Hiking For The Fun of It

 

Hiking is a little harder as we enter our senior years but we still find that the call of the outdoors has a certain appeal that we can’t seem to give up. Hiking is cheap, easy to learn, and provides a challenging workout at any age.

 

What this means, is that we need to prepare a little more and we need to set realistic goals.  Gone are the days when it was okay to set off on an eight mile loop.  Instead we pour over the guidebooks, head to the national parks and forest reserves and do what we can.  You will be pleased to know that waterfalls and alpine lakes can be found without taking on the Pacific Crest Trail.

 

Hiking is a good workout.   You don’t have to labor very long on an uphill grade before you feel the burn.  Even experienced hikers sometimes get lost so it is a good idea to hike with a friend or a group.  Senior Centers and Recreation Centers all over the place have group hikes with experienced leaders.  Don’t dismiss group activities out of hand because some of those seniors will soon have you eating their dust.  Stick to well marked trails, sign in at the trail head registry, and tell someone where you are going and when you expect to get back.  The wilderness can be very disorientating and one fork soon looks just like all the rest.  It is easy to let your attention wander as you pause to bird watch or admire the scenery.

 

Even for a short hike it is good to carry some basic equipment.   I still remember getting caught out after dark once because we lost track of time ogling mountain goats on the next hill.  We soon learned that it gets dark very quickly in the mountains.  This was before the days of cell phones and navigation systems and no, we did not have a flashlight or lighter with us.  It was cold out and we were fortunate that our dog knew the way back to the car as we creped down the trail holding on to her fur.  We learned our lesson the hard way.

 

Check the weather forecast before you go, keep track of the time, and expect the unexpected.  Try some trekking poles (some are designed with features like camera mounts, cushioned grips and compasses).  Take a backpack with water pouch, rain gear and emergency snacks and supplies.  Don’t forget water and insect repellent and I think I already mentioned flashlight, matches, lighters, navigational equipment and a cell phone.  I suppose suggesting night vision goggles would be a bit over the top.  There are products on the market now that can track your journey and keeps friends and rescuers informed.  An article in the Seattle Times by Dan A. Nelson (October 15,2009) reviewed The Spot Personal Tracker for avid backpackers which uses modern technology to trigger rescue calls via satellite.  Keep in mind that even experienced hikers get lost and get hurt so having some type of communication tool might make a huge difference.