The Playground of Poets: The Creative Benefits of Hiking

People often extol the physical benefits of hiking when listing the reasons that you should take up this new pastime, but they do not often list the benefits creatively or emotionally that can come from exploring mountain paths. Lest you forget you can enrich your mind while also exercising your body, here are a few reminders of the ways that hiking can exercise your creative spirit.

Fresh Air
Fresh air is a good thing for your body physically, but it is also a boon to your creative soul. Feeling like you can breathe more easily and more cleanly will make you feel like your creative tendencies can move more freely and easily as well. Breathe deeply, and let the creative juices breathe as well.

Space to Think
Similar to fresh air, the wide open spaces you often find while hiking can be a catalyst for creative ideas. Those newly born ideas need a little space in which to grow. What can be better for your creative impulses than having the whole of a canyon or acres of forest in which to roam free?

Connection with Nature
Many great works of literature and poetry have their inspiration in nature. While you are enjoying the fresh air and open spaces of the outdoors, allow yourself to revel in the wonders of the natural world.

Time to Yourself
Especially if you have family or friends who can demand a lot of your attention and time, hiking can be a great excuse to get away by yourself for a little while, and tone down the chaos of your everyday. You can open yourself up to your creative side, and listen to its whispers that usually get drowned out in the clamors of the day.

Even if you can’t snag some hiking time to yourself, the memories you create with your friends and family can be also a ripe source for material. Don’t be afraid to invite them along.

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From Couch Potato Friends to Hiking Companions: A Convincing (Partial) of the Numerous Benefits of Hiking

Have you ever tried to round up a few friends for a fun weekend filled with hiking, and only been met by blank stares and uninterested gazes? If your friends are not already hiking enthusiasts, you may have a difficult time convincing them of why they should they should accompany you. Here, to help you out the next time you try to dredge up some companions for your weekend outdoors, are a list of some of the benefits of hiking.

The Exercise!
While this is, of course, the first benefit that comes to mind when talking about hiking, this probably should not be the benefit with which you begin the discussion with your couch potato friends. Wait until you have convinced them with some of the other reasons, and have them walking on the trail beside you, before you bring up the fact that they are actually burning calories for a change.

The Food!
When you really think about it, is there anything more delicious than trail mix and jerky? Well, maybe not mixed together. While you can eat these food anytime (and let’s be honest, you probably do), they never taste as delicious as when you feel like you have truly earned them.

The Fun!
If neither of the other benefits listed above work, go with the fun that you and your other friends will be having without your couch potato friends if they do not come, too. No one likes to be left out, even if they have to walk a little to be part of the in-crowd.

There are tons of other benefits of hiking, but start with these few. The list of hiking benefits can go on and on when you really think about it, but try not to overload your new hiking companions at first. Give them a taste of the sweet hiking life, and let them uncover the rest of the joys for themselves. And go easy on ‘em!

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Between a Rock and a Hard Place – Why You Should Never Hike Alone If You Can Avoid It, and What to Do If You Can’t

While you may enjoy the time alone which hiking by yourself provides, hiking alone can be more dangerous than hiking with another person. Though they may intrude on your “inner-peace seeking,” their very presence can provide a sense of added safety and security to your trip. Here are some things to consider and tips on what to do if you ultimately can’t find anyone who is willing to accompany you.

Tell your hiking plan to someone at home.
Be sure to tell someone where you will be going hiking for the entirety of your trip, and stick to that itinerary. It may be tempting to change plans at the last minute, but it could be more difficult to be found if you get into any trouble.

Bring extra supplies of food and water.
Seasoned hikers do this without thinking, but sometimes it is good to have a reminder of how important it can be. While it may mean carrying a few extra pounds in your pack, you will be glad for having carried the extra weight with you if you happen to run into trouble and become delayed.

Have extra clothes and blankets on hand.
If you were only planning on a day hike, you could feel extremely worried if you are unprepared to spend the night. Having warm clothes, or layers of clothing, can help you survive the night, as can that blanket you packed.

Pack an old fashion map.
You may have a GPS device, a cell phone, or any other piece of magical modern technology, but you can never guarantee that these will work 100% of the time. Carry a paper map of the area you will be exploring. It is lightweight, reliable, and could be a lifesaver in an emergency.

Whether you are alone or with friends, hiking can be an enjoyable outdoor activity if you are well-prepared for any potential problems. Once you are ready, head out and have fun!

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A Blessing or a Curse: What to Consider When Buying Your Next Pair of Hiking Shoes

Shoes in shoe covers

Image via Wikipedia

Walking in the woods, whether by yourself or alone, is a relaxing and enjoyable experience – unless you are in agony with every step you take. Here are a few thoughts to keep in mind the next time you go shoe-shopping and are facing the rows of possibilities.

