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I_am_Meg_G
I'm interested in hiking, but I don't know where to start. I live in southwest Ohio, and I don't know of any good places to go. I also don't know what, if any, I should know, like the best type of boots to get, or does hiking include camping too? I'm not big into camping, maybe I could work my way up to it. Any help please, I am completely lost.
Answer
Hiking can be as simple as taking a walk along a trail through a wooded area in a State Park in Ohio (a good place to start), or you could fly to some exotic location on a multi-week trek over 10,000 foot mountains camping out, and eating wild foods along the way (probably not so good if you're new to this!!).
While you don't absolutely need to have hiking boots, you do want sturdy shoes and heavy socks. If you're using footwear that's relatively new, wear them for a few weeks prior to your first hike. There's nothing like going for miles with a blister on your foot to turn you off to hiking after your first trip.
I'd start with something easy like a trail at whatever state park is closest to you, you should be able to get a park map at the park office, and you can ask for suggestions on what trails to take that aren't too difficult where you could walk for about 1/2 day. This way , you'll have a marked trail to follow, and there should be bridges at stream crossings.
You will want to take some water for drinking, and maybe some snacks, but you don't want to carry too much. What doesn't seem heavy at the beginning of your walk, may by the end of it. If it's a scenic area, you might want to take along a camera. I use a fanny pack that has a big enough zippered pocket to keep my camera and two water bottles on either side. You could also use a backpack if you have one if you wanted to take it along. For 1/2 day, though, it really wouldn't be necessary. If you like birds or flowers, you could take a field guide to identify what you see along the way. A small first aid kit isn't a bad idea, even if it just includes a few bandages and some alcohol-based sanitizer.
Check the weather ahead of time - you don't want to be several miles from your car and buildings and get caught in a thunderstorm. If it's cool at the beginning of the day, wear several lightweight layers you can take off as the day warms up. Or if it's warm when you start, have a light jacket if you'll be out toward evening and it might get cooler.
Have a hat (it not only keeps sun off, but annoying bugs) and sunscreen. Even though there might be trees overhead, if you're out long enough, you can get sun from the openings between the trees. And bug spray, at least to keep in your car to put on before you go out. You can do the same for the sunscreen.
Don't try to do too much too soon. Take an easy trail or a moderate difficulty one, don't head for the top of the mountain or bottom of a gorge your first time out. If you get tired, take a break. And it's a good idea to have a second person along, or at least make sure someone knows where you are, what trails you'll be using, and when to expect you back. Accidents can happen!!
If you start small and local, you can build up to day-long hikes, then backpacking with camping. You might see if the local state parks or an outdoors store has day classes on hiking, map reading, using a compass, and camping. There used to be one store in my area where the store employees had weekend day classes and overnight trips, so you could do this with someone experienced and be in a group of people. Or, you could join a guided walk at the park (these usually run 1-2 hours, and your guide will talk about the wildlife or history of the area). The more you know about being outdoors, the more comfortable you'll be.
If you want to look for boots, look for soles with deep lugs for gripping, and that are at least a little stiff and come up over your ankles for support. But overall, look for something that feels comfortable on your feet. Wear the sort of heavy socks you'd be wearing outdoors when you try boots on. From standing flat, raise up on your toes, and bend your ankles at different angle to see how they feel. I usually have 2 pairs, one with mesh sides for summer hiking because they're cooler, and one heavier, insulated, waterproof pair for winter, wet locations, and more difficult terrain. But you won't need these your first few times out.
Some websites with hiking tips: http://hiking.lifetips.com/cat/62953/hiking/index.html
http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-training.shtml
http://www.hikingwebsite.com/hiking/howto.htm
http://www.closertonature.com/outdoors/hiking-backpacking-tips.htm - all levels
http://www.thebackpacker.com/ - a little more advanced, but it has gear reviews if you ever want to buy equipment
And on hiking in Ohio State Parks: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/facilitiesmaps/ohiohiking/tabid/502/Default.aspx
http://www.stateparks.com/oh.html
Have fun!!
