Time for more hiking news, and this month I've got plenty of good stuff for you.

Without further ado...

JUST A QUICK FOLLOW UP

To complete the loop, I wanted to share this "avoidance hack" (my term for it) I found for thwarting the AI summaries at the top of search results (one of my pet peeves as a content publisher, as I shared last time).

Short version: Choose the “Web” option under the search box to see only Google’s classic web links. No AI!!

This link to the Seattle Times gives detailed background information as well as four other ways to make your online life easier:

Annoying tech things and how to turn them off

INSPIRING FEMALE HIKER

My question: When did 74 years of age become old??

Read more about her feat/feet here:

Oldest female thru hiker on AT

ADAPTIVE HIKING WHEELCHAIR

Did you know that some parks loan out mobility devices, including all-terrain wheelchairs, to enhance accessibility for visitors with disabilities?

This article provides technical details on these types of wheelchairs as well as a list of parks to make planning your next hike easier:

Adaptive hiking wheelchair details

HIKE THE HILL

This is a joint venture between American Hiking Society and the Partnership for the National Trails System.

American Hiking Organization Hike The Hill Info

PNTS Hike The Hill Info

LESS IS NOT MORE

I quote Chief Randy Moore: "We will not be bringing on any additional seasonal [employees], outside of fire.”

In addition, all external hiring will stop and the agency will hire internally instead.

Forest Service Hiring Update

What this means in hard numbers is that 2500 fewer people will do jobs involving wildlife biology and trail maintenance.

Think of the blow downs, washouts, switchback erosion, flooded areas, lost bridges and every other thing that impacts hiking trails that will not be taken care of.

This article gives some stark examples.

FS job elimation of trail workers

So what can we do in our own small ways to keep trails clear?

Here what I do when I hike: Stop to move deadwood or blowdowns off trail when it’s small enough to lift, use my hiking poles to flip branches, cones, debris off the trail with each stride (nice upper body workout), rearrange any rocks or logs that slipped off switchback cuts (keep everyone on the trail), pull out invasive vegetation (scotch broom, thistle and ivy in my neck of the woods), prop up signs that have been smashed or occluded by storm damage.

Not much, but every little bit of trail improvement is going to help this year.

What small actions do you take to maintain trails when you hike? I'd love to know!

ADVENTURE CATTING, ANYONE?

So why not a cat trail buddy?

A word of warning from the article: “If you go out with the cats expecting to have a highly aerobic experience, you’re probably going to be disappointed.”

Ha!

Adventure cats

HIKING FOR HER GIVEAWAY

What’s up next? Your chance to win a pair of compression socks.

Here’s what they do for you, and why I think they’re worth a place on your gear list:

Compression Socks: Do You Need Them?

Enter the hiking compression sock giveaway by January 16, 2025. Here's how:

Hiking For Her Giveaway Details

Just a note

Nothing glamorous, just well tested over the years and very much appreciated by me on each and every hike.

And I'll share all my hiking tips and suggestions for each and every one so you can see why I'm recommending them to you - and giving them away.

My new year's wish for you

You'll know it's me because I'm grinning from ear to ear as you approach.

I raise my hand in greeting and celebration as you hike on past, wishing you every good thing on the trail: unexpected wildlife sightings (even Sasquatch), moments of complete joy and awe, fantastic camping spots, and enough camaraderie and solitude to fill up your soul.

Let's go into 2025 celebrating our mutual love of hiking.

And thanks for reading through to the end :)

Happy 2025 Trails,

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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