With the 2012 new year I've gained five pounds, and therefore a nuisance to anyone who cares to share a meal. May I measure that for you? Sure. Okay.
I carry a teaspoon.
Today, I took my third hike in three days, which prompts me to share my top eleven list for a great hiking experience.
- Hydrate!!!! Bring lots and lots of water. Even more if it's sunny.
- Wear the right boots! My favorites are Vasque with gortex because I like the rain. Will it ever rain? Vasque frequently runs a half size bigger than you'd normally wear. Get thick hiking socks, and thin liner socks because they prevent rubbing, which may make blisters.
I wear Goodhew socks. Tie your shoe-laces properly, it makes a difference in your hiking experience! In my experience, Adventure 16 has the most knowledgeable and helpful sports shoe salesmen and women to ensure you get the best fit.
- Exofficio clothing. Bug resistant clothes! And for me, this is the honest to ? truth, they work! No more mosquitoes. Really they should be called miracle clothing. Mosquitoes usually attack at sunset my favorite time to hike. Exposed skin gets Buzz Away Sunscreen Lotion with Citronella, which makes me smell like a lemony orange. Top photo includes white hoody by Exofficio... like a double agent, cute but powerfully effective keeping the bugs away.
- Tweezers. Just in case you see a tic. We're supposed to examine our skin and clothes after a hike and use tweezers to remove. We don't want to see a tic. Tics cause bad things in some humans. But I don't want to scare you.
- Avoid snakes. They can be in Southern California bushes (where I hike) so don't explore deep in the bushes if you live in rattlesnake country. And don't worry; that will take away all the fun and you must have fun. Today, someone asked what to do if bitten by a snake. I don't know. I'd dial 9-1-1. But will look into it and update this later. (I'm getting ready to go dancing, for I must) Photo I took a tad too close while hiking in Palm Springs.
- Hike in pairs or with Sierra Club. I don't take my own advice. I went alone today. (I knew many people would be out.)
- Swiss army knife. TSA confiscated mine because I forgot it was in my purse. But you never know. Bring it.
- Flashlight. In case night falls, and stars blanket the sky reminding you we're not alone in the galaxy, don't trip. Because it never needs batteries, you might try American Red Cross Clipray.
- Hat. I love my Tilley. (I love Canada) Good coverage is important to maintain "cooler" body temperature, and protect face from skin cancer.
- Attitude. Always! Always! Bring your adventure and turn up the volume! And don't go in the bushes.
- Hiking sticks! I love my Leki hiking sticks, which were purchased to protect my knees when going downhill. A lot of my old geezer friends who dance and hike like I do, well, I learned to protect thy knees while I still can!
And there you have it. How to best enjoy your next hike. And it doesn't hurt to have a good friend and food for when you reach that mountain top. Though being alone is nice too. Like today, when I was dreaming up big rosy plans and I met the couple who wanted to know all about snakes.
Top photo of me at Parker Mesa Overlook in Santa Monica courtesy of a stuntman. Really. That's what he told me. But the important part is this: It was shot with the 4GS iPhone. Which I don't have. Yet.
Until next time, live a great adventure and breathe easy!
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