Hello Hiking!

Today kicks off National Park Week; time to lace up those boots, head outside, and reintroduce yourself to fresh air and sunshine. Hiking is also a great way to work off some of those unwanted pounds you may have packed on during your winter hibernation. What’s more, you can do so without breaking the bank as National Park Week yields free admission to more than 100 parks which typically change a fee to get in. If you are looking for the perfect spot to get your springtime hike on, consider the following: The Appalachian Trail: Known as the granddaddy of … Continue reading →

More Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Now that you know how critical it is to plan ahead before embarking on a trip to the wilderness with your baby it’s time to discuss other tips to make your trek memorable. First of all, if you are planning to hike in any one of our country’s awe-inspiring National Parks you should know that there are rules that prohibit the disposal of human waste within 100 feet of a water source or camp site, or within sight of a trail. The National Park Service has also adopted principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which recommend … Continue reading →

Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Going on a hike with a 7-year-old is far different than loading up a 7-month-old and hitting the trails. Still, what some would consider a daunting task (and others would call crazy) should not deter you from enjoying the great outdoors with your bundle of joy. The key is preparation. With a little planning and a lot of thought your day in the woods can become a cherished memory. Be Prepared You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to know how vital it is to plan ahead and expect the unexpected. When packing for your trip include the must-haves … Continue reading →

Hiking the Himalayas

If you are a die-hard hiker who is looking to kick up your next adventure a notch then you might consider the following trips. Several tour groups are offering package deals designed specifically for nature lovers who enjoy taking the road less traveled. If you are an outdoorsy type who loves to get your adrenaline going these land-only trips are perfect for you… and your wallet. PERU The South American country of Peru is home to one of the world’s most amazing ancient cities, the legendary Machu Picchu, and the famous Inca Trail, which leads hikers to the top of … Continue reading →

Hiking into Summer

I call it the hiker’s delight. This next travel deal is specifically designed for outdoor lovers who would rather spend the night in a tent than at a Hilton. Summer is an ideal time to set off on a hiking adventure and REI is giving you the chance to do so for a real bargain. The outdoors adventure company is offering a deal, which includes two nights’ camping, rock climbing equipment, meals, and professional instruction, for $400 per person—-including taxes. The available dates are: June 6, 20, Aug. 1, 30, Sept. 26, Oct. 17, 2008. If you are a REI … Continue reading →

More Places To Hike In Hawaii

In my previous blog I filled you in on some of the best places to hike in the “Land of Aloha.” While most tourist tend to gravitate towards Oahu’s landmarks, historical sites, world class shops, and universally famous beaches there are some who travel to paradise for the chance to explore nature at its finest. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to experience the 50th state’s most beautiful sites than by lacing up some comfortable shoes and taking a hike. Here now are a few more of Oahu’s most popular hiking trails: Manoa Falls Trail—Waterfall lovers this one … Continue reading →

Where To Hike In Hawaii

It’s a great way to escape the crowds in Waikiki and an even better way to work off some of the extra calories you consume while diving into the tropical dishes (and libations) offered in paradise. I’m talking about hiking… and there’s no better place to take to the trails than in Hawaii. (Okay, I may be biased, but just a little.) The island of Oahu alone offers more than 80 trails to choose from. Each provides breathtaking views of the area’s lush rainforests, hidden waterfalls, and emerald green valleys. It also offers you the opportunity to learn about a … Continue reading →

More European Walking Tours

In a previous blog I shared my desire to tour Europe and offered some suggestions regarding where to tour if you were planning a trip to France. I also told you that I have been collecting information on tours of Switzerland and Austria (the other European locations I have a desire to visit). The following are two walking/biking tours that caught my eye. Each is a 8-day/7-night tour that includes pick up and drop off at airport/train stations, breakfast and dinner each day, and fully researched walking and cycling route notes and maps. The other amenity I liked about these … Continue reading →

Visiting Crater Lake National Park

Have you ever heard someone refer to a person’s eye color as the “bluest blue you’ve ever seen?” Whenever I hear someone say that I think of Crater Lake, because to me, the water there IS the bluest blue I have ever laid my eyes on. Crater Lake is the centerpiece of Crater Lake National Park, which is located in southern Oregon at the crest of the Cascade Mountain range, about 100 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The lake was formed when a 12,000-foot-tall volcanic peak lost such a massive amount of its underground magma during an eruption that … Continue reading →

Shasta Trinity National Forest

Rated as the largest national forest in the state of California, Shasta Trinity is a wonderful vacation destination for people who appreciate the great outdoors. The mountain range varies from 1,000 to more than 14,000 feet, which provides visitors with nice diversity of landscapes. Covering more than two million acres, this particular national forest offers five distinct wilderness areas, as well as literally hundreds of mountain lakes, and more than 6,000 miles of streams and rivers. The wilderness areas include the Yolla Bolly Middle Eel, Trinity Alps, Castle Crags, Chanchellulla, and of course, the famous Mount Shasta. While spending time … Continue reading →