As a addicted trail runner, avid hiker, and hopeless camper I've learned a few things while out in the wild. So I thought I'd share with everyone my "10 most valued things I've learned while in the outdoors." Hopefully this will motivate you to get out and enjoy Mother Nature, if you aren't already.
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy the laughs, wisdom, and experience I've listed out for you today!!
:-)
#10 - Where's the Wifi?
Unplugging while enjoying the outdoors can cause quite the panic attack. I'm VERY attached to my devices and am also a habitual/somewhat annoying photographer. If it fits behind my lens, I'm gonna photograph it. (75% of my phone's memory is pictures and videos!) I've been able to find a healthy balance when hiking, camping, or trail running. I put my phone on airplane mode and use it as a camera only...or just bring a good old fashioned camera. If it's just a day trip I notify someone when I leave and then again upon arrival back home with no texting, calling, emailing or facebooking in between. If it's an overnighter of any length, I allow myself time to "attempt" to get a signal and review missed texts, calls, or emails once or twice throughout the trip to suppress my anxieties about missing something important from work or home. I've learned to find this balance the hard way. Why seek out solitude and nature if you can't part with the happenings of the concrete jungle??
#9 - Mother Nature Does Not Discriminate!
To explain a little further, Mother Nature does not care if you're female, male, white, black, handicapped or disabled. SHE DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE! If a storm rolls through, she will rain, hail, thunder, lightening, snow, and blow her way over you, your camp, and your companions. That being said, I try to always prepare accordingly. At times, I've brought multiple clothing layers, back up snacks (Which could be argued as full meals!) and even my trail journal. All that stuff adds up. But then I found out that knowledge alone is 100% ultralight! Seriously! I educated myself on certain situations and ways to handle then without carrying a lot of gear. I even found some ultra light weight gear that I can bring without really noticing it being there. This gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm prepared for the worst. I've learned different ways to start a fire, search for water, hunt for food, and stay warm. If you feel like you've got Mother Nature beat, think again. She's tough and unforgiving, but can leave even the smartest person without words. Know how she works, ALWAYS check the forecast, and never stop learning about ways to protect yourself and others.
#8 - Injuries Really Are the Pits!!
Have you ever been injured on the trail? I have. It's not fun or convenient. Especially if you've hiked or ran and you're miles away from anyone and any cell service. If the injury's minor enough to limp your way off the trail and back home then you're good. But then what? The worst part of the injury is being "banned" from the trail and possibly any physical activity period. My advice, if your doctor, PT, or LMT says to rest the injury for "x" amount of days/weeks/months.....just suck it up and listen to them. Utilize your down time by researching new gear, new trails, or new food/energy options. Being stuck down is so hard, but going out on an unhealed injury can cause so many issues. It'll take the injury much longer to heal. It could heal incorrectly. Or worst of all, it could get reinjured leaving you possibly stranded or down for longer. Injuries are not something to mess with. Respect your body and take care of it so you can enjoy the outdoors when you're healthy and prepare for it when you're not.
#7 - The Bare Necessities
From a recent injury, I spent my down time researching better ways to go lightweight for short overnights and day trips. This last year I felt like I was bringing way too much on a day trip. I try to always involve the motto "Always Be Prepared." (It's almost as if those scouts know what they're talking about!!) But sometimes I over prepare and pack too much. I recently listened to some episodes of a podcast called "The First 40 Miles" where they discussed small changes to reduce pack weight. One of the ideas was to get rid of things you don't/won't need such as a knife sharpener. When I first heard that I laughed and immediately said "yea...ok," but then they asked, "How many times have you had to use your sharpener while on the trail?" My answer...not once. I sharpen before I go and again when I return, but while out on the trail.......well, you get the picture. It got my wheels turning, so I dumped out my day pack and reviewed the contents and was able to get rid of quite a bit. The moral of the story...ask yourself IF you really need this "thing" and WHEN was the last time you used it while out on the trail.
#6 - Mother Nature Makes The BEST Therapist!
Ever have one of those days where you just need to vent? You're frustrated, angry, or having a terrible day and all you want to do is go home and go back to bed. The best cure for all of that is some time alone out in the wilderness. One of my favorite quotes by John Muir is "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." That guy truly knew how to enjoy nature enough. The best way to get rid of your problems, sadness, and frustrations is to enter the wilderness. Leave your issues at the trail head and let Mother Nature take over from there. She may not solve your problems, but she will change your demeanor and possibly your way of handling things. The best part, she listens, 100%, judgement free.
#5 - Ever Get The Feeling You're Being Watched?
