Outdoors | Expect Experience

Ghost-like Journey

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Heart Lake in Yellowstone used to be Hart Lake. Same place in case you find an old map. It is a 16 mile roundtrip that can be done as a day hike, but if you are going to hike all that way, you might as well take the tent and the gear to stay a day or two because the place is beautiful. If you like fishing, this is the place to do it. Consequently, don’t count on being alone there. It is a popular hangout for the local fishermen.

The trail head is just over 5 miles south of Grant Village Junction. You can park at the Heart Lake Trailhead parking lot on the east side of the road. Maps are the Heart Lake and Mount Sheridan USGS Quads. That being said, if you plan to make this a three or four day trip and you like climbing, Sheridan is there for the taking.

The hike is mostly in the trees on flat and rolling grassy ground. The trail is well kept and the area is beautiful enough that the hike goes fast. You will walk through some of the 1988 burn so it will give you an eerie sense of loss in places. It’s good for the soul as this lake often comes with a description including the word pristine. The burn is a reminder of how fragile this kind of nature is.

You will drop into Witch Creek drainage and if you happen to do the hike in the winter, the steam from the Factory Hill vents will cloud the entire view. You get the bite of eerie again, this time, ghost-like nature at its best. This part of the hike was heavily hit by fire in the past, adding to the ghost nature. You will see bright yellow sulfur deposits along some of the vents, as you hear the water below hissing.

All things considered, this is a hike worth adding to your repertoire of runs to make that don’t break your back to get there but leave you with worthwhile experience.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Factory Hill, Hiking, National Parks and Monuments, Outdoors, Parks, Recreation, Travel and Tourism, United States

French Hiking Trip

France is seen as a perfect romantic holiday destination. People go to France to get astonished by the historical architecture which includes castles, museums, palaces, churches and of course the Eiffel tower. What many people don’t know is the unique hiking locations that France has to offer. France is considers the best destination in Europe for hiking and trekking. The locals are quite familiar with the striking hiking destinations spread around France.

The most famous of these hiking destinations would be the mountain ranges of the great Alps and the Pyrenees. These mountain ranges offer great hiking trails and many different routes. France is considered safe throughout with no know causalities reported in the recorded history with a hiker. You might come across friendly gypsies in these mountains which make for an interesting and unique experience. If you have already been to these hiking destinations, then fret not. There are many other hiking routes that you can choose from. Since more than 40,000 Km of hiking routes are available in France to choose from. Destinations such as the island of Corsica, Champagne, Jura range, Massif Central, Mont St Michel, Britanny, Laquitaine, Alsace region Dordogne Valley, Perigord region and along with many others. Each one of these destinations offers breathtaking sights and visuals. The Alsace region is popular with hikers who like to include the medieval and the 17th century architecture in their hiking routes. If you do not prefer old building, then you might prefer wine yards combined with wine tasting on your tiresome journey. If you prefer cheese instead, then you can visit remote cheese makers on your hiking trips that are more than friendly to visitors. The popular French hiking routes are quite bust but many more hiking destinations are free of visitors and can be enjoyed peacefully.

Filed Under: All About Hiking Tagged With: Alsace, Dordogne Valley, France, Hiking, Massif Central, Outdoors, Recreation, Trails

Twenty-eight Miles, One Way

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Make this trip one week or longer. It’s a tough journey. You will be asked by Mother Nature to work hard getting there. But where is there? The Fitzpatrick Wilderness originally named the Glacier Primitive Area. Now you’re getting the picture.

It is just under 200,000 acres of rock and ice wilderness that will keep your interest enough to slough off the pain of the hike to get there. How beautiful is it? You won’t be alone as in it draws crowds, the campsites are overused and it sometimes looks like a line at the theater hiking in. But if you are one tough enough to have kick-stepped your way up Mount Rainier’s Muir Snow Field, listening to the rhythmic huffs and grunts of those behind and ahead, you will like this. It actually gives you a sense of camaraderie.

