylong visit to Machu Picchu. If you want to visit in a way that minimizes environmental impact and contributes directly to the local economy, this is the trip for you. Only 4 spaces left.

Island Hopping the Greek Isles

Azure seas, exquisite cuisine, fascinating history, complex culture, and stunning landscapes have long drawn travelers to the Greek Islands. This year the political situation makes Greece even more interesting! Greece has just elected an energetic young man who is attempting to change Greece's course, both eliminating the corruption that has plagued the government and rethinking the financial austerity that has depressed the economy. Is it still safe to visit? Absolutely, and even more interesting than ever!

How to stay warm this winter

Plunging temperatures this month may have you convinced there is no alternative to staying indoors with a good book until Spring. Think again! Staying outdoors and active improves your mood, fends off winter weight gain, and keeps your vitamin D level high. Of course you won’t want to stay outdoors if you’re cold, but follow these 5 simple tips and you’ll be able to play outdoors all day. (Yes, a repeat from last winter's newsletter. Funny how some advice never changes.)

The latest AGC updates in the field and office

We have one or two spaces left on the following trips

Roving Ireland's West Coast (1) May 16 - 25

Trekking in Nepal (2) June 6 - 22

Exploring Panama (2) November 7 - 15

We are delighted to announce that Debra Huntington will be joining us in the office this Spring, as well as contining to guide. Debra took our last guide training in December, 2013 and decided that she wanted not only to guide but also to learn everything that goes on behind the scenes in making a trip successful. We're happy to have her on board and are looking forward to having a little more time to reactivate and reorganize the blog, as well as add a few more trips in 2016 (look for our preliminary listing of 2016 trips the end of March, at which time we'll also post all of our Winter 2016 trips).

Our first two trips in 2015 have been great fun. If you like seeing pictures of our trips, often posted while the trip is stilll out, be sure to check out our Facebook page. Hope you're having a great winter, whether its getting outside and playing in the snow or packing your clothes for a warm winter escape. -- Marian, for all the guides at Adventures in Good Company