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The Joy and Adventure of being in the Great Outdoors!by Ralph Teller |
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“When man knows how to live dangerously, he is not afraid to die. When he is not afraid to die, he is, strangely, free to live. When he is free to live, he can become bold, courageous, reliant.” William O. Douglas, Of Men and Mountains.
For the adventure of a lifetime, the team of Lewis and Clark set out from the Missouri Territory in 1804 to explore the West, discover new plant and wildlife and find a waterway passageway to the Pacific. We can all capture a slice of this adventure and exploration by hiking our plains, prairies, deserts, woods, forests, mountains, rivers and coasts.
Hiking and being in The Outdoors improves metabolism efficiency, brings nutrients to cells due to increased blood circulation to all parts of the body, refreshes attitude and promotes lasting wellness. Hiking and being in The Outdoors makes for a better quality and fuller life and enhances Longevity.
There are many excellent hiking organizations in the US such as:
The Ten Essentials for Every Hiking Trip:
- Navigation (map and compass)
- Sun protection See Vitamin D Health Benefits, Photoprotection
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (flashlight/headlamp)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water) See Hydration and Electrolytes. See alsoHiking, Climbing and Backpacking Hydration and Electrolyte Strategies
- Emergency shelter
Keep a Log of your hiking adventures!
The Great Outdoors
There is simple and exhilarating joy, freedom and adventure in being in the forests, mountains, wilderness, seas, rivers, plains and deserts. John Muir wrote “Walk quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer.” This unique sense of freedom is achievable in The Outdoors. Break away from modern day conveniences and become a part of The Outdoors for good physical and mental health.
Mountaineering offers many challenges and skills and requires continual awareness of the (i) situation and environment at hand, (ii) weather, (iii) terrain, (iv) focus required on balance and the simple tasks of hand and foot placement when life is placed in risk, (v) right equipment and its limitations, (vi) individual and team strengths and shortcomings, (vii) needed problem solving skills and good judgment, (viii) service to protecting wilderness (leave no trace), and (ix) physical and mental preparation.
Other Great Outdoors Activities include:
- Backpacking
- Expeditions
- Orienteering
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Extreme Sports
- Sailing
- Kayaking
- Skiing
- Rowing
