"Remember the difference between a boss and a leader; a boss says "Go!" - a leader says "Let's go!""E. M. Kelly
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Every time I leave the pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack - even if I have no intention of hiking. Doing this has become a habit rather than a conscious decision. My pack goes with me when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I ...
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Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails. Let's Go Hiking!
Here are 4 steps to having an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.
1. Know the area you will be hiking in to. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.
2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.
3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:
- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.
- Also, go for layers to
keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.
- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.
- Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.
4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that's appropriate for the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics:
- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.
- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.
- Suntan lotion.
- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).
- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.
- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.
- A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies.
It's a good idea to pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.
Using these tips, your next hiking adventure should be quite comfortable, safe, and enjoyable!
Additional information and resources for this article can be found at: http://www.dohiking.com/articles/56/4-steps-to-an-enjoyable-hike/
About the Author
© 2005 This article is provided courtesy of DoHiking.com This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the links are live, and this notice is left intact.
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Outdoor Illinois magazine to publish final issueThe State Journal-RegisterBy CHRIS YOUNG The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will discontinue publication of its Outdoor Illinois magazine after the March issue. Outdoor Illinois, a full-color, slick-paper monthly magazine with a circulation of more than 26000, ...and more » |
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California Outdoors for the week of 2/8/2012Plumas County NewspapersQuestion: I have been searching for any regulations specifically regarding slingshots but have found no clear reference to them within the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) hunting regulations. As written, slingshots are not a legal method of take for ...and more » |
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On Outdoors: Living the RV lifeMinneapolis Star TribuneSales of recreational vehicles are booming, with the biggest growth among families with kids, and of lighter models that can be towed by more vehicles. Rick and Brenda Allanson of Edina are longtime RVers. They are on a trip to the Black Hills of South ...and more » |
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Outdoors: Castle Rock is worthy of its nameMerced Sun-StarBy Adam Blauert A place with a name like Castle Rock State Park inspires the imagination. Names aren't always a guarantee, but Castle Rock certainly lives up to its evocative title. The "Rock" is a fortresslike sandstone landmark at the top of the ... |
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Virginia gathers input for Outdoors PlanTasley Eastern Shore News16 in Accomac to gather regional input for the 2013 Virginia Outdoors Plan. Meetings will be at 3 and 7 pm at the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, 23372 Front St., Accomac. Residents are invited to share their thoughts on the area's ...and more » |
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