Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,544 
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Post by Just T on Oct 10, 2020 2:30:19 GMT
One good thing that has come out of stupid COVID is that I started walking all the time. That evolved into deciding on a whim one Sunday morning to go for a hike. I went to a trail my son often goes to, that he told me would be too hard for me, but I didn't listen. LOL I hiked 5 miles that day, by myself, on a trail that for some would be considered moderate but for me was hard. It took me three hours, and in that 3 hours, I became hooked on hiking.
Since that day, I have hiked somewhere every weekend for the past 9 weeks. I love it so much. That is the only time I have gone by myself. My kids go with me, different kids at different times. I wish I lived near woods so that I could walk through the woods every single day. I deal with anxiety, and hiking has been the best thing that I have found to deal with it. I have taken meds, done therapy, I meditate every day, but hiking...I love it! I put all that is shitty in the world and my life out of my head.
I am 57 years old, and I wish I had discovered years ago how much I love to hike.
This morning, my son went with me to the place I hiked first. That 5 mile path took me three hours 9 weeks ago. By the time I finished, I was so worn out, hot, thirsty because I didn't take enough water with me. Today, that same path took us 2 1/2 hours. There were still some hard parts, but I can feel myself getting stronger.
And I am sad that winter is on its way. I don't know that I will be able to hike the hilly trails I have been hiking in snow and ice.
Do you hike? Share what you love about it if you do! 
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Post by ~summer~ on Oct 10, 2020 2:47:31 GMT
Hiking is probably my biggest "hobby". I hike multiple times per week - with longer, more ambitious hikes on the weekends. I hike regional parks, states parks and National Parks. I do little hikes on trails near my house - and I will spend a weekend driving to Yosemite or Tahoe or just a county over to explore long and new hikes. Most of our vacations center around hiking - or if they don't "center" on it, we always fit hiking into the vacation, even if it is an urban hike haha. We've planned entire road trips around hiking including the National Parks of the Pacific Northwest and one through Arizona and Utah (amazing!). I'd say it is hard to list all the things I enjoy about it and why I hike. Obviously being outside and enjoying the beauty of our natural world, learning about native plants, watching the sky and weather patterns, directly observing the change of seasons, spending time with family and friends outdoors. Even my sister and her kids -- now every summer we plan vacations together where we can explore a National Park and hike. I also really enjoy hiking by myself - I like reading the maps and researching the trails. For local parks, I've done "challenges" where I hike every single trail in a park - I color in the trails as I do them - I highly recommend this lol. I also like hiking because it is something that never gets old, and I plan to be hiking new parks when I'm 90! Anyway - so glad you have discovered it - I agree it adds so much enjoyment to life. Oh I also want to say, try not to give up in winter - hiking in winter has it's own magic |
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Post by SallyPA on Oct 10, 2020 2:57:14 GMT
It is my favorite summer hobby. I live near the Rocky Mountains, have access to multiple state parks and forests in both my state and neighboring state as well as Yellowstone. I typically hike 1x per week as soon as I’m able. We have short summers and many of my favorite places are in grizzly bear country so I do not hike right after (spring) and right before (now, fall) hibernation when bears are in periods of hyperphagia (hungry bears). I hike closer to town during those seasons.
One of my teen daughters is a great companion hiker. We go all over, even bear country (we are prepared) and typically 5-8 miles.
Next summer, I am planning on starting overnight backpacking. I’ve set a goal to do a 28 miles path called The Beaten Path that goes through some beautiful high country. As my kids are getting older, Im finding need to do more things I enjoy and get fulfillment from. I call hiking my fresh air therapy 😊
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Post by unknown pea on Oct 10, 2020 3:10:07 GMT
I hike at least twice a day. More on weekends and during my vacation. I take 5 weeks vacation every fall just so I can hike in my favorite season. I also photograph wildlife so it ties in nicely. Hardest trail the The Crack in Killarney, Ontario. About killed me but was totally worth it for the view from the top.
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Post by unknown pea on Oct 10, 2020 3:11:00 GMT
It is my favorite summer hobby. I live near the Rocky Mountains, have access to multiple state parks and forests in both my state and neighboring state as well as Yellowstone. I typically hike 1x per week as soon as I’m able. We have short summers and many of my favorite places are in grizzly bear country so I do not hike right after (spring) and right before (now, fall) hibernation when bears are in periods of hyperphagia (hungry bears). I hike closer to town during those seasons. One of my teen daughters is a great companion hiker. We go all over, even bear country (we are prepared) and typically 5-8 miles. Next summer, I am planning on starting overnight backpacking. I’ve set a goal to do a 28 miles path called The Beaten Path that goes through some beautiful high country. As my kids are getting older, Im finding need to do more things I enjoy and get fulfillment from. I call hiking my fresh air therapy 😊 I’m insanely jealous of the places you have near you to hike. |
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Post by MichyM on Oct 10, 2020 3:11:56 GMT
I am happiest outside, so i love walking and (easy) hiking too. For the winter months, you might consider snowshoeing, I took it up several years ago and it’s my favorite. I’m really concerned what the trails are going to be like this winter though. So. Many. People.