Know what you need.
First and foremost, you should be sure to know what you need from your hiking shoes. Are you going to hike in a specific environment? Do you only go hiking during a specific season? Will you be taking more leisurely hikes, or scrambling over rocks and through water? If you plan to use these shoes occasionally to take a stroll on the well-worn path, you may not need as many high-tech features in your new hiking shoes. If you plan on hiking a mini-Everest anytime soon, you may want more of these features (and should be willing to pay a little extra for the comfort they will provide).

Check out the specs.
Now that you know how you plan to use these new shoes, look for certain specifications in your shoes. Are they waterproof, or water-resistant? Do they have good, gripping tread on the bottom? Are they thick and warm, and/or breathable? Do they lace up securely on your feet? Think about all of these aspects while you are trying on different pairs to see how comfortable they feel.

While you are shopping, get some socks to go with your new shoes!
A good pair of warm, comfortable socks can go a long way toward making your hike more enjoyable as well, so pick up a pair or two while you are shopping, preferably one that can wick away the moisture from your feet and keep them dry.

Finding the right pair of hiking shoes is imperative, as they can be a blessing or a curse on your next hike. Good luck with your shopping and your first hike in your new shoes.

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Breathe That Mountain Air: Things to Consider When Hiking in High Elevations

If you have never been up in the high mountain air, you may not realize what a toll a high elevation environment can take on your body, especially if you are planning on doing any kind of physically demanding activities while there. Here are a few points to help you more easily adjust to the rigors of mountain hiking.

Drink Water – While it is no secret that you should stay well hydrated whenever you are being physically active outdoors, drinking water becomes even more important in the high elevation. Carry plenty of water with you, and remember to take sips throughout your hike.

Wear Sunscreen and Reapply It If Needed – When you are up in the mountains, you are literally thousands of feet closer to the sun and its potentially skin-burning rays. While you may not think a few thousand feet can make a difference, they do. Protect yourself by applying, carrying, and reapplying sunscreen if you are going to be outside for a long period of time.

Take It Easy – No one will doubt your hardiness if you need to take it a little easier up in the mountains. For one, there is less air available to your lungs the higher up you go, and you’ll find yourself winded much more quickly than you get lower down.

Cooler temperatures – The temperatures are lower the higher up you go, so be sure to bring along warmer clothes than you have been wearing at lower elevations. You will need them.

Watch Out for the Signs of High-Altitude Illness – This is the most important point to remember about your upcoming high elevation adventure. Monitor yourself, and take action if you start to have headaches, difficulty sleeping, stomach problems, or dizziness.

There may seem to be more dangers in high elevation environment, but the sky looks bluer and the air feels crisper. Go prepared, and your mountain hike will be worth the trouble.

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The Dangerous Desert: What to Remember When You’re Hiking in the Desert

While the desert may not be your first choice if given a slew of glamorous hiking locations, it can be a rewarding and exciting ground for adventure. If you prepare adequately, and pack appropriately, the desert can provide you with a hiking experience unlike any other, and a new favorite hiking destination. Here are a few suggestions to keep you safer (and make your hiking happier) in the desert.

Water – As you may have guessed, the desert is not exactly overflowing with sources of water. If you see any at all, they are likely to be very few and far between. Be smart: carry a large supply with you, and do not forget to drink some periodically throughout your adventure. It does no good to carry water if you forget to drink it!

Sunscreen – Especially if your skin burns easily, the desert sun can be intense when no clouds swoop in to shield you from its rays. Apply some strong, sweat-proof sunscreen before you leave, and reapply throughout your hike. Do not forget to put some on your ears.

Sunglasses and a hat – While you are at it, add some additional protection from the sun to your bag. Pack a set of sunglasses for your eyes and a hat that can provide some shade for your face and neck.

The Appropriate Clothes – If you have never lived in the desert, you might be surprised at the difference between the day temperatures and the night temperatures. The days can be horribly hot, and the nights frigidly cold. Be sure to have some clothes for colder temps if you’ll be out after dark.

Now that you are prepared for your desert hike, be sure to look for its beauty. If you get a chance, check out the desert sunset. The beautiful colors will be worth the time and effort you put into preparing for your desert adventure.

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Hiking with the Hound: Bringing Your Dog Along for the Walk

Rounding up friends for a weekend trip can often be difficult. Your friends have busy lives, other commitments, or even work to keep them from heading out for some hiking fun with you. Luckily, there is one friend who will always be ready for an outdoor adventure with you: your dog. There are a few items you can purchase and steps you can take to help make your hiking trip more enjoyable for both you and your intrepid, four-footed, furry companion.

Buy your dog the hiking bling.
Stores like REI and other outdoor outfitters have tons of equipment for outdoorsy dogs. You can find dog-shaped backpacks, collapsible food and water bowls, even a set of four little dog shoes. Having this equipment on hand (or paw) can make your hiking easier. You can have your dog carry his own food and supplies in his backpack, and protect his paws with some extra tread for his pads.

