Fun Fall Family Travel Destinations—Part 3: Hiking Trails

If you are looking for some fun family travel destinations—places where you can take advantage of the great outdoors before Old Man Winter comes howling in, then you’ve found the right blog. So far, we’ve covered corn mazes and haunted houses, and now we are moving on to hiking trails. Remember we are trying to make these trips family-friendly. Which means we don’t want to junior to be begging to stay in the minivan and play his Gameboy while the rest of the clan is discovering nature. We want the entire family to spend quality time together. So how can … Continue reading →

“Take A Hike”—On The Appalachian Trail

Have you ever heard the expression: “Take a hike?” Growing up, it was considered my dad’s catchphrase. Whenever my brothers or I wanted to use the car for some Friday night fun we’d nervously approach my father and sheepishly ask if we could PLEASE borrow the keys. His response: “Take a hike.” (He, of course, was kidding—well, at least most of the time.) Years (make that decades) have passed since I was told to “take a hike,” but the phrase stuck and I think about it (flashback, flashback) whenever I hear about nature trails. Such is the case in writing … Continue reading →

Hiking With Children–Basic Safety Tips

If you are searching for a family vacation activity that is healthy, inexpensive and fun then hiking may be just what you are looking for. Whether it is a day trip to a nature reserve or a multi-day adventure through tough terrain, a family hike can be tailored to fit a variety of age ranges and personalities. But one thing that should be consistent is practicing basic hiking safety. It doesn’t have to be a 30-minute lecture, but before you set out into the woods with your children you should spend a few minutes going over some basic rules. First, … Continue reading →

Hiking Tips

Considering a day of hiking or a hiking trip? Planning is essential to the successful and rewarding hiking trip. While your hiking may be in a local area, many hiking trips will take you away from populated areas. So you have to plan for the idea that assistance will not be readily available. Start by mapping out where you plan to hike. Whether you are planning a half-day, daylong or several day hike – mapping your hike will help you plan your supply list as well as being able to leave word with someone so they know where to look … Continue reading →

Palm Springs – A Hiker’s Paradise

When I think of Palm Springs, I think of desert and paradise rolled into one. The spectacular desert terrain has played host to a multitude of stars, both rising and falling as well as a host of family vacations. But what few people know is that it’s also a paradise for hiker’s and hiking. You can explore the area on foot or by jeep or for the really adventurous, by hot air balloon. Before exploring the area, you should dress appropriately, wear sturdy and comfortable shoes and take plenty of water. You want to make sure that you and your … Continue reading →

Buying a Discount Backpack

Do you love spending time outdoors backpacking but find the budget a little tighter than you would like? If so, you have many great options for quality options without having to spend a fortune. Unfortunately, most people believe that buying a discount backpack for hiking means they are buying something cheap and flimsy, which can be the case. However, that is not necessarily always the truth. In fact, when you look for bargains, the key is to shop the top brands but shop at a different time than you normally would. As an example, if you were in the market … Continue reading →

CONTROLLING RABBITS IN YOUR GARDEN

How can one, little rabbit cause so many problems in a garden? Although rabbits for the most part are docile and easily spooked, if they get into a garden, they can cause tremendous damage. If you have planted some type of vegetable or flower that rabbits like, you can be assured everything in sight will be eaten. Unfortunately, rabbits gnaw on vegetation, just leaving portions of the plant standing. In other words, the rabbit gets its belly full while you are left with a horrible looking garden and dying plants. One of the best lines of defense against rabbits is … Continue reading →

Overnight Backpacking Adventures

If you have always enjoyed daytime backpacking, finding trails that meander to interesting places so you can enjoy nature, you might think about advancing to an overnight backpacking adventure. While an overnight trip does not necessarily mean significant differences, you would need to consider some things. We do recommend that you take an overnight trip with people you know who also want the same experience. In addition, we recommend you take special training to make your adventure fun and safe. For instance, most cities offer outdoor clubs. If you are not sure where to find one, check your local newspaper, … Continue reading →

AVOID HIKING AND BACKPACKING BLISTERS

Hiking and backpacking are wonderful outdoor adventures, providing a time to see nature up close and personal. However, wearing the wrong shoes can make even the simplest trip a miserable nightmare. Although outdoor adventures often bring challenges of climate and insects, blisters are by far the worst annoyance. Worst of all, many people will hike or backpack for miles before they develop a blister. The result is trying to fix the problem so you can return but without being prepared. As you can imagine, this makes for a painful experience. The best option is to avoid getting blisters in the … Continue reading →