Hike more

Because it is good for me.

Added 12/05/08

I was able to hike 4x’s this week at 30 minutes max each time. It will take me awhile before I can build up, but I’ve noticed my body adjusting each time. My bronchitis seems to be improving and wearing my mask prevents the cold air and allergens from irritating my lungs. It’s more fun now to hike with a trusty walking cane!

These things are a must for me. The mountains are my backyard and I love to go hiking as often as possible. I really enjoy the solitude, so unless it’s a long hike I prefer to go alone. With this goal to hike more, it’s my hope to do it 5x’s a week, for no more then an hour. I took this picture while hiking this evening – some of the necessities can be seen in the photo! To make it safe, these are my hiking musts:
1) Always tell someone where I’m going
2) Take my dog with me (she can smell danger a mile away!)
3) Always have cell phone and stay within coverage area( cell phone also has GPS locator)
4) Take my trusty walking stick
5) Have a pocket flashlight
6) Have identification
7) Stay on the trail
6 Last, but not least, the most important thing for me is to ALWAYS HAVE MY BERSA .380 SEMI-AUTOMATIC GUN on hand!!! (potential stalker, rapist, abductor, attacker, or mountain lion had better watch out – I know how to use my gun and I’m NOT afraid to use it!!)

I went for an easy hike yesterday with my dog, my friend and her 6-year old. There’s just something about the wind in the trees, climbing over rocks by a river and jumping through the leaves that is so refreshing.

The trees in all their majesty envelop me and I feel so small, so in awe at the thought that they have been in these woods for many years before me and will be here many years after I am gone. But I feel a part of these woods as the beating of my heart slows to the rhythm of my footsteps along the trail. Life seems full of possibility and I treasure this feeling in my soul, drawing refreshment from it through the bleak days when I am stuck in a building.

Picture taken Saturday Nov. 22nd while hiking in the hills above my apartment. Would like to make this a daily thing, but more realistically, at least 3-4 times a week

there is nothing more enjoyable or satisfying to me than taking a long hike. All at once I feel so small in a great expanse of land – whether mountain or plains – and so big, all encompassing, too. I can hardly explain it. The quiet seeps into my bones, healing me of stress and worry and my heart and mind clear. I have an epiphany – all confusion melts away and I am left with raw feeling – not over-emotional, simply pure.

All that to say that I am committing to doing this more – by myself or I need to actively seek people who yearn for the same experience I do. And I’d like to travel to new places.

I moved to St Louis from Colorado and truly miss being outdoors. I miss that opportunity to wander through the woods and connecting with the natural world. Suburbia doesn’t allow that connection too often.

Any suggestions on opportunities close to St Louis to provide that connection?

Good clubs at http://www.hikechilliwack.com and http://www.hikevancouver.com

There is nothing like being out on the trail (or random meanders through nature, for that matter). I love it. Unfortunately, my wife hates hiking (and most other outdoor activities), so I don’t seem to get out more. Trying to find some creative ways of getting her out there with me… or at least ways of getting me out hiking without making me feel guilty. Hopefully there will be more hiking in my future!