Kevin's Watch

I've always liked ambling about the woods in an aimless manner. However, I have decided that once the temperature becomes conducive to spending serious quantities of time outside I would like to become serious about this, and take up hiking. I know I'll have to start small, and build up stamina, but where should I start? Should I buy boots, or just lace up my Reboks and go? Will regular walking trails suffice, or should I start some other way? Please share your advice with me.

Depends on what you want to do. I like walking because it's easy. Walking led me to walking through parks. The parks had trails, so I started walking on them. That became hiking. I started going off the trails and over rocks. I fell a couple of times, so I figured I should learn how to climb.

My best advice is start slowly, get yourself a hydration pack (I've got a CamelBack M.U.L.E. which works great), a decent set of hiking shoes (something like this), and carry a cell phone and a small folding knife. Then find a park and go to it. Or just find anyplace. Just go.

I like to hike at the mall because there's bathrooms, soda fountains and pretty women.

Cail's got the right of it. The main thing about hiking is that it varies in intensity. I've gone on three day camp outs with only my knife; making shelters, finding water, etc...

But I've also got a paved two mile trail through the woods next to my house that I walk on quite a bit.

Ultimately, just get out there and start going, and you'll find your comfort level.

Reboks for a stroll through the woods;
Boots (if they are comfortable) for trekking through the underbrush;
and DEFINATELY hiking boots for the hiking I like doing... at night through the forest!

Thank, guys. As soon as it warms up a little I'm going to start walking the trails at our local nature center. They've got a bike trail too, so I could really put in a lot of distance if I wanted to.

If you intend to hike anywhere where there are large carnivorous animals, I'd suggest getting a gun. A .38 or .357 for wolves or mountain lions, .40, .45, or .50 for anything bigger (like bears.)

it's all in the shoes. it's worth it to get a great pair specifically for hiking. and make sure you keep your feet dry. malik loves hiking. i'll make sure he knows you are asking for advice b/c he might have some good tips.

personally too, i wouldn't go alone but maybe get some mace just in case you go it alone.

have fun!!!

Thanks, Kigirl! Strangely, I went to visit my old roommate, and at his house was Campmor catalog in my name, and a magazine naming all the best hiking trails in my state. Crazy! I think the fates are with me on the hiking!

I've always found hiking alone to be what I like best, as I think I get the most out of it. My nature-loving ex-girlfriend took all the joy out of it for me because she was all about going out there and trying to make some goal of reaching some point, whereas I enjoy just wandering around until I get sick of it and going home before my body gives up. It's about the journey for me, not the destination.

As someone who thinks it is something of a racket for all these different "sports" to each have their own equipment where a pair of sneakers or comfy shoes works just as well, the ex did teach me the importance of a good pair of hiking boots for the long hikes. It really really does make a difference. But if you are just kicking around a nature trail, I don't think it is especially necessary. If you are doing several miles, then I'd invest. Your feet will thank you for it.

I like the idea of hiking alone, but am not sure if it is safe. Just 2 years ago a woman walking on a trail was attacked and raped. The mentally unstable man who did it was riding his bike, saw her alone, got a good distance in front of her and ditched the bike. He hid off the side of the trail until she came almost abreast of him, and he lobbed a large rock at her head. When she fell, he attacked her. She suffered a head injury, and during the rape he broke her neck. At the time I lived less than a quarter mile from where the attack happened.

Now I know that bad things can happen anywhere, but I don't feel safe enough to hike alone, unless it is on my parents' acreage.

Like I said -- if you intend to hike anywhere where there are large carnivorous animals, get a gun.

You said it, my dear, not me!

Wyldewode wrote:You said it, my dear, not me!

That point is not under contention, my dear.

I'm just clarifying, in case someone takes issue with your declaration that men=large, dangerous carnivorous animals.

Wyldewode wrote:I'm just clarifying, in case someone takes issue with your declaration that men=large, dangerous carnivorous animals.

I'm not sure where the possibility for insult could lie, but then again, I think anything I have further to say on this subject would be too racy for such a PG-13 site.

Agreed. But barring a gun, which I don't own or have any desire to obtain, Zapp recommended a knife. That should do the job.

Wyldewode wrote:Agreed. But barring a gun, which I don't own or have any desire to obtain, Zapp recommended a knife. That should do the job.

That's what one would think, wouldn't one?

That reminds of the rule I have about sharp, cutting objects being within arm's reach of my bed.

In short, they aren't.

An ex-boyfriend used to keep a dagger on the bookshelf next to his bed. I'm not really sure what that was about. . . nor, at this point do I want to find out.

Did he also have a gun? If not, it could be he believed in protection, but not in guns.

When I used to live alone, I had a morning star by my bed for that very reason. Somebody breaks in, they are going to get brained...if they don't shoot me first.