This is Wyoming’s greatest offering to the seasoned hiker. It is the highest peak and largest glacial area in the state, about 15 miles southeast of Dubois in northeast Wind River Range. You will witness some of the deepest cliff enclosed valleys and the most stunning blue-green glacier waters in the country, all for the price of a 28 mile hike one way! To some this may sound sarcastic. To the hiker, the true deeply driven in the heart climber, the trip itself is part of the greatest reward.

Make sure you are not holding onto one of the real old maps of the area. Massive rock slides obliterated the trailhead switch backs years ago and the entire first part of the run and parking lot had to be rebuilt. Get the newest map and the best equipment you can. A journey like this demands that you be prepared. Halfway there, you don’t want blisters, a wrong trial or a sudden realization you did not pack enough water. On trips like this, air drops are not unheard of on the Divide.

Contact Wind River Ranger District to find out what maps you need and just how prepared you need to be, then walk into the trip of a lifetime.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Fitzpatrick Wilderness, Glacier, Hiking, Mother Nature, Mount Rainier, Outdoors, Recreation, Wind River Range

Gothic Basin

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This Cascade hike is a must before you hang up the boots for good. It is one tough climb of about five miles and at times the trail is unbelievably steep. This is strictly a hikers trail. No mountain bikes or horses allowed. You can get maps from most outdoor retail outlets. Gothic Basin is a known entity. Map numbers are 111 and 143.

The trail is a bit odd to find. Park your car opposite the gate at Monte Cristo Road. Get there using the Mountain Loop Highway from Granite Falls, Washington. Once you are parked, walk up the old road just over a mile and a half and you will find the trial head to your right. Heading into trees it will seem deceptively easy until you hit the real trail. It is all up from there.

This hike is covered in snow in areas all the way into late July. Since the trail can actually be ice bridges at the time, it is recommended that you not do this hike until August. The ice bridges are dangerous. Enough said? Once you get near the destination of the basin itself and some amazing high alpine lakes, the trail mostly ends leaving you with steep walls of broken rock to traverse. Take your time. You are likely to still run into large patches of snow as well so keep your wits about you and enjoy the trip itself. You will feel like you are on another planet once you get this far.

Gothic Basin is almost totally devoid of plant life with colorful lichens on the barren rocks. The 6,610 foot Del Campo Peak sits on one side and Gothic Peak at an elevation of 6,213 on the other. The lakes are brilliant blue and crystal clear water. It is a pristine area so keep it that way. Pack out what you pack in. This is a special piece of real estate designed for wonder. Pack in to stay overnight. It can be a day hike, but it’s a waste work that hard to turn around and leave the same day.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Mountain, Mountain Loop Highway, Outdoors, Road

Hiking is the Ideal Blend of Exercise and Fun

: Image by Al_HikesAZ via Flickr

Hiking is a fantastic way to get in some exercise and have fun at the same time. There are many reasons why hiking is such a great outdoor activity. It provides a cardio workout, overall fitness benefits and lots of fresh air. This is the main reason why hiking is referred to as a body exercise, everything is involved.

This is one of those activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family or alone. Those persons who love the outdoors can combine both loves into one. This activity can be done for an hour or longer depending on the hikers’ desires.

Many sports enthusiast are also avid hikers. They thrive on the challenges hiking can provide such as exploring mountains and forests. Few activities offer as many opportunities for exploring for the adventurous person.

If you need a chance to get away from it all for a while, this is a perfect way to do so. When it comes to stress relief, hiking is right up there with the best methods.

Tips for Hiking Comfortably

Hiking can be done safely and comfortably if done properly. Some tips to make hiking fun and safe include:

•Wearing properly fitting shoes is paramount. Close-fitting shoes, shoes with heels or too little traction on the bottom are definite not recommended.
•Bring water so as to keep hydrated. Drinking water from streams and rivers may seem like fun but it can be dangerous. Staying hydrated is especially important when hiking during summer months. Traveling with purification tablets is a good idea just in case you need to drink from a stream.
•If hiking for a long distance, learn the proper walking techniques to minimize soreness and prevent injuries.

