TAKE A HIKE

TAKE A HIKE

“You cannot travel the path until you become the path itself”

Ancient Buddhist saying

 

Hiking, besides being healthy and invigorating has always been a pleasurable way for me to spend time outside.  Hiking provides a physical challenge as well as a break from today’s hectic living and offers the tranquility of the forest as well as the thrill of connecting with nature.  Vancouver Island is rich with hiking trails and a moderate climate, allowing for year round opportunities of hiking where we can observe unique ecosystems and an abundance of wildlife and wildflowers.  The pleasures promised by a hike on one of the many trails never fail to tempt me to strap on a pack and lace up my hiking boots.  The scenery at the top of a mountain is without a doubt well worth the effort it sometimes takes to climb there.  Rock outcroppings offer rest spots with breathtaking vistas, eagles soar overhead and birdsong fills the clear, brisk air.  The rewards are immeasurable. 

There are no guarantees that the wilderness you’re hiking today will still be there tomorrow, therefore when it comes to sharing and enjoying nature a little consideration is crucial. More people are finding pleasure in the outdoors and the evidence of public recreation and the effect on the environment is becoming increasingly apparent. 

Even one hiker can have an impact on the fragile wilderness and hopefully we can retain the essence of the outdoors by using good ethics and practicing ‘no-trace hiking’.  Carrying out everything we bring into the forest, treating the forest and the trails with respect and leaving “only our footprints behind”.

So I encourage you to strap on a packsack, lace up your boots and hit the trails.  But before you head out here are a few significant points to keep in mind.

·        Insure that you are physically prepared
·        Carry a fully stocked backpack
·        Break in your boots before the hike
·        Wear wicking socks
·        Research your hike and be familiar with the area
·        Leave a detailed note as to where you are hiking and when you are expecting to return
·        Carry the ten basic essentials

TEN BASIC ESSENTIALS

1.     Water and plenty of it
2.     Food including high energy snacks
3.     Rain gear and change of socks
4.     Hat and sun block
5.     First aid kit
6.     Waterproof matches or lighter
7.     An extra layer of clothes
8.     Whistle
9.     Pocket knife
10. Compass and map of area

Once you are on the trail you will experience the inspirational rewards of embracing the wilderness, just watch your footing, respect the environment and enjoy the moment.

Happy Hiking!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/129391622/hiking-book-hike-vancouver-island-forest?ref=shop_home_active

 

This book was originally written as a tribute to my friend and mentor Marianne who at the time of the first issue was dealing with breast cancer. Marianne is well versed in wilderness safety and taught me many important lessons as we hiked. I compiled these lessons into this Hiking Book to share with you and designed the book to help you plan your hikes safely, and to carry with you as a guide.   Many readers found hope and inspiration in her strength and positive attitude as she dealt with her cancer treatments.  It has been over twenty years since Marianne first guided me on our initial hike together and ten years since the first writing of this book. At the time of the first writing, Marianne had hiked through her breast cancer treatments with the same quiet dignity and strength that she exudes on a mountain trail.

 

The hikes we shared during Marianne’s cancer treatments were not as strenuous as our usual weekly treks and yet they were especially meaningful.  Being on a forest path feed’s your soul and when you are feeling less energetic the essence of the forest energizes you.  The verdant forest, lush greens of the various fern’s, the assorted colors and variations of the wildflowers and the scampering of the forest inhabitants along the trail are a robust reminder of life’s ever changing cycles. Being on a forest trail renews our appreciation for all things living.  

 

Once Marianne’s strength returned we were back hiking with a renewed reverence for life and a reminder of the strength and beauty surrounding us in the forest as it does in our lives.

This book is meant as a guide to both those who are approaching hiking on Vancouver Island for the first time and for others who are already experiencing the pleasures of hiking. This anecdotal and informational account of hiking gives voice to the delight and lessons a trek in the wild imparts.

Author: Trish (BlackCrowCurios)

Question for the reader: 

What are your thoughts on development eating up the green spaces?

 

 

 

All About Style...

Hello to all our lovely readers!

Looking back over our posts, I realized that we are a super diverse group of ladies with unique interests, personalities and creative passions.  Being a unique and diverse group means we also have unique style; this is how we show the world around us who we are.

My style reflects who I am as a person.  My style is reflected in what I wear, how I communicate and in the things I enjoy.  I am both extroverted and introverted (yes you can be both!); creative, outgoing, colorful, reckless, thoughtful, reserved, spiritual, cautious, compassionate and analytical.  Of course I am many other things too but we don't have all day. :)

Fashion and accessories are two of my favorite ways of expressing myself. I love combining colors and patterns that are unexpected!

When I get to put on clothes and accessories that make me look good, I automatically feel that much better about myself.  "But WAIT!" you say... "clothes DO NOT make the person... do they??"  Of course not; if you are not a good person a stylish outfit isn't going to change that.  "Hold on a second!" you say... "are you saying I have to wear those pants/shoes/shirts/colors to be in fashion?? If that's the case, forget it, that just isn't me!"  Ummm no. The golden rule of style when it comes to trends: wear what is appropriate for your body type, lifestyle and personality!  If you work as a kindergarten teacher, wearing 4 inch heels or short skirts probably isn't going to work for you.  That being said, there is no reason to go to work (or anywhere really) in clothes that are ill fitting and/or inappropriate.

If you want respect, you need to respect yourself and appreciate and celebrate who you are!  For most people, taking care with your appearance and doing nice things for yourself helps you feel and look more confident.  Going back to my original point about style; we are all unique in who we are and we need to be true to ourselves.  Use your style to decide how you want to portray yourself to the world around you.  Pay attention to yourself and treat yourself with the respect by having great style; if you do that, everyone else will too.

Thanks for reading!

Merry W. (This Merry Life)