Aw, the great outdoors. Trees, dirt, air, the quiet stillness of open wild spaces. There's just nothing quite like it. But what happens when "nature" gets a little too close? I've had a few run ins with wild animals during my adventures. Most smaller animals are nothing more than cute and picture worthy, but what about the larger ones? The ones with teeth and tempers? There are a few guides online that give you tips on how to handle larger animals on the trails. In my area, it's mountain lions, bobcats, bears, coyotes, and wolves. Thankfully, my only run in with coyotes and wolves have been at night while camping. I met a friendly, domesticated bobcat and one that was just curious from a distance. I had one run in with a mountain lion that I will never forget. Hiking with my son, I had the overwhelming feeling of being watched. After a while I spotted it. A beautiful golden mountain lion about 10 yards to my right, stealthily stalking us parallel to the trail. It followed us for about a half mile before we got back to the campsite. When I hike and camp, I always carry a gun. It only took the sound of me racking the slide of my gun for the animal to catch the hint and run away, but not before snatching a bird out of a nearby tree and leaving behind only a mess of feathers. It was terrifying, but knowing that my first instincts were protective for my son and myself ,and that fear was the last thing in my mind, was somewhat comforting. I suggest you research the animals in your area and be familiar with what to do when encountering these animals and also how to prevent these encounters. Wild animals are nothing to mess with. Remember, you're presence is just as threatening to them as they are to you.
#4 - Water Really Is Important.
Have you ever been dehydrated before? Not just hot summer day, mouth dry, quenching for thirst dehydrated, but severe dehydration? It can be serious and even life threatening if not treated. When out on a trail or camping, it's important to recognize the signs. Thirsty, dry mouth, dry skin that doesn't bounce back when pinched, no more sweating, irritability, rapid breathing, low blood pressure. These are all signs of dehydration. The best way to prevent this? Drink, drink again, and lastly, drink some more. 60% of the human body is made up of water. That's a lot of water. Your blood, lymph, nutrients, and spinal fluid all include water. Picture a big juicy steak compared to a slice of jerky. That's what happens to your body without proper fluid intake. Even if the temperature isn't very hot out, it's still possible to get dehydrated. Being out on the trail without proper water can be very dangerous. Know your area. If there's a good water source and you have a filter then pack light and plan to pick up and filter water on the way, but if there's no water source around, pack plenty of water. I always pack an extra water bottle that I leave in the car. I've had so many trips where I've drank more than expected and still had a good 30-60 minute drive before I get back to town. Having that extra water at the car has saved me more than once.
#3 - Hills And Mountains Are Two Very Different Things!
Have you ever been back East? They've got hills over there. Some places even have BIG hills. But guess what we have in the West? Mountains. Lots and lots of mountains. I'm talking 6,000 feet and above elevation mountains. What's the difference between a hill and a mountain? It's all in the grade. I've gone trail running where I've gained 2,000 feet of elevated over 6 miles and others where I've gained 800 feet over an 1/8th of a mile. The steeper the course, the harder it is. This might sound like a no brainer, but in most cases, what goes up must come down. A lot of injuries happen on some sore of incline, whether heading up or down. It's easy to lose footing and fall. Know the elevations you're going to be coming across and what gear or skill levels are required to conquer them.
#2 - Nature Will ALWAYS Call....
It never fails. I get a few miles into a trail and then WHAM!! I have to go to the bathroom. So what's the best way to get this done out in nature? Well for men, find a bush, a tree or just turn your back to the trail and get 'er done. For us girls, it's all about the "squat" and the privacy. Time is also a factor. You can be 65 miles away from civilization on a trail that's long been forgotten and low and behold you'll take a quick pee break and someone will come whistling along the trail. It's Murphy's Law. (Thanks for that Murphy.) I recommend using a biodegradable toilet paper, washable rag or bandana, or just the quick shake and go. Either way, it's best to do it quickly and as inconspicuous as possible. But what about the dreaded #2? Yea, it happens to the best of us. ;-) Make sure you dig a hole - roughly 6-8 inches deep - and 200 feet off the trail and away from any water sources. When you're done, bury it, and walk away knowing you've accomplished something. It's as easy as that.
#1 - If It's Harder Than Expected, You're Probably Doing It Right. Probably.
You can prepare for weeks for a trip, or even leave at the last minute. You're always going to forget something. You may run into mechanical issues, gear failures, or even nature induced setbacks. The best thing to remember when heading out into the wilderness is to over prepare, and then go with the flow. This doesn't mean bring 3 pairs of shoes just in case. It means, plan for rain, plan for wounds, plan for water shortage, and then plan for fun. Don't sweat the small stuff, and if the worst happens and your trip gets cut short or cancelled, give yourself time to replan, then get back out there and try it again.
Hope you all enjoyed this. Now go outside and enjoy yourself this weekend!!
