November 2012: A Note From Diane

Hello, Hiker!

This month, I've got a request from a hiking sister, a weird question, and a fun way to celebrate the season I affectionately call "Stuck Inside Due To Inclement Weather" (which means rain and flooding here in the Pacific Northwest).

Let's get right to the request!

In my inbox this morning, I found this message:

"I'm writing to tell you about Cheryl (trail name Clinker), who will fulfill a 13+ year dream to thru hike the Appalachian Trail, beginning on her 63rd birthday, April 5, 2013. Cheryl is an inspiration in so many ways to so many women.

Not only will she hike while on the AT. She is turning this into a creative adventure. While keeping to ultra-light, she plans on photographing her journey and writing haiku to accompany the photographs. When she returns, she will be hosted by the National Center for Nature Photography for an exhibit of her work. She also plans on using the images and her journaling to make presentations to others, especially other women, on ultra-light guidelines.

She is using the crowd-funding site, Kickstarter, to help with the expenses for this creative pursuit. If you don't mind a plug, she'd really appreciate you sharing her project, which runs until Dec. 17, on your site, in your newsletter and with social media connections. Your readers can sign on for rewards for contributions as small as $10."

If you're curious about what creativity + trail time can look like, take a peek:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1780278030/myku-a-shot-at-haiku-while-thruhiking-the-appalach\?ref=home_location

And now.... A weird question for you!

Have you ever in your life heard of a Hoo-Rag?

Me neither!

Until just recently that is, when I started field testing one.

I'm draping it around my neck, or tying up my pony tail, or pulling it over my sweaty hair after a long trail day.

Why?

Because it's a very colorful 100% polyester microfiber seamless "rag", and it seems to be better for some things than a bandana would be.

I'm not quite through with my field testing, but when I draw my conclusions, I'll create new web page with a list of pros and cons.

Can't wait that long to see a Hoo-Rag?

Go here!

Full disclosure: brace yourself for some over the top marketing lingo!

Survive the Indoor Season - Or Make It More Cozy

Here's my fun idea for weathering the storms which keep us off our beloved trails.

But first, a bit of background.

I rely upon tea to get me through the dark days of winter.

And I have a favorite little tea pot, in which I brew my loose green teas, herbal teas and whatever blend catches my eye at my favorite tea stores.

Seattle is known for its coffee addiction, but we actually have some fine tea stores and a wealth of places to purchase tea pots and accessories.

So I'd like to send one lucky reader a cute little teapot just like my favorite one, and a choice of either green or herbal tea, as a thank you for reading my website & newsletter.

All you have to do is post a description and photo of your favorite summer 2012 hike on my "Share Your Hike" webpage, and I'll enter your name in a drawing for the tea surprise package.

On January 31st, I'll announce the winner and request a mailing address.

Simple. Easy. And hopefully, a cozy surprise.

Here's the web page.

Wishing You A Wonderful Winter Holiday Season

This is the season to plan your dream trips for next summer. I hope you dream big! Trails are made for exploring, and you know what they say about boots, right?

Boots are made for walking!

[With heartfelt apologies to Nancy. If you don't know who I'm referring to, go ask your mom. Hopefully it will make her laugh.]

Please let me know if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you! Use any of the Contact boxes at www.hiking-for-her.com

From me to you,

Happy Trails always.