Take a Hike

Do bears really live in the woods?

Find out for yourself with this date that has become one of America's favorite outdoor pastimes.

As for the type of hike you choose, will it be a comfortable stroll or a muscle-wrenching climb? Will your date need to carry you home or will the two of you feel like having dinner and a movie afterward? It is important to select a trail that complements your level of fitness and experience.

COST

If you already have hiking boots and socks, the cost of this date will be limited to gas and parking. If you need to outfit yourself, you will probably need to spend between $70 and $200.

EQUIPMENT

You will have a much better day (and night, perhaps) if your equipment meets the challenge. Here are some things you will want to have:

BOOTS: If you can, buy good hiking boots that fit well. Wear them for several hours each day for at least a week to break them in. Try to take short walks in them each day.

SOCKS: Never wear cotton socks. Wool socks are what you'll want. Many experienced hikers recommend wearing wicking sock liners under wool socks.

FINDING THE RIGHT TRAIL

You'll want your date to remember the day with a smile instead of the dry heaves, so try your best to accurately assess each of your hiking abilities. If your date is a hiking expert but you start panting after walking around the corner, admit to being a total weenie and work on a hike that will be pleasing for both of you.

Regional hiking guides are available at many sporting goods stores as well as online. Guidebooks and maps can tell you about the area, distance of the hike, difficulty, elevation gain and loss, and sources of water.

For a good resource, go to the "Great Outdoor Recreation" page at www.gorp.com. You'll find links to hundreds of hiking trails. Wilderness Press has a solid selection of trail guides for the Western states. You can get their guides through the www.gorp.com website or phone them at (510)558-1666 or (800)443-7227.

The American Hiking Society at www.americanhiking.org should lead you to a hiking club in your area. You don't have to join to get information on trails.

Try also American Trails at www.americantrails.org for a state-bystate list of trails and a calender of hiking events. You can phone them at (502)632-1140.

In the phonebook, look under "State and National Parks." Then call about trail information.

WHAT TO BRING

CLOTHING: Wear proper clothing for the weather. Remember to layer—then you are covered for most types of weather.

A SMALL DAYPACK: Don't overload it with unnecessary items like your entire CD collection.

WATER: Bring what you'll need. Don't drink river or creek water, given how you never know what creature relieved him or herself upstream.

FOOD: Lightweight and easy-to-carry is a must. For a shorter hike, try trail mix, granola, energy bars and fruit sticks. For a longer hike, plan on bringing along a freeze-dried feast.

FIRST AID KIT: Check out your local sporting goods store or make your own first aid kit.

PLUS: You'll also want to bring a map of the area, a compass, matches or a lighter, sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, wind breaker/rain gear, flashlight, cell phone if you have one although it might not work on the trail, condoms, a Swiss army knife to get into the condoms, and Second Skin in case you cut yourself or get a blister from too much friction. Get the Second Skin at your local pharmacy, drug store or even sporting goods store.

BLISTERS

If you feel a rubbing motion and your date is not the one doing it, stop immediately. Remove the boot and check to make sure it isn't harboring any stowaways—a pebble, shoelace, grass, etc. Rub the spot in the boot where your foot was making painful contact. Hopefully you brought along a product called Second Skin. It can be placed over the blister area for protection and it works better than a Band-Aid.

A GOOD IDEA...

Leave an itinerary with someone who doesn't wish you any harm. Include the approximate time of your return. Get a weather forecast.

A REALLY GOOD IDEA...

Visit the website at www.rei.com. Under the "Learn & Share" section of the menu is the "Camping/Hiking" option. Read everything you can on these pages. The advice is important to any beginner and it is still helpful to the experienced. The following is from the "Introduction for Beginners" at www.rei.com. Take it to heart even if you are only taking a one-hour hike on a trail that's just outside of the city:

"Wilderness lands are not theme parks. Out here, there are no handrails, no water fountains, no flush toilets, no snack bars, no trash cans, no cheery attendants directing you to your next attraction. You are on your own, completely dependent on your individual skills, energy and knowledge..."

"Nature is utterly indifferent to your presence... The good and the bad of nature are both present in the backcountry, and it can be dif- ficult to predict which face nature will reveal to you on any given day. The faint presence of danger is what gives backcountry exploration its distinctive appeal. Always be prepared for the unexpected."

"Backcountry travel requires a change in thinking and behaving... Tread lightly as you travel. Avoid boomboxes, litter, commotion and other by-products of urbanization."

"Pack out what you pack in... In the wilderness, no one comes along and cleans up after you. You must take responsibility for all your actions. Leave no lasting impact on the land."
from www.rei.com