Learning To Hike
Have you ever felt an urge to bask in the sun, feel the wind in your hair and get a little dirt under your fingernails? It's natural to want to spend a little time in the wilderness, because human beings are just animals, after all. That's why learning to hike is the perfect sport for our stressed-out society.
Hiking can be more than a simple way to pass the time. For some, it's been an important piece of their family history. Family vacations are often where a deep-rooted love of hiking begins. Kids still in toddler boots are scaling river banks and traversing the great outdoors with their earthy parents. These early cross-country outings turn into valuable skills and priceless memories that can last a lifetime.
Many hikers develop their love of the sport much later in life, sometimes well into the senior years. Older kids in scout troops embark on weekend journeys. Teenagers traipse through the woods to find a secluded spot to hang out with their friends. Stressed-out executives can't wait until five o'clock, so they can kick off their wingtips and strap on a pair of hiking boots.
A newfound love of hiking can happen at any age and for any reason. The one thing that's constant is that hiking is the perfect way to shake off modern worries and enjoy all of nature's wondrous gifts.
It can be a little tricky when you first begin hiking. You may struggle with bulky packs loaded with too much gear, too much food and too many pairs of shoes. You'll set off on a two-day trek, but pack for a week. Seasoned hikers can always spot the rookies as they struggle along the trail.
Seasoned hikers can snicker at the rookies, but let's face it; every one of us has painted this same picture at one time. Newbies take heart: it won't take long for you to shake the excess pounds from your back, and clock enough miles on your boots to have you traveling lean. As time goes, you'll find yourself learning the ropes and fine-tuning your art along the way, until your pack decreases in size as quickly as your appetite for bagels.
In the meantime, here are some hiking tips and advice for you live by, as you work toward your Experience degree from On-the-Trail University:
Prepare Before You Pack
Hiking is all about freedom, but that doesn't mean that there are no rules. Safety always comes first, and safety guidelines should always be followed. The most important rule to remember is that you need to be prepared for anything. Consider all of the mishaps that can occur in the wild, and assume that they will happen. Prepare for every situation and you'll be able to handle any potential accidents. Packing inadequate clothing, ignoring your map and making a bad judgment call are all invitations for disaster. There are potentially life-threatening situations waiting around every corner, so you need to know what to pack, understand how to handle dangerous situations and be able to keep a clear head as you deal with any difficulties. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave on your hiking excursion. Knowing the conditions of the trails will also help you to pack the right gear. Weather can turn without warning, so bring along a lightweight rain jacket at all times. Know the trails and stay in tune with your surroundings at all times. If you plan to hike in a conservation area or national park, speak with the park managers about necessary permits and local conditions. You can find maps online and at the book store. Bring the maps along, and make sure that you know how to read them.
Know Your Equipment
Hiking for beginners leaves no room for vanity. No one cares what you look like, or whether you're coming across as a hiking "dork". Outdoor temperatures can drop quickly after the sun sets, so make sure your sleeping bag is insulated. Staying warm is infinitely more important than looking cool. And it's a lot smarter. Hiking equipment is not about coordinating your ensemble. It's about staying safe -- and it can save your life.
Have Fun
In the end, hiking is all about having fun. Otherwise, no one would do it. To a hiker, lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness is a luxury vacation. Mosquito bites and scratches are five-star amenities. If you're hardcore about your love of nature, all the trouble pays off in fun and freedom.
Your newfound love of hiking will really sink in when you realize that you can leave all of your stresses at home. As you breathe in the air and feel the sun's warmth you'll realize that, at that perfect moment, you haven't a care in the world. With all that nature has to offer, what's not to love?
By: Nadia Eshott
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Nadia Eshott enjoys writing for numerous well-known online magazines, on recreation and parks and recreation issues.
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