Hiking For the Older Generation

Today we have a guest post from Mary Tilken on tips for hiking  for the older generation.  Thanks Mary!

Hiking Tips For The Older Generation

Hiking is a super enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed by almost everyone. When a person hikes, he or she is able to commune with nature in a relaxing environment that can truly help clear the mind and balance the body. Not only that, but hiking is a great way to get the valuable exercise needed to stay in shape and can provide a variety of positive health benefits. If you love the feeling of enjoying a relaxing hike in the great outdoors but you feel as if you are too old to do so, remember, you are never too old to hike. Although certain special precautions may need to be taken, it is still possible to enjoy a refreshing hike even if you are an older person. If you want some tips on how you can hike safely, regardless of your age, here are some helpful tips for the older hiker.

1. Get In Shape

Before embarking on a hike full of rough terrain, you are first going to need to get your body in shape. Start slow by doing easy stretch exercises to get your body more limber. Or, try walking around the block to build leg muscle. By preparing before you take a serious hike, you can be certain your body will be able to handle any type of terrain you come across.

2. Get Good Shoes

While good hiking shoes are a necessity for hikers of all ages, they are especially important for the older hiker. Many older people have back pain or other pain issues and these problems will be made worse during a hike unless you are equipped with good hiking shoes.

3. Bring A Buddy

The woods can be an unpredictable place and if you want to ensure your safety during a hike, it is good to bring along a hiking buddy. Accidents can and do occur and it could be catastrophic if you are hiking alone when an accident occurs. There is safety in numbers so be sure to bring a friend to help out in case injury occurs. Plus, it's fun to have someone to talk to and share nature experiences with so bringing a buddy on a hiking adventure is just an all around good thing.

4. Take It Easy

If you are an older hiker who does not have a lot of hiking experience, it is best to tackle easy hiking spots before attempting more advanced one. Once you can work yourself up to feeling confident enough to take on rougher terrain, your body will definitely let you know it's okay.

5. Talk To Doctor

As with any exercise regime, it is best to consult with your doctor. Your doctor can run tests on your body function so to be sure that hiking will not cause your heart or other body parts any unneeded troubles.

Hiking is a fun and enjoyable outdoor activity that can provide hours of good times. If you are an older person who has been considering taking up hiking yourself, following the above hiking tips for older individuals will be sure to provide that your hike is safe and enjoyable.

Marta Tilken writes about fitness, the great outdoors and saving money at http://homeequityloan.net.

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Boulder River

The weather has been really nice here in Seattle (until yesterday) so I made sure to take advantage and be active outside instead of in the gym.   I decided to go on a hike with a friend, to Boulder River just past Arlington WA.  The weather was a little cloudy but ended up being sunny and perfect weather for a hike.  There were only 2 other cars parked at the trailhead so we practically had the place to ourselves.  The total mileage for this hike is 8.6 miles, but with our time constraints (had to pick kids up from school), we only made it 7 miles round trip.  Oh well, maybe next time:)

This is the 3rd time I have attempted this hike.  Here, you can read about the 1st time and 2nd time and find directions to Boulder River.

The best part about this hike is that it can be done year round.  With many hikes here in Western Washington, you have to worry about snow covered trails well into June and even sometimes July.  This hike is almost guaranteed to be snow free unless you do it in the middle of winter.  Love it!

I hope you get a chance to visit this hiking destination.  It's well maintained and is much less crowded than many of the better known trails.  The views are amazing and hopefully one day, when I have more time, I will actually make it to the top:) 

Have a great day and happy hiking!

Twin Falls

Boulder River

There was some sort of photo shoot going on down there.



 

Pihea Trail Kauai

Long time no see.  I have been so slacking on my hiking challenge and I hate it!  The weather has prevented much hiking around my neck of the woods and I miss it so badly.  Being in nature, the sounds, the smells, being away from the stresses of everyday life.  I feel like I am having hiking withdrawals.  I also sometimes get frustrated because I don't feel safe hiking alone and I don't really have a hiking buddy.  I guess I need to just start forcing people to come with me.  Maybe I will tell them we are going for coffee and just drive for an hour  to the hiking trails:)  Is that considered kidnapping?

Anyways, for my 3rd hike in my 12 hikes in 2012 challenge I am going to tell you about the Pihea Trail in Waimea Canyon, Kauai.  The most beautiful place on earth.  Kauai is my favorite place.  Since I love to be active, this is the perfect place for me to be.  Snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, etc. 

The Pihea trail is approximately 2 miles one way from the Kalalau Lookout to the Alaka'i Swamp Juncture, but you can continue on to the Kilohana Lookout for 3 more miles to make it 8 miles round trip if you want.  We didn't have time for that this time.

The trail is well maintained and was quite busy the day we were there.  After the first mile you will steadily incline until you reach your destination.  I would consider this hike moderate in difficulty since some spots are quite rocky with roots galore.  You will want to watch your step and be careful especially when coming back down.

I didn't take any pictures of the actual trail, but look at these amazing views!

Make sure you bring enough water since it is guaranteed to always be pretty warm.  Can you imagine anything better than this? 

There are bathrooms in the parking area at the Kalalau Lookout and don't worry, there are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.  I would definitely take children on this hike, but I think anyone under 5 would have a hard time with the elevation gain and the rocky path towards the top.

To get here take Hwy. 56 South until it merges into Hwy 50. Drive all the way south and west past the town of Waimea until you see Waimea Canyon Drive (Hwy. 550) to the right. It is a rather unassuming road and you have to watch for it. Go right and up and up onto Waimea Canyon Drive until you enter Kokee park and go to the park headquarters to get more information on the park's trails.

I hope to get a hike in soon in Oregon, Vancouver, and Nevada.  If you have a favorite hike in one of these spots, let me know.  I love to hear about your adventures and favorites!

Have a great day and Happy Hiking!