Hiking can be as simple as taking a walk along a trail through a wooded area in a State Park in Ohio (a good place to start), or you could fly to some exotic location on a multi-week trek over 10,000 foot mountains camping out, and eating wild foods along the way (probably not so good if you're new to this!!).
While you don't absolutely need to have hiking boots, you do want sturdy shoes and heavy socks. If you're using footwear that's relatively new, wear them for a few weeks prior to your first hike. There's nothing like going for miles with a blister on your foot to turn you off to hiking after your first trip.
I'd start with something easy like a trail at whatever state park is closest to you, you should be able to get a park map at the park office, and you can ask for suggestions on what trails to take that aren't too difficult where you could walk for about 1/2 day. This way , you'll have a marked trail to follow, and there should be bridges at stream crossings.
You will want to take some water for drinking, and maybe some snacks, but you don't want to carry too much. What doesn't seem heavy at the beginning of your walk, may by the end of it. If it's a scenic area, you might want to take along a camera. I use a fanny pack that has a big enough zippered pocket to keep my camera and two water bottles on either side. You could also use a backpack if you have one if you wanted to take it along. For 1/2 day, though, it really wouldn't be necessary. If you like birds or flowers, you could take a field guide to identify what you see along the way. A small first aid kit isn't a bad idea, even if it just includes a few bandages and some alcohol-based sanitizer.
Check the weather ahead of time - you don't want to be several miles from your car and buildings and get caught in a thunderstorm. If it's cool at the beginning of the day, wear several lightweight layers you can take off as the day warms up. Or if it's warm when you start, have a light jacket if you'll be out toward evening and it might get cooler.
Have a hat (it not only keeps sun off, but annoying bugs) and sunscreen. Even though there might be trees overhead, if you're out long enough, you can get sun from the openings between the trees. And bug spray, at least to keep in your car to put on before you go out. You can do the same for the sunscreen.
Don't try to do too much too soon. Take an easy trail or a moderate difficulty one, don't head for the top of the mountain or bottom of a gorge your first time out. If you get tired, take a break. And it's a good idea to have a second person along, or at least make sure someone knows where you are, what trails you'll be using, and when to expect you back. Accidents can happen!!
If you start small and local, you can build up to day-long hikes, then backpacking with camping. You might see if the local state parks or an outdoors store has day classes on hiking, map reading, using a compass, and camping. There used to be one store in my area where the store employees had weekend day classes and overnight trips, so you could do this with someone experienced and be in a group of people. Or, you could join a guided walk at the park (these usually run 1-2 hours, and your guide will talk about the wildlife or history of the area). The more you know about being outdoors, the more comfortable you'll be.
If you want to look for boots, look for soles with deep lugs for gripping, and that are at least a little stiff and come up over your ankles for support. But overall, look for something that feels comfortable on your feet. Wear the sort of heavy socks you'd be wearing outdoors when you try boots on. From standing flat, raise up on your toes, and bend your ankles at different angle to see how they feel. I usually have 2 pairs, one with mesh sides for summer hiking because they're cooler, and one heavier, insulated, waterproof pair for winter, wet locations, and more difficult terrain. But you won't need these your first few times out.
Some websites with hiking tips: http://hiking.lifetips.com/cat/62953/hiking/index.html
http://www.hikingdude.com/hiking-training.shtml
http://www.hikingwebsite.com/hiking/howto.htm
http://www.closertonature.com/outdoors/hiking-backpacking-tips.htm - all levels
http://www.thebackpacker.com/ - a little more advanced, but it has gear reviews if you ever want to buy equipment
And on hiking in Ohio State Parks: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/facilitiesmaps/ohiohiking/tabid/502/Default.aspx
http://www.stateparks.com/oh.html
Have fun!!
