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Hiking For Beginners

By: Nadia Eshott

Have you ever felt an urge to bask in the sun, feel the wind in your hair and get a little dirt under your fingernails? It's natural to want to spend a little time in the wilderness, because human beings are just animals, after all. That's why learning to hike is the perfect sport for our stressed-out society.

Hiking can be more than a simple way to pass the time. For some, it's been an important piece of their family history. Family vacations are often where a deep-rooted love of hiking begins. Kids still in toddler boots are scaling river banks and traversing the great outdoors with their earthy parents. These early cross-country outings turn into valuable skills and priceless memories that can last a lifetime.

Others discover the joys of hiking later in life. Older kids journey with scout troops. Packs of teenagers search for the perfect spot to hang out. Frenzied professionals seek refuge from the demands of home and business.

Whatever the reason, one thing is certain: People go hiking to shake off our contemporary hassles, and enjoy all that nature has to offer.

When beginners start hiking they can find the sport a little tricky. Seasoned pros can always spot rookie hikers. They struggle with packs, loaded with fifty pounds of gear for a two-night trek. These overzealous hikers load their backcountry packs with heavy tents, fancy foods, two pairs of shoes and a bounty of "just in case" gizmos.

It may be easy for seasoned hikers to snicker at the rookies, but let's face it; every one of us been there at one time or another. If you're a beginning hiker, don't worry; in no time at all you'll be confident enough to lose the excess cargo from your pack and travel lean enough to log plenty of miles on your hiking boots. Over time, you'll be learning the ropes and fine-tuning your craft along the way.

While you're honing your craft, here are some helpful tips that can help to clear the trail:

Be Prepared

There is nothing like the freedom of hiking, but there are basic safety rules that you must always follow. Remember, anything can and will happen in the great outdoors. If you don't prepare for your "anything-goes" journey, you can find yourself at the centre of backcountry disasters and near- misses. Bad judgment calls, inadequate clothing and a poor sense of direction can all contribute to potentially life-threatening hiking situations. Knowing what to bring, understanding what you need to do, and following through are all important first lessons for beginning hikers. Check the weather forecast before you plan your trip. You'll need to know the conditions and pack appropriately. Bring a lightweight rain jacket in case the weather turns unexpectedly. Be aware of the trail and remain in tune with your surroundings. When hiking a national park or conservation area, ask park management for advice on the local conditions and any permitting procedures. Research online or check your bookstore for hiking guides and maps. Learn how to read them properly, and use them during your hike.

Get in Gear With the Right Equipment

Forget the coordinating hiking outfit. No one cares what you look like on the trail, so leave your ego at home. It's more important to be safe and comfortable than to simply look good. Temperatures can plummet after the sun sets, so pack accordingly with warm clothing and an insulated sleeping bag. This is a sport that requires proper equipment, and nature is a force that must be respected. Buy and bring equipment that will help you to stay safe on the trail. No one will care if you seem like a "newbie" on the trail, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

Have Fun

Even though it can be physically demanding, hiking is all about having fun. If it wasn't fun, no one would bother to do it. A hiker's luxury vacation means lacing up a pair of boots and stomping for miles through remote wilderness. To these hardcore hikers, scratches and bug bites are considered to be five-star amenities. If you really love nature, your efforts and hardship will be worth every minute.

Remember, there's no stress in hiking. Take your time and enjoy your journey. Watch the clouds drift by. Breathe in the fresh air and drink in the sunshine. Catch a butterfly, and then let it go. Hiking for beginners isn't difficult -- it's the start of a beautiful friendship.

Article Source: http://www.simplepetcare.com/pet-articles

Contributor Nadia Eshott enjoys writing for a variety of web sites, on sports instruction and sports recreation issues.
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