Hiking has become a very important part of my life these days. I find it to be an emotional high for me, relieving much of the stress my job creates and freeing my mind with the smells and sights surrounding me. I highly recommend it, but like most sports, it also comes with many dangers. Over the past few years I have encountered more than a few of them on my hikes, so I am blogging for those who share my passion too and I am hoping some of these small tips of my own will become useful to you as you Hike in our Natures path.
One thing I see so often on my Hikes still shocks me. As much as I love music, I think it is one of the worst things people can do on a Hike. Especially for women. I took two self defense classes and although this wasn't a lesson in Hiking, it was a lesson I will never forget. "When women are walking anywhere alone, you must ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings!" This rule should always apply, but especially when a women is hiking. It is so easy to prey on women who's ears are muffled with the sounds of music where we so easily loose ourselves. How would you hear if someone was to come up behind you? How about other things, such as snakes, or another person crying for help? There are so many things that endanger you more when hiking with your ears blocked. Men as well, but especially WOMEN. Take my advice ladies! You are after all in Nature, enjoy it! That is why you are there isn't it? The more you listen to the birds sing and the water flow, the more you are aware and your senses are heightened. Its a great experience. If you must listen to music, then pick a very busy trail and leave one headphone out. This could save your life, or maybe even someone else. I also think women should carry a small weapon of choice...Mace, knife? Not just for defense, but as far as animals go too. I carry a small knife. I feel safer with it. Learn how to use it, you may need it. ;)
My next tip? Never remove anything from a Hike. I see people do this all the time to and I know people don't think about these things, but I do.
The reason why you don't pick up trash or move stones, chalk, etc...is because many people mark their hikes as they move through a new trail. While you may be thinking you are doing the world a favor, you actually may be endanger someones life and cleaning up their path to return home. Just a thought...HANDS OFF! Besides, touching anything on a hike could leave you with Poison oak or Ivy. Ive had both and trust me, its not fun.
Always carry your cell phone! You would be surprised how often they work deep in a mountain. 70% of the time, I have cell service. If u have an emergency, at least you have that! Besides, how are you going to tweet out your beautiful pictures to share? :)
My next tip...or actually maybe this one is a request from an animal lover. Little dogs, Big Hikes??? Don't get it! Why bring a dog with small legs on a huge hike? I have even seen middle sized dogs lay down on Hikes, with owners tugging at them to get up when they are obviously exhausted. Think before you take your pup on a big hike. His legs are small and his stride is only half of what yours may be. They get winded, need water and will do anything to keep up because they love you and always want to be by your side. But they need rests and water and big hikes are just not for little dogs. Please keep them short and sweet? This goes for children too! Just a thought and a small REQUEST! ;)
Next tip...if you don't know the trail, take a map and a friend. Also carry water and a small weapon as well as your phone and use sunscreen. These are necessities on a NEW HIKE. No Joke! I have been lost on a hike for over 6 hours, burning and without water. Thank god I was with a friend and we had a cell phone that mapped us out. NOT FUN! Don't get caught!
Last Tip and its a big one. This makes me crazy and I just want to ask people why they do this...Don't wear Colognes and perfumes on a Hike. So many reasons why...Bees, offensive to other hikers, plants, bugs, sweat, burns, CANCER! Bad Idea...Sunny hike, no body perfumes. SUNSCREEN ONLY!
Be courteous on Hikes, say hello!...If your trail running announce your position loudly left or right to warn other hikers ahead that you are approaching. Don't touch any plants and my last tip given by a Fireman...Spray your exposed skin areas down with SURE antiperspirant spray, for some reason, Poison Oak plants do not like it! Knock on wood, its kept it off me, so I think this tip really works! ;) Have fun and enjoy Nature. Its the best way to free your mind and relieve stress. :)
