5 Keys to Hiking with Kids- Or a Reluctant Spouse

You want your child (or reluctant spouse) to share your love of hiking. How do you engage them without turning them totally off?

1.  Keep it short. Better to have them begging for more at the end than begging to stop. Save your personal desire to get a great workout for another time. Keep the overall length of the hike manageable, and also the times in between rest breaks. Arbitrary Rule of Thumb:  Hike no more than 3x the youngest's age in minutes before taking a break, and 1 hour overall for every 5 years of age. Of course YOUR child is special and unique and can handle a longer. Stick a "My Kid is an Honor Hiker" bumper sticker and your car and him/her prove it to you by begging for more.

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2.  Have lots of snacks on hand. And hydrate. Have a good and plentiful stash of snacks and water with you that's easily accessible. Use these as a form of bribery for getting them up the trail. It works. And don't skimp on these-- make it a real "treat" to go on a hike with special stuff they don't get all the time at home (hopefully). Make some GORP at home with your child before going out-- let them make their own sandwich-sized baggy of   peanuts, raisins, M&Ms, granola, Craisins, etc.. Bring some apples, peanut butter and crackers (or graham crackers), string cheese, a favorite lunch if you'll be out during that time, and at least 1 liter of water per person.

3. Include water. Not to drink, silly (see above). Hike along a stream, or to a pond or mountain lake. Streams are easiest. Let them hike in their swimsuit and take breaks along the way. They may want to wear sandals when wading into the water, which means that, yes, there is a footwear change involved, because they should be hiking in closed-toe shoes like sneakers or boots. A good camp counselor knows that you can keep kids busy and having fun for HOURS if you just include water. There are plenty of steam-side hikes in the White Mountains that are perfect for little ones (or big ones) to explore.





4. Stop and smell the roses. Better to not make it to your destination if you're stopping to explore what intrigues them. This is not to say that you don't teach them about a goal-oriented hike and that perseverance pays off in a view. Make the hikes appropriate time-wise so that you can plan for those "unplanned" stops along the way to examine a butterfly, watch a beaver at work, or be intrigued by pollywogs. Pick a big rock, interesting tree or stump up ahead on the trail, and say, "Let's take a look at that"-- it breaks the hike up into very manageable chunks.

5.  Keep "the basics" on hand. Pack sunscreen, bug spray, 1st aid stuff... and CAMERA. All of these items help to ensure a great hike with lots of good memories. For an older or pre-teen, one of the "basics" may mean "bring a friend."



Did I remember to do all these things with MY kids? No-- I blew it a number of times by violating each of the above. And these suggestions are very age- and individual-specific in how they're played out. However, keeping these in mind will keep you on the right track and allow you to customize your hike.

Get out there and have a great time... and build a memory that will last a lifetime!

See you on the trail.

Never Leave Home Without.... A Map

Are hiking trails generally well signed? 

Yes... 

Most of the time. 

Is it still easy to get lost? No. You really do have to work at it.

Can you get "turned around?" Most definitely. 

And, to quote an old Yankee aphorism, you especially don't want to get "some turned around.

Ideally, you'd like to know where you are at all times. It is also helpful and interesting to know where you are  in relation to other landmarks, and what those landmarks are. Let's say you're on the top of a mountain admiring the view, and would like to know what that cool ledge/mountain/pond/fill-in-the-blank is. A good map can provide all this information and more. As long as you have it with you.

I always keep my map handy during the hike. It stays in my hipbelt  or Osprey Grab Bag pocket. When I want to know what hills, grades, switchbacks or landmarks I should be coming up on, I pull it out and take a quick look.

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) produces some especially nice, helpful and attractive maps.The newer ones almost provide TOO MUCH information, if you're "old school." Having the mileage provided between points is almost like cheating.You can even get them in Tyvek, which are waterproof and last a long time. The word, "indestructible" comes to mind. 

To make full use of your map, you really should have a good compass (future post). Together these will give you 99% of the information you need to "stay found." Added bonus: does not require batteries.

Memorial Day Hike- Osceola

So it's Memorial Day, and I was scheduled to hike with my friend Scott. And what does he do? He cancels out on me. So what do I do? I go solo and then blog about him and what he missed out on. That's what friends are for, right?

Today was FINALLY a decent day for this holiday weekend. No rain. No snow. Just lots of sun. Oh-- and a bit of snow at the higher elevation along with wind and colder temps.

See that empty spot?- that's where Scott would have parked...

Lots of hikers and cars at the Osceola parking lot off Tripoli Road. That's "Triple- Eye" for you non-natives. I think this is the only place in the entire world that does not pronounce it "Triple- eee"-- it's just a "local thing." I cross country skied this road just 6 weeks ago...