Hiking is considered by many to be the perfect sporting activity. It is also one of a few activities that can be done year round.

Filed Under: Adventures, All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoor activity, Outdoors

Hiking Safety

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Hiking is one of the most popular sports, and with good reason–fresh air, the beauty of nature, and a fun way to get exercise are just some of the things that draw people to the great outdoors to enjoy a hike.

As with any sport, safety should be your priority. These tips will help ensure you have the safest experience possible while hiking:

• Don’t hike alone. There is too much that could go wrong during a hike to go hiking alone–you could get lost, fall down and sprain an ankle or worse, lose your water and become dehydrated, and so forth. Instead, make sure you hike with at least one other person and make sure someone at home who isn’t going knows where you’ll be and when to expect you back.

• Protect yourself from the sun. Sunblock, hats, and even a lip balm with an SPF are all important for ensuring you don’t get burned while on your hike. Reapply often, even if it is cloudy outside or you are in shaded areas.

• Get a good idea of the area and weather first. Do a little research of the area you will be hiking in before you go. Find out what the terrain is like, whether the trails are paved or marked, whether there is wildlife in the area, and so forth. Knowing what to expect will also help you know what to avoid. Check the weather before you go as well. If a storm is moving in, you may want to postpone your hike.

• Stay away from restricted areas. It may sound like common sense, but each year many hikers are injured because they have gone into areas that are clearly marked as dangerous or restricted. Even if it looks harmless or beautiful, trust that park rangers know best and steer clear from areas that should be avoided.

Practicing these safety tips will help ensure your hiking experiences are enjoyable.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail

Preparing for a Hiking Trip

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Hiking is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, get some exercise, and explore new places. Being prepared for a hike is the best way to ensure that it is fun and comfortable for everyone involved.

Preparing for a hiking trip is easy. Make sure you have the following on hand when preparing for a hiking trip:

• Proper attire. Make sure you check the weather before you go for a hike. If it’s an all-day hike, layering is ideal since it is typically cooler in the early morning and evening than in midday. If you’re going to be hiking through water, consider wearing a bathing suit underneath or clothes that dry quickly. Proper hiking shoes are essential, as well as thick socks to prevent blisters.

• Sun protection. This is crucial even if it’s cloudy. Make sure you bring sunscreen with you as well, and reapply often. A high SPF that is waterproof and sweat-proof should be sufficient. A hat is also a good idea, as well as sunglasses.

• Water/food. It’s important to bring plenty of water. Some hikers opt for backpack-type water containers that take up less room than bulky water bottles, or you could just toss a few water bottles in your backpack. Bringing a couple of frozen bottles is a good idea too, as it will melt as the day progresses and ensure you have plenty of cool water to drink. If you’re going to be gone for awhile, a sack lunch or some granola bars, mixed nuts, or trail mix are good options for a quick snack that won’t slow you down on your hike.

• Maps or directions. If you’re hiking in a popular, well-known destination with clearly marked trails, this is not as important. But if you’re roughing it, make sure you have an updated map and a way to get help if necessary.

You always need a place to stay. Ever wanted to wake up to the smell of breakfast on a chilly morning in a small village tucked away in the mountains? Remember vacation rentals are not only for the beach.

Being properly prepared will make sure your hike is a fun experience for everyone.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Seasonal Hiking, Sports Tagged With: Clothing, Hiking, Outdoors

Hiking Basics

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Hiking is a great sport and excellent exercise. While it may seem that hiking is as simple as finding a trail and walking, there is more to it than that. These hiking basics will help beginner hikers learn hiking and nature etiquette and tips so their hiking experience will be fun and enjoyable.

1) Stay on the trail. Sometimes it’s tempting to veer off of the marked trails you’re hiking and go exploring on your own, but it’s in your own best interest if you stay on the trail. It’s easy to get lost, and even if an area looks safe at first glance, you never know why an area may be marked restricted.