Can someone help me with some kayaking tips?
chopstick3
A group of friends and I want to go kayaking pretty soon on Town Lake in Austin. It happens to be that none of us are very experienced at kayaking. Can anyone give me some tips on what to bring, the average time expected to on the lake, or any other important tips that someone may overlook?
I don't need any information on kayaking instructions or anything related because i can most likely talk to the rental company about those things.
Thanks so much!!
Answer
As to time, that depends on conditions and your fitness level. For most beginner outings, 3 or 4 hours tends to feel like enough, although 6 with a long lunch break on shore in the middle would work out too.
As to what to bring, wear clothes that are not restrictive, and definitely NOT cotton. No jeans, sweats or cargo shorts because they will be like sponges for water and you ALWAYS get wet, both when getting the boats launched and due to drip and splash from your paddles. Board shorts or nylon or polyester gym or hiking shorts (capris for girls), preferably to the knee or longer (you can roll them up) are more comfortable. With shorter shorts your legs get scraped or stick to the edges of the seat and under the cockpit. Plus you want to avoid sunburn on the tops of your thighs. A polyester knit athletic shirt (not sleeveless) works well and you might want to take a windbreaker jacket or polar fleece top if the temp might dip below 70. Gloves are handy for longer paddles to protect from getting paddle blisters -- a cheap pair of nylon stretch fingerless gloves like for weighlifting (you can get them at places like in the athletic department K-Mart for under $10. For shoes, you can wear those slip-on soft rubber sole water shoes that people take to the beach, or water sandals, or even old nylon sneakers with no socks. Don't wear flip-flops or crocs -- they aren't secure and don;t protect your heels. Personally, I like the cheapo croc-like perforated plastic clogs with a velcro strap across the front that you can buy for around $10 or $15 at most Walgreens drug stores. They don't absorb water and a really comfortable to paddle in.
Other stuff to bring:
- a couple of bottles of water (amazing how quickly you dehydrate paddling)
- sunscreen (super risk of sunburn out on reflecting water) and bug repellent
- some snacks that aren't easily crushed, in ziplock baggies. Avoid food that will get soggy, crumbly or melt. I like flatbread, apples and those little Baby Bel cheeses in their own wax covering
- polarized sunglasses
- a hat with a brim -- even if you NEVER wear hats, believe me, you will want one on the water
- a cotton bandana or two -- these are really handy for a lot of stuff
- a whistle, if you have one (handy for signalling if you lose the group)
- a small flashlight with good batteries (never know when you might end up out after dark)
- a pocket bottle of that waterless hand-cleaner (I don't like eating my lunch with funky lake water on my hands) and a washcloth or dish towel, both in a large zip-lock baggie
- more zip-lock baggies for your camera, cell phone, wallet, etc. (but don't expect them to protect the electronics if they get dumped directly in the water -- this is strictly splash protection)
- a nylon stuff sack or small duffel bag to put all the small bags of stuff inside. Wrapping a garbage bag around it is also a good idea.
- some parachute cord or nylon rope to tie the duffel bag inside the boat -- not that you are likely to flip, but if you do you will lose everything overboard otherwise. Nylon rope comes in handy for a lot of stuff, like tying the boats together if you want to "raft up" for lunch or even towing someone who gets too tired to paddle back.
Actually, the best container for your cell and small camera are the gasketed plastic snap locking top boxes on a cord that you can get for about $5 at places like Dunhams Sporting Goods. They usually have them on a display above the bathing suits. The most common problem I've run into with beginner kayakers is they lose their car keys or drop their cameras or cell phones in the water. So buying a couple of these waterproof boxes for that stuff is the smartest thing you can do. BE sure and tie them off to your deck rigging or your PFD (life jacket.)
You could ask the rental place if they provide bilge hand pumps. These are not only great for pumping out a flooded boat, they are a blast for having water battles out on a lake. You can fire a 2" stream of water about 15 feet or more with one of these.