This is a great hike. The trail is very gradual, there is water along the way and some nice views. Oh- and did I mention SNOW?!?!

Unbelievable. It snowed just the other night. Apparently we didn't get the memo that summer is almost here. Conditions were fine-- no ice, and this snow was manageable with just boots. Many people were doing this trail with sneakers... (flatlanders :)

Here's the problem. This is a shot of Waterville Valley Ski Area. Do you see the slopes? What do you NOT see? If you said, "Snow" you would be correct. I find it ironic that on the SKI trails, there is no snow, and on the HIKING trails, there IS snow. 

So the hike was great. 5 hours with lots of stops, clothing adjustments due to temperature and wind changes. Great views at the top:

A day spent on the trails is better than just about anything else. Unless of course you share it with a friend. If you don't, then you blog about him. :) Next time, Scott!

Walking

May 26- Snow Remnants

Still raining on what, so far, has been a miserable Memorial Day Weekend. It even snowed last night, and remnants of it are still on my son's car. According to the weatherman, this is the last "bad" day... we'll see.

We live on a ridge where the elevation tends to give us snow early, and it stays late in the season. So while we have elevation, there are also some walking opportunities, both on the roads, and through a trail network that we share with horses.

I frequently think of Micah 6:8 when it comes to "walking," because walking is not just a physical activity, it's also a metaphor for living life.

Micah 6:8 says:

He has showed you, O man, what is good. 

And what does the Lord require of you? 

To act justly and to love mercy 

and to walk humbly with your God.

Now, you don't have to be a Christian or a Jew (since this is an Old Testament passage) to appreciate the guidance this passage gives. There are plenty of religious leaders and religious-sounding people who do none of the above.

I like "threes"-- I can remember 3 things, and that's what this verse does-- it distills life down to 3 things.

1. Act Justly. There is enough inequity in the world, fueled by greed, power and self. Injustice seems to prevail in all manner of legal, social and economic forms. However, in our little corner of the world-- the world where you and I walk every day, we are able to extend justice-- to do the "right thing." We are called on to step away from our selfish interests and act justly-- to perform an unselfish act that.

2. Love Mercy. Not only are we called on to do the right thing. We are called on to go above and beyond that standard and extend mercy-- as a way of life. To "love" mercy is to suggest that we don't simply "appreciate" it, but that it characterizes how we walk through life. What does "mercy" look like? Among other things, it takes the form of extending understanding, patience and a general "letting go" when someone wrongs you. Think of the guy that cuts you off in your commute this week. Extend mercy instead of your finger. You'll feel better, and so will your blood pressure.

3. Walk humbly with your God.  I always think I know better, and I naturally want to set my own course, according to my own perspective and desires. I like the turn of this phrase. It describes and action as well as an attitude. It suggests we don't just walk this earth with family, friends and strangers, but also in orientation with God. And I don't know best-- therefore my "stride" through life should not be marked by a selfish, know-it-all attitude-- but by a humble gait that is easily correctable.

It's stopped raining, and the sun is actually peeking through at this very moment. I'm going out for a walk.

Amen.

Boots

In the Whites, I see all sorts of different footwear choices on the trail. The options are endless-- from running shoes, to trail runners, to heavy backpacking boots, affectionately called "waffle stompers" by some, due to the agressive tread that makes a waffle-type imprint in the dirt.  I prefer a pair of heavy- or medium- duty boots with good ankle support.

These are EMS boots that I've had for 10 years. They have a Norwegian welt. The sole is stitched versus glued. That means they can easily be re-soled, as these have been. They serve as my "backup" boots to a pair of Limmers, which are currently being resoled by Peter Limmer, up in Chatham, NH

When you get boots like these resoled, you can further customize the treads. These originally had a moderate lug pattern. I opted for the most aggressive Vibram sole available, and am glad I did. These really provide sure footing on rocks, ledges and any other type of surface I encounter. They also provide a large measure of protection and comfort on talus and the inevitable bouldering in the Whites.

The downside for this type of boot? Weight. You get maximum support, but you pay the (small) price in weight. For me, however, the tradeoff is worth it. I don't even notice the "extra" weight of these compared to trail runners or lightweight hikers. And when I'm carrying a heavy pack, these are more than worth it in terms of support.

Break-in time, which you think might be an issue, was not for me. And once you have these broken in, they'll last a lifetime.

Don't skimp on your boot investment. Buy a pair that are comfortable for you, and the best quality you can afford. You'll never think about the cost once your initial purchase is made. But if you get a "deal" on a cheaper pair of boots, you may regret it every step of the way in the hikes you take if they don't fit right and the quality isn't there.

