Hiking for me began about 15 years ago when, at the grand old age of 18 my boyfriend and brother dragged me off to the Peak District [gorgeous place in the UK] to do a little hiking. Prior to that experience hiking had always seemed a little boring to me and I couldnt really see what could be gained from it all. Living in England we have some pretty cold, windy weather for a good 8 months of the year so trekking off into the unknown with mother natures worst thrown at us wasnt very appealing at all. I had such a great time and hiking became pretty addictive after that. It wasnt until I reached my late twenties and now in my early thirties that I realised just how much of a good experience hiking is. Daily life for most people revolves around routine. You know how it is you have kids and they take over your life, work never goes away and the usual house duties, bills, groceries, errands and busy things that life throw at you take over. Every once in a while you should take just one day out and go hiking because it really is an enlightening experience. The single most important thing to hiking is the boots! You can get away with wearing anything suited to the weather but put the wrong thing on your feet and its a recipe for disaster. Trainers or running shoes just wont do. You dont have to go for the most expensive pair just an all weather quality pair of hiking boots is all you need. I loved my first pair of hiking boots. It didnt matter how many streams I tried to jump and fell into my feet never got wet, no matter how much I hiked my feet felt great and ultimately if your feet arent comfortable you wont feel good at all. Take your loved one, your partner or friend or two and find wide open space. You dont have to go to snow covered mountains just somewhere with lots of trees, hills, streams, rivers, parks or countryside. Suit yourself up for the weather, pack some lunch and refreshments [map if you need one!], and get your boots and walk and walk and walk, all day! I have never had so many discussions, debates and conversations about anything in my whole life as I did when I was hiking. There are no cars so no smog just clean fresh air. There is no hustle and bustle, no stores, no restaurants or bars just the odd person doing the same thing as you. Its a great time to reflect on whats going on in your life, discuss what you are doing or what you are thinking about. It blows the cob webs away, it feels refreshing and exhilarating and with nothing but open space. Hiking is also a good way to keep in shape and definitely makes you feel healthier. By the end of your day, I guarantee you will feel relaxed, happy, rewarded and exhausted but enlightened by the whole experience. To find your hiking boots visit the Womens Shoes Guru at http://www.womens-shoes-guru.com/womens-hiking-boots.html |
