The Wonderful World of The Wonderful World of HikingHiking

Kelsey LawrenceKelsey Lawrence

Summer I 2003Summer I 2003

What It’s All AboutWhat It’s All About

“Now combine one of the best exercises there is, walking, with some of the most spectacular beauty to be found on our planet, nature, and you have hiking.”

“You can go for a walk just about anywhere… But when you go for a walk in the wilderness, in a part of the world that has not been transformed by man, then your walking becomes hiking.”

• http://www.hikingwebsite.com/hiking/intro.htm

Learning What You Need to Learning What You Need to Know in Order to Enjoy HikingKnow in Order to Enjoy Hiking

• One of the best ways to get started is to start with short hikes first.

• Learn about hiking by doing it at the time of year when the weather is the nicest.

• Start out by hiking with others in a group

• Choosing the right footwear is very important

• The clothes you wear are also important for comfortable hiking.

• Experience will be your best teacher if you're paying attention

• http://www.hikingwebsite.com/hiking/intro.htm

Where Can I Go?Where Can I Go?

• Around the Roanoke area there are many trails that you can conveniently find on http://www1.roanoke.com/outdoors/hiking

• It Provides an easy way to find a hike just right for you by selecting one of each:

Degree of Difficulty

Miles from Roanoke

Hike Length

Safety & HikingSafety & HikingThere are few things to remember when taking day hikes. There are few things to remember when taking day hikes.

• Check weather conditions• Consider ability of everyone in

your group• Never hike alone• Don’t pack to heavy• Take plenty of water• Start early• Pace yourself• Stay on trails• Never approach wild animals

• Look out for snakes • Be careful for low branches and

loose rocks• Take turns leading• Pack high energy snacks• Don’t drink soda or alcohol,you

will dehydrate• Protect yourself from insects

like ticks• Bring a whistle

• http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/SnugglyBug/

outdoorskills/dayhikingandsafety.html

My First Hike!My First Hike!

• My husband and I tried all levels of hikes starting from the easy level at the Cascades.

Hike #2- McAfee KnobHike #2- McAfee Knob

McAfee KnobMcAfee Knob

• This was our moderate hike that was very pretty and a little challenging. It got my HR to 160.

• These pictures show the beautiful scenery and springs that are all along the Appalachian Trail.

McAfee KnobMcAfee Knob

• Many people on the Appalachian trail are through -hikers, which means they are traveling and living along the trail.

• Above is a picture of the trail book that many sign; and through-hikers kickin’ up their heals.

Dragons ToothDragons Tooth

• This was the most challenging hike but very exciting. Many parts of this trail consisted of climbing rocks and ladders to reach the very top. By the time we got to the top my HR was out the roof, at about 175.

Dragons ToothDragons Tooth

• The many steep rocks and climbs definitely tested our abilities, but making it to the top made it all worth it.

Dragons ToothDragons Tooth

• At the top of the mountain the climbing didn’t stop. We had to climb to the top of a rock to see the wonderful view.

Leave No TraceLeave No Trace

• After all the hiking we did, one of the most important rules is to leave no trace, by taking what we brought in and leaving what was already there.

• There is an organization that encourages this good behavior because they like nature the way it is. They have seven simple rules: – Plan Ahead and Prepare *Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Dispose of Waste Properly *Leave What You Find – Minimize Campfire Impacts *Respect Wildlife – Be Considerate of Other Visitors http://www.lnt.org/

What a Success!!What a Success!!

• After all was said and done we had a wonderful time exploring the beauties of Virginia and the famous Appalachian Trail.

Additional Pictures:Additional Pictures:

Additional Pictures:Additional Pictures:

The EndThe End