When Hiking You See And Experience Things You Can’t From Your Car

When you go hiking there is a colorful and vast natural world you can see first hand that temporarily allows us to escape from living our lives in the world made by man.

Most of us live close enough to nature that we can go a relatively short distance and step backwards into time, to experience the world as it was before the hand of man changed the world in which we live. Whether you decide to rough it, go on organized hiking adventures with guides (and if you are not familiar with hiking and the wilderness, it is always the best idea to take someone who knows the area, understands the indigenous wild life, and can get you back to civilization safely, regardless of your degree of expertise, or lack thereof.)

It is important to know your own limits when you begin to plan a hike. Are you directionally impaired? Are you experienced at hiking? Are you familiar with the hiking territory, or are you going on an adventure, exploring new territory? These things are all very important, and your safety depends on being prepared.

Hikes can be sweet and short, beginning and ending at your car, with your day ending in your own comfy bed. Hiking can be complex, requiring eating and camping on the trail when gone for an extended period of time. This type of hiking is the type that requires careful planning, and you’re being brutally honest about your capabilities.

Hiking Partners: You should never go on any extensive hiking trips alone. It is important, even for a short, familiar hike, that you have a partner, a cell phone, and that a responsible individual knows your itinerary, knows when you will check in, and knows the exact trail you plan on hiking, so someone will know where to look, in case of an emergency.

Planning Ahead: Most experienced hikers have a check list, and follow it diligently. Some even suggest keeping a hiking list, making notes, and using it as a reference when planning future hikes, so that you avoid mistakes you may have made previously, and refresh your memory from one hike to the next.

Permission to Hike: Check with the agency that manages the trails you’ll be using if your hike is part of a managed trail system. If permits are required, you might need to apply in advance.

Other Questions to Ask:
* What are the weather and climate conditions likely to be? Is there any particular gear you will need? Are there any seasonal considerations you need to be aware of?
* Decide who will bring what, to eliminate carrying extra gear you don’t need.
* Regarding sharing gear check with your partner: You don’t both need a first aid kit, tent, stove, water filter and an army knife -; so this is a great opportunity to shed some weight.
* If you haven’t been hiking in a while, it’s a good idea to take a few walks wearing your boots. It’ll help you break your feet — and avoid blisters on the trail.

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