Where To Begin This Journey?
As a new hiker it can be overwhelming. All the different gear choices, trails, maps reading and of course the snacks! When I started to hike I would spend hours reading about hiking and how to do it properly and safely. I was so overwhelmed with information that I forgot to do one thing, actually get out and hike!
Like anything that is new to me I tend to research it at length, then panic about doing it, then research some more and eventually go do it. Trying anything new can be scary and exciting! If you are feeling this way, you are not alone. I am here to help you.
If you have never hiked before or are inexperienced you are in the right place. Here you will learn and read about my own experiences as a relatively new and fat hiker. I will not sugar coat it and you will hear about the good, bad and downright ugly. Hiking is the most rewarding and challenging thing I have ever done.
What started as a way to get outside and get some exercise has quickly turned into a lifestyle. Hiking has become a soul searching journey and has tested my mental and physical bounds. It has brought me some of my greatest “victories” and opened up a whole new world just waiting for me to explore.
A few items you will need to get started:
- A pack.
- Plenty of water.
- A trail map.
- Snacks
- And of course your camera!
To get started you do not need a lot of fancy gear. This is where I got “stuck.” Check out my gear and recommendations, it is budget friendly and great for beginners.
One rule of thumb is to always let someone where you are going. I always leave a trail map and directions to the parking area with my husband. I make sure to let him know when I arrive and when I get back to the parking area. This is in case anything happens on the trail and I am alone. Thankfully nothing has happened to make is so that I have not made it back to the parking area.
Please explore the site and don’t forget to take a hike!