2) Respect nature. Don’t pick flowers, capture or feed wildlife like frogs or lizards, or tuck articles in your backpack as souvenirs. Nature is meant to be enjoyed by everyone. In some national parks and places, it is actually illegal to remove or disturb natural artifacts and surroundings. At the same time, never litter and make sure you follow guidelines for proper trash and waste disposal.

3) Choose your hikes carefully. New hikers start slow and pick a few easy day hikes to start with. Then you will get a good idea of your actual fitness level and hiking basics, like how often you need to rest. When choosing a hike take into account such things as altitude (higher altitudes can make breathing more difficult), your fitness level, steepness of the hike, and length of the hike.

4) Be prepared. You should always be prepared for your hike. This means taking enough water and snacks or food on your hike, depending on the length, making sure you are protected from the sun with plenty of sunscreen and hats, and dressing appropriately for the climate and duration of your hike.

These hiking basics are important for anyone who is new to hiking.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques, Sports Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Trail

Enjoying The Outdoors, On Your Feet

With the spread of concrete, vinyl, and asphalt resting on top of the earth like shellac, it’s easy to forget that underneath and outside of it all is the living, breathing being that made this expansion possible. In other words, the earth and all of its green things are taken for granted by us, and some people spend their entire lives having never setting foot into the original brick and mortar.

But still the impulse is there within us, laying dormant like a primeval desire that draws us into the woods, the water, and the jungle. Somehow we remember we were once there, serving it rather than letting it serve us. Of course, there is nothing wrong with using the tools and technology to simplify the complicated world we’ve found ourselves in, but there is an inexplicable exhilaration one experiences when he or she leaves the phone and computer at home, laces up his shoes, strings on a canteen of water, and heads for a hike into the woods.

Hiking lets us return to the wonder we once had when we heard the wind brushing through the trees like waves on the beach, and sometimes we see things we forgot we had. Hiking up a mountainside and overlooking a valley or lake can be both memorable and rewarding, and you don’t need a camera to capture the moment, because nothing stores it in your memory like directly experiencing it yourself.

You hear the crunch of the dirt and leaves under your feet, you hear a melodic call from a whippoorwill, you see a caterpillar roosting on a leaf, and you forget the world ‘out there.’ It’s not bad to leave it every once in a while, and when you do it, it awakens something in you, a thousands-year-old memory, vaguely familiar. Listen to that. It’s that memory which puts life into a perspective no amount of cars, rubber, and hundred-dollar jeans can imitate.

Filed Under: All About Hiking, Seasonal Hiking Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors

Refinance Auto Loan to Continue Recreational Hiking

Recreational hiking is a great sport that many people are starting to enjoy. Hiking involves a lot of walking, but in the a hiker must keep other things in mind. Hiking is not only about walking, but also involves the necessary things that a person needs to have to enjoy his recreational sport. A reliable vehicle is necessary for him to get to good hiking country, so it’s important to maintain the vehicle’s seasonal maintenance at all times.

A good, reliable and sturdy car or truck for the road is important to travel to various hiking destinations in search of the best places to hike. A good, four wheel drive vehicle is needed to get you to places where you can hike, where often the roads are poorly graveled and the vehicle needs to be sturdy to tackle them. This can sometimes mean having a more expensive vehicle than what is available, especially if you’re going to be doing a lot of travel. If you don’t have the income to purchase a vehicle, you may consider doing a refinance auto loan which will make it easier for obtain a hiking-ready vehicle.

Other important accessories for the hiker would be shoes, socks and gear. As for shoes, the right kind of footwear can make a huge difference while you go for hiking in different surfaces and climates. If you prefer track that is not frequently tread, you may decide on weather-friendly shoes as opposed to shoes that you would wear in casual settings.

Socks are also very important because they help your feet breathe and wicks away sweat and moisture, helping the feet to avoid discomfort and blisters. Other accessories that a hiker must have include route maps, a hat, hiking backpacks, waist packs, sunscreen and water bottles. All of these accessories ensure a great trip for the outdoors person.

Filed Under: Air Travel, Family Travel Tagged With: Hiking, Outdoors, Recreation