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Post by ~summer~ on Oct 10, 2020 3:13:22 GMT
It is my favorite summer hobby. I live near the Rocky Mountains, have access to multiple state parks and forests in both my state and neighboring state as well as Yellowstone. I typically hike 1x per week as soon as I’m able. We have short summers and many of my favorite places are in grizzly bear country so I do not hike right after (spring) and right before (now, fall) hibernation when bears are in periods of hyperphagia (hungry bears). I hike closer to town during those seasons. One of my teen daughters is a great companion hiker. We go all over, even bear country (we are prepared) and typically 5-8 miles. Next summer, I am planning on starting overnight backpacking. I’ve set a goal to do a 28 miles path called The Beaten Path that goes through some beautiful high country. As my kids are getting older, Im finding need to do more things I enjoy and get fulfillment from. I call hiking my fresh air therapy 😊 I hiked RMNP with my 18 year old when we visited Boulder last year (see we try to hike wherever we go!) - and I'm so jealous you are near Yellowstone - we have not made it there yet. We also did our first backpacking trip this summer - the first 1/4 mile I thought I would DIE and then it got better and as soon as we finished I wanted to plan another one - so I highly recommend you try - I will post a photo from our milestone trip |
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Post by peano on Oct 10, 2020 3:24:06 GMT
I hiked alone with my dog up until about three or four years ago. A combination of back/hip issues and a dramatic increase in bears in the state forests near me stopped me. I feel sad that physical issues are keeping me from doing the more vigorous physical activities I love. I used to enjoy just setting out and walking around getting lost and eventually finding my way back. It’s nice to slow down and observe what you find. I’m out walking year-round and I have spikes for ice and snowshoes for snow cover.
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Post by camanddanismom on Oct 10, 2020 3:40:43 GMT
Good for you! I love to hike. Not really aggressive trails. I love to be out, in the woods, not climb a mountain. I have a walk from my house to a nearby dam that I love. It is a 4 to 5 mile loop depending on which option I choose. Dh and I used to hike a lot. Different places most weekends. Then we had kids and now hiking is difficult for him due to bad knees.
Good for you for finding something new that you love and is totally good for you. Enjoy!!!
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Oct 10, 2020 3:55:14 GMT
Yes, I’m trying to go a couple of times a month before the weather gets too bad.
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Post by janniepea on Oct 10, 2020 3:57:35 GMT
I absolutely love to hike. It’s been incredibly with a lot of stress in our family.
I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and when Covid first struck the trails were all closed here. I was devastated! We did a lot of walking in our neighborhood and nearby streets but I would much rather be on trails in our area. Even now it’s hard to be on the trails because they get very crowded.
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Post by 950nancy on Oct 10, 2020 4:03:41 GMT
I live just miles away from hundreds of trails in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Even our zoo is built on the side of a mountain. If you don't like doing a major elevations change, we have an amazing park called Garden of the Gods you can hike if you aren't in good shape. We hike a lot and have found several new trails in the last few months. Thankfully the weather is getting cooler and the hikes will be more comfortable. A couple of weeks ago, we found the trails and rocks and I used to repel down when I was in high school visiting at summer camp.  |
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,646
Location: Kansas City -ish
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Post by Anita on Oct 10, 2020 4:12:37 GMT
No, I'm a treadmill walker. There are too many things outside that I am allergic to for me to enjoy the great outdoors. I'll walk around a paved path, but that's about it.
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Post by tenacious on Oct 10, 2020 4:13:43 GMT
Yes. I walk outside my backyard, jump over a stream, and I am on the trail system. I walk 3-5 times per week and love it. I walk with my dog, my DH, my kids, my girlfriends...mostly my dog and girlfriends. I love spending time with them outdoors.
Today I got to hike with my BFF, her kids, and all three of my kids in Snow Canyon, St. George. It was a real treat!
My kids always know what I want for my birthday or Mother’s Day-a family hike!
Great job on your progress! Cheers to many years of happy hiking!
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Post by redshoes on Oct 10, 2020 4:40:52 GMT
Hiking is one of my favorite activities and living in the DFW area, we barely have flat trails and NO mountains!! I’m jealous of those that live near an abundance of trails and can hike as often as you want to. I recently found out about a large park near a lake that’s only about 20 minutes from me....great little system of trails and some hills. I’ve lived here 20 yrs and never knew it was there!
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LeaP
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,939
Location: Los Angeles, CA where 405 meets 101
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Post by LeaP on Oct 10, 2020 4:53:38 GMT
I love to hike. Unfortunately due to fire, heat and smoke this summer has been a bummer.
