The title was not meant to offend but rather to inspire a call to action, by lacing up a pair of boots, slipping on a backpack and hitting the trails, and in doing so one can expect to experience an easy and affordable way to get outside and into nature. A hiking adventure will be sure to give you one hundred and one ways to enjoy yourself. In this article we will discuss a few of those in hope to get you on the trail and outdoors this weekend.
THE CALL OF THE WILD
You feel it inside like a voice telling you that you must go, urging you to get outside and into nature. The feeling is difficult to put into words and the simplest way to understand is that it just feels good. Having the earth beneath your feet, the wind blowing through your hair as the sun gently warms your face is like being cradled and cared for by a nurturing loving Mother… Nature. The call of the wild is within each one of us and how we answer the call becomes a private conversation between the individual and Mother, but by taking a hike and surrounding yourself with all of her glory is an easy way to be directly connected as you reap the rewards and immediately satisfy the need and feeling.
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” - John Muir
THE HEALTH BENEFITS
Physically hiking is an amazing way to exercise. It is a total workout where you will be engaging every muscle group on the body. All of this physical activity will help lower body fat, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, increase bone density, increase muscle strength, and this is to just name a few. By the time you’re done with your hike you’ll be feeling the physical health benefits all over and you might need a massage or a hot bath to get your body, “back to normal”, but the sore muscles are only temporary and before you know it you’ll be planning your next hiking adventure in no time.
Mentally it can help to reduce stress, improve your mood, and gives an increased feeling of mental wellbeing. Hiking outdoors will be sure to give you “The Happiness Effect”, where you might just find yourself smiling for no good reason.
“With all this fresh air, we’ll sleep like babies.” - Del Griffith
Hiking also helps improve sleep quality. You will be using a lot of energy as you hike over rocks, uneven terrain, up and down hills, over waterways and through valleys, and all of this used energy will prepare you for an amazing night sleep or a really good nap, if you so choose.
HOW MUCH GEAR TO BRING
Depending on the difficulty of the hike it can be an array of items from just a pair shorts and hiking boots all the way to the whole kit and caboodle. The most common items to bring would be a good pair of hiking shoes, sun protection, backpack to carry water, snacks and possible medical kit.
Another thing to consider brining would be a camera or maybe your camera phone. We live in a day and age where sharing our experiences and memories are fun and rewarding, selfie anyone? A field guide for flowers, insects, birds, plants and shrubs could come in handy and allow one to have more interest and knowledge on what you might find along your trail.
In conclusion, don’t over pack and weigh yourself down, keep it simple and light, but always keep in mind the essentials for fun and safety.
HIKING BUDDIES
It is always a good time when you bring a friend or friends with you on an adventure, but sometimes it is also very rewarding to go on your own.
Hiking alone will give you a chance to reconnect with yourself, you will be able to enjoy the golden silence that you are not able to get anywhere else. It can be a time of meditation and self exploration. When you’re done you just might get to know yourself a little better. If you do hike alone, you should tell someone where you are going and how long you will be out, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Hiking with buddy or a group of friends is like a party in nature. Sharing the beauty of what you experience with someone else is always rewarding. It also allows time to connect with your friends on a deeper more personal level.
FAMILY HIKES
“Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives.” - Thomas Berry
As a child my family would take many trips into the country and wilderness areas. Having my father and mother teach and share things with myself and my brothers as we hiked a path in nature was a classroom like no other. The connections that are made on these hiking journey’s will stay with the whole family for a lifetime and the memories will be forever remembered and appreciated.
WHERE TO HIKE
If you live in the country or a wilderness area this question is an easy one, and the possibilities are endless, but if you live in the city it can be a bit more challenging. Sometimes a local park will have trails for you to explore and if you still need a bit more of the wild to satisfy your hiking desires then you will have to get outside the city. There is so much information and possibilities that can pop up by doing a simple google search, but sometimes it is also nice to just pack up the car, pick a direction and drive. Either way we still live in a world that allows many options when it comes to finding a trail and hiking. There really aren’t too many excuses.
JUST DO IT
By following this simple phrase popularized by a famous shoe company, you will go and you will do it. You’ll be in nature and you’ll be enjoying yourself every step of the way. And as you make this a regular practice you will start to become a professional hiker in no time as your path leads you to a healthy mind, body and spirit. You will thank yourself for it.