| The idea of hiking is simple. It is walking outdoors, | | | | sessions will allow your muscles to adjust to |
| usually over an extended time period and in a | | | | walking on something other than smooth, flat |
| natural terrain. How to define "extended time | | | | pavement. They will also help you to build up the |
| period" and "natural terrain" is pretty much up to | | | | endurance you will need for a longer adventure. |
| the hiker. Some prefer adventures contained | | | | Staying relatively close to your home base or |
| within a single day while others look to cover a | | | | starting point will also help you to be and feel |
| wider area over a longer period of time. | | | | more secure. If you do lose your way on a trail, |
| Hiking is the most basic of outdoor activities | | | | you won't be far from where you started. It will |
| although the act itself can be very complicated | | | | also help you to judge how much water and |
| depending upon the terrain. There are places that | | | | other supplies you may need on a longer hike. |
| cannot be reached any way other than on foot. | | | | Another important consideration is hiking |
| Some will argue that the best way to see nature | | | | equipment. Shoes are an important item for the |
| is by walking trails. When you are on foot, there | | | | hiker. Some time and thought should be put into |
| are none of the distractions associated automobile | | | | choosing the proper footwear. Boots are not a |
| noises or smells. You can truly be one with your | | | | requirement, especially for shorter sessions. What |
| surroundings. Every sense is involved. You can see | | | | is important is to choose a shoe that is designed |
| the beauty of nature around you. You can hear | | | | for walking, including having a non slip type of sole. |
| the birds and the rustling leaves. You can smell | | | | One mistake some beginners make is buying a |
| cleaner air than you may have believed existed. | | | | new pair of shoes and immediately going out and |
| You can feel the crunch of soil under your feet. | | | | hitting a trail. New shoes should be worn around |
| There are a few things to consider if you are | | | | the house and around town to help break them in. |
| considering taking up hiking as an activity. It is | | | | This will also give your foot some time to adjust |
| best to begin with short hikes. These shorter | | | | to the feel of the shoe. |