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Post by malibou on Oct 10, 2020 6:27:52 GMT
Loads of year round hiking where I am. I do hike regularly, but the biking terrain here is my least favorite. Give me loamy trails winding thru redwoods and my heart sings.
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Post by lesserknownpea on Oct 10, 2020 9:47:08 GMT
Hiking is the only form of exercise that I can do for hours and totally forget I’m exercising.
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Post by lisae on Oct 10, 2020 11:42:32 GMT
How wonderful that you found a healthy new hobby. A silver lining for sure.
We used to hike often. We planned many vacations around our hikes. We went to the Canadian Rockies for our honeymoon and hiked every day. Hiking for us though was never more than 2, maybe 3 hours at a time. However DH's hip has been bad for some time. He had it replaced a few weeks ago and is just getting back to regular walks with me on a paved trail. I sometimes go for hikes by myself.
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Post by greendragonlady on Oct 10, 2020 11:59:19 GMT
No. In too much pain all the time.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 18, 2024 4:15:35 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2020 12:13:48 GMT
Yes! It's the reason for my screen name, which is also the name of my blog (and IG, etc.) It's primarily how we choose our destinations as full-time RVers and why we chose this lifestyle for our early retirement.
Welcome to the wonderful world of hiking!
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Oct 10, 2020 12:31:52 GMT
Yup, been a hiker for several years. We live on 70 rolling acres so I get out on our property often, but generally take a short drive and get a good hike in. My favorite hikes are along Lake Michigan, or in the UP. UP hikes are weekends only - long drive.
If you haven't already, download AllTrails - great app!
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Post by supersoda on Oct 10, 2020 14:56:37 GMT
I love hiking, but it's pretty flat near me, so I have to travel to do so. We've taken a couple of road trips this summer and hiked the Ozarks and the Appalachians. I wish I lived closer to the mountains! I have a nice nature trail a couple of blocks from home that I walk several times a week, but it would be a stretch to call it a hike.
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Post by supersoda on Oct 10, 2020 14:59:28 GMT
If you haven't already, download AllTrails - great app! I second this--it helped us find some lesser-known trails because many of the major trails have been crowded. |
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rickmer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,123
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Post by rickmer on Oct 10, 2020 15:25:54 GMT
i LOVE it - it is hands down - my favourite way to spend time. so good for my soul - i literally *crave* it.
and hiking in fall is my favouritist favourite.
this summer/fall have been challenging as places are super-busy within an hour of the city. most places on the niagara escarpment (beautiful views, some waterfalls, varied terrain) are reservation only now because there are cars lined up down the highways to get in on weekends. they charge $6.25/adult i think? most places were "sold out" way ahead of time. and we just went back to stage 2 yesterday due to expected surge in cases here.
our leaves are pretty much *perfect* and i was hoping to go to a place an hour and a bit east of the city (i never tell anyone about it) but DD got a cancellation and got her wisdom teeth out yesterday. she thinks she wants to go for a hike... but even if we went out for a walk, wouldn't go that far and prefer to go someplace with more even paths.
so i am bummed. hoping for not much rain/wind so that the leaves might hold on til next weekend... fingers crossed.
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Post by sawwhet on Oct 10, 2020 16:32:41 GMT
I've been hiking my entire adult life. I hike through all seasons but often require snow shoes in the winter.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Oct 10, 2020 16:38:51 GMT
The thing I don't love about hiking is getting to the area for hiking.
Dh and I did some hiking this past weekend though. We were in Southern Utah and hiked a portion of the Buckskin Gulch. I highly recommend it if you get a chance. It's a fairly easy hike once you get inside the canyon. But, even in October, it was very hot. Take plenty of water.
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Post by betty on Oct 10, 2020 17:06:37 GMT
I hike 4-6 miles once or twice a week at a local nature reserve. It is still very hot & humid here so I try to go in the mornings. The trails are very flat, no hills or rocks, and usually have swampy canals on both sides of them. There are occasionally some obstacles in the path. This was Thursday's roadblock. Attachments:
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Post by huskermom98 on Oct 10, 2020 17:15:14 GMT
I loved hiking up in northern MN a couple of summers ago. I want to do more, but I've never had the time to look for places to go around here. I did get to try snowshoeing a couple of years ago when I got to chaperone a field trip to a nature reserve in the middle of February--it had snowed a few days prior and the conditions were perfect. I almost bought some snowshoes for DS & I a few days later because we both enjoyed it so much. Maybe now that I'm down to one job and the boys don't have weekend activities like they used to we can do some more outdoorsy things.
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Post by cadoodlebug on Oct 10, 2020 17:44:42 GMT
We hike/walk every day. Probably the most challenging was getting to the top of Upper Yosemite Falls when our DS was about 8 or 9. Last September DH and I hiked to the top of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. At 71, I was pretty darn proud of myself.
Some of the hikes we take up at Lake Tahoe are strenuous as you have to climb really large/high granite *steps*. DH surprised me with a pair of really good walking sticks from REI ~ makes a world of difference!
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