Rain- 10 Ways to Embrace a Rainy Hike

Memorial Day Weekend, and they're calling for lots of rain here in the White Mountains. The temptation is to go to "Plan B" and look for something to do in which one will remain dry.

However, hiking in the rain has its benefits, and can be a lot of fun as well as rewarding. Here's how to approach a certified "rain day":

1.  Embrace the fact that that you're going to get wet. We naturally equate wetness on the trail with being miserable-- something to be avoided. I'm as guilty as anyone in trying to avoid puddles, wet branches, etc when hiking. Even on a rainy day, when I know the boots, feet, body are going to get wet, I still walk around puddles to put off the inevitable. But when the dampness comes, it's there and it's not going to go away. Beginning with the mindset that wetness is going to be a part of the experience for the day frees you from the stress of avoidance.

2.  Have the right gear. A Gore-tex jacket/shell, pants and hat are musts for me. Are you still going to get wet? Yes. If you're exerting yourself at all, your perspiration is going to overcome the "breathability" of the Gore-tex. But your rain gear is going to save you from getting drenched. Adjust your exertion level to compensate for temperature/humidity/fabric breathability. Gaiters can aid in shedding water off your boot and lower pants legs. Sometimes I'm in the mood for gaiters, sometimes I go without. Also, I have both Gore-tex and coated nylon gaiters. I haven't noticed any difference in performance between the two. I actually prefer the coated nylon pair-- they seem to let my legs "breathe" better. I use a Gore-tex sombrero with a wide brim that works pretty well for deflecting the rain. Hiking poles help with your footing, especially when it comes to stream crossings, wet logs, rocks, etc.

3.  Gore-tex lined boots?  No. Your feet are going to get wet. Period. At some point, your feet are going to start "squishing" in  your boots. Embrace the squish. Gore-tex may postpone the inevitable, but once you've reached the tipping point of enough rain dripping onto your socks and them wicking it lower to your feet, along with the sweat of your feet, the Gore-tex lining simply keeps those larger water droplets inside your boot.

4.  Have a good pack cover. Use it. Will it keep everything dry? Grow up-- of course not. But it's your first layer of protection. And get ready for the pack's shoulder straps and hipbelt, along with your back to get wet. Nothing you can do about it. Embrace it.

5.  Protect the gear in your pack.  Use trash bags and zip lock bags to protect the stuff in your pack. Use the heavy duty kind. Don't skimp on this. The lightweight trash bags and ziplocks WILL FAIL. Use freezer bags and heavy duty trash bags. You can re-use them on multiple trips, and pretty much guarantee the gear in your pack will stay dry. And quit complaining about the fact that you spent so much money on your pack and you can't believe it's not waterproof. Get over it. Too many points of entry guarantee moisture will get into your pack. Duck-tape a watersports dry bag to your waist if you want, but otherwise: trash bag it... maybe even double bag a camera. Keep your map in a zip-lock bag for easy access and reference. Fold it so that you can see the portion of the trail you're hiking and don't have to open it.

6.  Hike. Step in a puddle early and embrace it. Realize that the trails, especially here in NH are actually "dry river beds in disguise," just waiting for rain so that they can become whitewater rapids for the hiker! There are some great trails where maintenance and design have mitigated run-off and erosion. However, NH has a lot of old trails that go straight up the hill. Even with the best water bars, White Mountain trails still turn into sizable torrents when it's raining.

7.  Practice good risk management.  When it's wet, things get slippery. Take your time and ensure good footing before committing your weight. Logs, once wet, are the worst, as are leaves. Use your poles for backup support if needed. Are you hiking solo? Then be extra cautious. Save the really daring things for another day when conditions are more favorable. Bad weather can get you turned around very quickly when visibility is low. Today may not be the day to explore that secret cave or bootleg trail. Risk management applies to your time management as well. Build in an extra cushion for a "turn around time" and stick to it.

8.  Pack Nutritious Food and Hydrate!  Drink early and often to stay hydrated. Keep snacks handy and munch often. I often forego a regular lunch and just keep a steady supply of food going into my system to keep me fueled. Nuts, fruit, raisins, jerky all hold up especially well. Rain makes things slippery. Staying properly fueled and hydrated help you make better decisions and prevent the "stumbles" that often accompany dehydration.

9.  Have a dry change of clothes in your vehicle. I always try to have a towel, cotton change of clothes and sandals back at the trailhead. Once I'm off the trail and driving home, I want that soft feel of dry cotton on my skin. I also want my feet to breathe and dry out. I'm a weenie, I know, but that's just me.

10.  Enjoy the scenery. Rain transforms your day into another way to see and experience the hike, just as hiking a certain trail each season gives you a different perspective. Look for the differences and savor them.