Sunday, September 29, 2013

Guide to Hiking

Hiking is full of fun and adventure. It has the potential to truly enlighten someone and open their minds to new and exciting things. You'll see sights you never thought existed, and you'll give your body and mind a quality workout in the mean time. However, in order to go hiking successfully you will need to make the necessary preparations.

What you need: 

Map and directions to chosen destination- Make sure you know exactly where you're going. There are many reviews for known and popular hiking spots. There are hiking reviews that can be found through google, and hiking apps for your phone. Preparing yourself for the hike you have ahead of you is always the best thing to do.

Comfortable and sturdy sneakers- It can get very uncomfortable when you hike up a mountain and your feet hurt from your chosen footwear. Make sure you have a solid and comfortable pair ready for when you go hiking. You want your sneakers to have good traction in case you come across a rocky path, and/or muddy/slippery area.

Comfortable clothes- Dress as if you're going to workout because that is exactly what you're about to do.

Bug spray- Downside of hiking is the amount of bugs you'll come across. Ticks and the bugs that will buzz endlessly in your ear. However bug spray will help deter this from occurring.

Charged cell phone- In case you get lost, want to take pictures, or in case of emergency make sure your cell phone is charged. However, make sure you leave your cell phone on silent and away from use during the hike. Don't want to miss out on the experience.

Most importantly.....WATER!- Water is by far the most important thing you can bring. You will get dehydrated, and it is extremely important to prevent this.

Now go get your hiking started!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Hiking Experience from the Blogger

For those who have hiked before know that the activity of hiking can be a truly rewarding experience. It is a physical exercise, as well as a mental one. There are usually numerous obstacles along the way while hiking that involve rocks, mud, uphill challenges, and a requiring of balance. Hiking involves a multitude of levels of endurance, ability, and commitment. Also you get to see some pretty incredible views while hiking. This blog will continue to take a look at various popular hiking spots, the equipment you may need, and the precautions you should take! 

Hiking usually leads to some pretty interesting stories as well. Allow me to take a moment to tell you some of my best. By the way these are entirely true and in no way fabricated.

"It was a hot summer day. The first day of summer actually, summer solstice. My friends and I decided to take a break from our hike up the appalachian trail at the Delaware Water Gap. We were sitting on a rock, enjoying some water and conversation with one another when suddenly we heard other hikers approaching. There was both a man, and a woman, around the age of 25. Normally this wouldn't phase me, however this couple was naked. They were both completely nude except for sneakers and bandanas covering their private parts. My friends and I were speechless as we sat on the rock unsure if what we were seeing was actually true. As they passed us the guy hollered, "Summer Solstice naked hike tradition." As they continued to pass with their full moons in sight, my friends and I burst out laughing, shocked at what we had just witnessed. Needless to say we waited quite a while to continue on the trail. Didn't want that sight ahead of us." 



"During the month of June my friends and I really enjoyed this one hiking spot in particular. It was this spot along the Appalachian Trail over by the Lehigh gorge in Walnutport. The trail started off great, we had a challenging uphill, rocky climb that we loved the challenge of. We even came across a spout of fresh water for passerbys to use and drink from and eventually came across a small open housed cabin free for anyone to sleep in overnight and to write in an entry log they had set up. When we got to the top of the mountain we were taking in the sights and had been taking pictures when we suddenly heard thunder approaching. Nothing was said about a storm that day so we were surprised and continued back down the trail. As we walked down the mountain the winds picked up begin to sway the trees back and forth. It was terrifying. A torrential downpour of rain began and got us completely soaked from head to foot. Our lips were turning blue, and fingers pruning. The thunder came down in a roar and the lightening flashed in the sky. Thankfully we got back to the car safe and sound. About a week had passed when we decided to try the spot again. It was another day of nice summer weather with no storm in sight. Once again we loved the climb and then suddenly as we approached the top, yet another storm was a brewing. Once again we quickly scampered off and down the trail and more rain came, as well as the wind, lightening, and thunder. We haven't tried the trail for a third time yet but if we do and that happens again....well then i'd say it's either really unfortunate bad luck or something very spooky."

These are just a couple of my own favorite hiking experiences. Hope you enjoyed!