From the Editor
Linda Harris

The delay in getting the December newsletter to the website lies with me. I found that the end of the month came too quickly after Thanksgiving. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving holiday and your Christmas celebration is filled with happiness and good health.

I asked our OWSD board members what they enjoy most about the Christmas holiday season and if they were wishing for a special gift related to their outdoor pursuits. I’ll share the responses I received. more
 

OWSD Board Meeting
Summary by Linda Harris

The officers and board of directors for Outdoor Women of South Dakota met on November 12, 2005, at Lake Sharpe Marina in Ft. Pierre. Mike Koch, a brother of board member Linda Harris, owns the business. Prior to the board meeting, Mike gave a tour of the boat showroom and repair shop area. Lake Sharpe Marina is interested in partnering with OWSD to offer seminars and workshops. more

 

Second Saturday Gathering East River and
Second Sunday Gathering West River
The monthly events termed Second Saturday and Second Sunday Gathering (SSG) include a variety of activities at various locations across the state. The goal of these gatherings is to promote Outdoor Women of South Dakota and to provide outdoor educational activities for interested members and the general public. At times, scheduling conflicts may require changing the Saturday/Sunday dates for SSG events.


Second Sunday Gathering-West River, December
Boot fit and winter apparel

The Second Sunday Gathering for December was held at Granite Sports in Hill City on December 4th. For scheduling purposes, the event was moved up a week. The participants had the opportunity to check out specialized clothing and accessories and ask questions about dressing properly for winter’s worst. Storeowner Susan Sheirbeck talked about boot and shoe fit and the importance of good socks. See the article based on her informative talk.

Granite Sports store owner, Susan Scheirbeck, measures Charon Geigle's foot and explains proper shoe fit.
 

Good Socks Provide a Good Foundation
Linda Harris

Storeowner Susan Scheirbeck of Granite Sports in Hill City knows a lot about rock climbing and hiking and taking care of your feet. During the December Second Sunday Gathering (actually held on the first Sunday), she explained how important it is to treat your feet right so they can take you where you need to go in comfort. Susan says the right sock provides a good foundation.

High quality socks manage moisture to keep your feet warm and prevent blisters. Firstly, she stresses, avoid cotton because it does not wick moisture. Susan related a study that showed a shot glass of moisture is released by each foot during an 8-hour period just sitting indoors. Of course, perspiration increases during strenuous activity. If that moisture is not wicked away from the skin, your feet will feel cold and are more prone to blistering.

Sock design has evolved to be highly technical to provide the ultimate in moisture management, performance, and comfort. You can expect to pay $15-20 or more for a pair of specialized socks, but they will also last longer than less expensive cotton socks. Talk with knowledgeable sales staff. Look for wool socks that do not have a high cotton or nylon content. If your foot size is borders between small and medium or between medium and large, go with the higher size. Select socks with more cushioning if you are carrying extra weight in your backpack or if temperatures are colder.

Another important tip is to carry extra socks and change them when you notice your feet are damp or beginning to feel cool. Bring along extra socks for your hiking partners who may be less sock-wise, especially for long outings. As Susan points out, you are a team. You don’t want your partner’s feet to slow you down or prematurely end your outing.