Build up his hiking confidence.
Once you have some new hiking gear for your dog, be sure to build up his confidence with the gear before you head out on your first hike. Give him time to adjust to the new gear. Try having him wear his backpack around the house for just a few minutes at first, and progressively add more time. Once he is used to wearing it, build up his tolerance for the backpack by slowly adding more weight to it. Be sure to allow lots of time to get used to his shoes: dogs tend to prance around the first couple of times they wear their new shoes.

After you get the gear and give your pup some time to associate these items with upcoming fun, the two of you will be off on an adventure in no time. Hiking is not only great exercise for you and your favorite furry companion. It can mean never having to head out on a hike alone again.

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The Outdoor Essentials: What to Pack for Your Hike

Hiking can be a thrilling, cathartic experience. You are outdoors in the open air, away from people, challenging yourself physically to overcome the struggle and strain of climbing a trail or a mountain. Regardless of whether you are headed off on your first hike or your hundredth, you should be sure to pack a few essentials in your bag in case you run into any trouble while out hiking.

Extra Water – Water is one of the most important items in your hiking bag. Be sure to bring enough to cover your hike, and some extra in case you are out for longer than you planned.

Food – Stick some food in your bag, like dried fruit. It is easy to carry, convenient, and can give you a much needed boost of energy.

Hand-warmers – Purchase a couple of hand-warmers, especially if you are headed into an area where the temperature can go lower than you’d like. These are small and easy to use, and heat up quickly.

Poncho or rain gear – Nothing can be more miserable than being outside in bad weather and soaked to the bone. A poncho can fold flat and fit inside your bag, and keep you from becoming completely drenched.

Warm clothes – Again, if you may be exposed to the elements, be sure to be prepared with some extra clothes that you can layer.

Cell phone – While it may not work in some of the areas you will be hiking in, it’s always a good idea.

ID card/medical information – If you happen to have asthma, diabetes, or any such medical condition, be sure to carry some form of identification. If you really got into trouble and were found incoherent in the woods, this ID card would alert your rescuers to any potential medical problems.

Hiking is a delightful adventure. As long as you pack appropriately, you can potentially avoid additional danger, and keep your trip as stress-free as possible.

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The Superior Hiking Trail: Best in Minnesota

One of the hidden treasures of the North Shore of Minnesota is also one of the most beautiful and scenic hiking trails in the world. It is called the Superior Hiking Trail. Backpacker Magazine ranks Superior Hiking Trail the number one trail in Minnesota, and one of the top ten in America and even worldwide.

When you visit Superior Hiking Trail, you will quickly realize why it is ranked among the best. You will be blown away by the nearly 200 miles of gorgeous scenery, stretching from the Knife River to the Canadian border and running parallel to Lake Superior’s North Shore. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the largest of the Great Lakes, as well as numerous waterfalls, steep canyons and gorges.

A great time to hike the Superior Hiking Trail is during the fall, when the colorful leaves from the abundance of oak and maple trees adds more scenery to take in. Another advantage to hiking the SHT in the fall is the cooler temperatures and the lack of bugs. During the summer, the mosquitoes and gnats can be a challenge, but in the fall, they are no longer an issue. If you do come in the fall though, don’t forget to bring plenty of warm clothes, cause it can get pretty chilly at night, even if you have a blazing campfire.

If you plan to hike the entire Superior Hiking Trail, prepare to be here for at least 2 weeks. Also be prepared for some rugged terrain and steep ascents and descents from time to time. If you have any questions or concerns, the friendly folks at the Superior Hiking Trail Association in nearby Two Harbors, MN are there to help prepare you for all the challenges you may face, assuring you of a fun-filled, worry free experience.

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The Best 3 Hiking Trails in the World

If you’ve never tried hiking, you are missing out on one of the great experiences of life. Not only is it a great form of exercise and a great way to fellowship with family and friends, it’s also a great way to explore areas of this planet that are simply not accessible by car, boat, plane or other vehicles. This makes hiking truly a unique experience. So if you decide to take up hiking, here are the best 3 hiking trails in the world:

1. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania-Situated at the tallest point on the African continent, Mount Kilimanjaro can be a challenging trail to hike, but someone with hiking experience will have little trouble getting to the top. One of the great attractions of this hiking trail is its diversity of scenery. On the way up to the top, you will encounter several different climactic zones, such as temperate forests, grasslands, and even glacial valleys.

2. Annapurna, Nepal-This hiking trail is known for its mountainous beauty and gorgeous landscapes. If you come here, plan on at least 3 weeks to hike the whole trail. It is suggested that you come during the months of October and November. The trails here are pretty easy to hike, but pack light because altitude sickness is always a danger.

3. West Coast Trail, Canada-The West Coast Trail of Canada is a beautiful and secluded hiking trail located in the Canadian wilderness. If you are looking for a hiking trail where you will come in contact with limited other people, then this might be for you. The West Coast Trail is seeks to prevent overcrowding by limiting the number of people that can hike there at any given time.

These are just a few of the many wonderful hiking trails you will find throughout the world. If you want a great hiking experience, I encourage you to give one of these a try.

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