INTRODUCTION:
Ever look through an REI catalog or email and notice how their pictures depict happy, non-sweaty, clean, nature loving folks with perfectly pressed clothes? From social media to marketing, the outdoors are presented as an event (reaching the summit) and not the process. Social media has rabbit holes upon rabbit holes of pictures, themes, hashtags all devoted to sharing amazing scenes, locations, summits and feats. The purpose is to drive inspiration, drive you to what is missing in your life and drive you to fools gold. This is not a bash hiking blog, instead its more about the realities of hiking. I love the outdoors, there is rarely a day I do not interact with it. I consider a hiking trail my sanctuary to pursue physical challenges, detox from life’s stresses and gain clarity on where my focus should be. Hiking is a beautiful symphony of testing your senses requiring constant decision making on things from food, water consumption, navigation, balance, footwork and managing exertion. Let’s be real, hiking is not an REI catalog, lets dive into the realities……
Ever look through an REI catalog or email and notice how their pictures depict happy, non-sweaty, clean, nature loving folks with perfectly pressed clothes? From social media to marketing, the outdoors are presented as an event (reaching the summit) and not the process. Social media has rabbit holes upon rabbit holes of pictures, themes, hashtags all devoted to sharing amazing scenes, locations, summits and feats. The purpose is to drive inspiration, drive you to what is missing in your life and drive you to fools gold. This is not a bash hiking blog, instead its more about the realities of hiking. I love the outdoors, there is rarely a day I do not interact with it. I consider a hiking trail my sanctuary to pursue physical challenges, detox from life’s stresses and gain clarity on where my focus should be. Hiking is a beautiful symphony of testing your senses requiring constant decision making on things from food, water consumption, navigation, balance, footwork and managing exertion. Let’s be real, hiking is not an REI catalog, lets dive into the realities……
- You will get dirty. The reality is nature does not have a housekeeping service. From the elements to the weather to the ecology, nature is ready to ensure you have a load of laundry to do. Embrace the fact that this will take place and bring a change of clothes in your car. or at least change your socks.
- Hiking is a grind. The reality is there will be moments on any trail that push you, humble you, ask of you and make you wonder if this is all worth it. Welcome to the grind, it’s the same grind you look back on and high five yourself on overcoming.
- Gear is expensive The reality is the outdoors are a big retail market and there are plenty of flavors on what to wear and not wear or to just look the part. There are some things you can avoid buying but some you can't (see socks and shoes). Good quality gear is a necessary cost.
- Bugs are the devil. The reality is nature’s welcoming committee are insects. whether it’s the black fly, the tick, the gnat or the mosquito, these inhabitants of the forest will be part of your hike.
- Trail kisses The reality is you will use your first aid kit. The hiking trail is a poor mans ninja course. from roots to rocks, to stumps and stones. The trail is not forgiving so expect trail kisses to happen and carry that first aid kit so you can make it back to tell your friends the “harrowing” story.
- Bribing your friends (or friends) to hike, is sometimes needed. I won’t judge, I do it myself. I bribe with skittles or for the adults a post hike brewery visit. The reality is kids will complain on the way there and wonder why you are doing this to them. Adults much the same. go for short distance with big impact to inspire their next adventure.
- Expect to drive The reality is if you seek the mountains then know it could be several hours on the road to get to them. Solitude is never found 10 minutes away so prepare a podcast list or your favorite tunes for the ride.
- If you rush it, you will miss it. The reality is the journey to the summit is filled with as many rewarding experiences as the summit itself. be present to interact with trees, plants, wildlife (not bears) and take your time to the top. or better yet take photos on the way up too, you may be surprised how much you start to notice.
- Rain, fog and snow are friends not foes. The reality is weather is going to impact your hiking experience. but fear not, trails can become magical fairytales in the fog, quiet paradise in the snow or a splashy event in the rain. The trail you thought you knew may be a brand-new experience because of weather.
- Rooster o’clock many great adventures start as everyone else is sleeping. the reality is, hiking trails can be popular and have clogged trails and wait times at rock scrambles ( hi ! old rag). The best way to prepare for this is a good night sleep and be a very early riser.
- The potty problem The reality is, nature calls (can i use this pun?) the woods will be home to a moment or two of inconvenience. be prepared and study up on leave no trace.
RELATED ARTICLES
|
|
|