Most of all, wear your life jacket, no matter what. People drown all the time on nice days in calm ponds without them. If a power boater knocks you over and you're unconscious it could save your life. And if you flip the boat, it is a whole lot easier to climb back in if you've got that extra flotation.
As to time, that depends on conditions and your fitness level. For most beginner outings, 3 or 4 hours tends to feel like enough, although 6 with a long lunch break on shore in the middle would work out too.
As to what to bring, wear clothes that are not restrictive, and definitely NOT cotton. No jeans, sweats or cargo shorts because they will be like sponges for water and you ALWAYS get wet, both when getting the boats launched and due to drip and splash from your paddles. Board shorts or nylon or polyester gym or hiking shorts (capris for girls), preferably to the knee or longer (you can roll them up) are more comfortable. With shorter shorts your legs get scraped or stick to the edges of the seat and under the cockpit. Plus you want to avoid sunburn on the tops of your thighs. A polyester knit athletic shirt (not sleeveless) works well and you might want to take a windbreaker jacket or polar fleece top if the temp might dip below 70. Gloves are handy for longer paddles to protect from getting paddle blisters -- a cheap pair of nylon stretch fingerless gloves like for weighlifting (you can get them at places like in the athletic department K-Mart for under $10. For shoes, you can wear those slip-on soft rubber sole water shoes that people take to the beach, or water sandals, or even old nylon sneakers with no socks. Don't wear flip-flops or crocs -- they aren't secure and don;t protect your heels. Personally, I like the cheapo croc-like perforated plastic clogs with a velcro strap across the front that you can buy for around $10 or $15 at most Walgreens drug stores. They don't absorb water and a really comfortable to paddle in.
Other stuff to bring:
- a couple of bottles of water (amazing how quickly you dehydrate paddling)
- sunscreen (super risk of sunburn out on reflecting water) and bug repellent
- some snacks that aren't easily crushed, in ziplock baggies. Avoid food that will get soggy, crumbly or melt. I like flatbread, apples and those little Baby Bel cheeses in their own wax covering
- polarized sunglasses
- a hat with a brim -- even if you NEVER wear hats, believe me, you will want one on the water
- a cotton bandana or two -- these are really handy for a lot of stuff
- a whistle, if you have one (handy for signalling if you lose the group)
- a small flashlight with good batteries (never know when you might end up out after dark)
- a pocket bottle of that waterless hand-cleaner (I don't like eating my lunch with funky lake water on my hands) and a washcloth or dish towel, both in a large zip-lock baggie
- more zip-lock baggies for your camera, cell phone, wallet, etc. (but don't expect them to protect the electronics if they get dumped directly in the water -- this is strictly splash protection)
- a nylon stuff sack or small duffel bag to put all the small bags of stuff inside. Wrapping a garbage bag around it is also a good idea.
- some parachute cord or nylon rope to tie the duffel bag inside the boat -- not that you are likely to flip, but if you do you will lose everything overboard otherwise. Nylon rope comes in handy for a lot of stuff, like tying the boats together if you want to "raft up" for lunch or even towing someone who gets too tired to paddle back.
Actually, the best container for your cell and small camera are the gasketed plastic snap locking top boxes on a cord that you can get for about $5 at places like Dunhams Sporting Goods. They usually have them on a display above the bathing suits. The most common problem I've run into with beginner kayakers is they lose their car keys or drop their cameras or cell phones in the water. So buying a couple of these waterproof boxes for that stuff is the smartest thing you can do. BE sure and tie them off to your deck rigging or your PFD (life jacket.)
You could ask the rental place if they provide bilge hand pumps. These are not only great for pumping out a flooded boat, they are a blast for having water battles out on a lake. You can fire a 2" stream of water about 15 feet or more with one of these.
Most of all, wear your life jacket, no matter what. People drown all the time on nice days in calm ponds without them. If a power boater knocks you over and you're unconscious it could save your life. And if you flip the boat, it is a whole lot easier to climb back in if you've got that extra flotation.
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Title Post: What's the best information about hiking for the first time?
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