June/July 2020: A Note From Diane

Here's another round of fresh hiking news, enough to hold you for a few months.

That's my way of saying I plan to take a short hiatus and will be back with an August edition of this newsletter.

Ready to roll? Let's jump right in.

Summer Outdoor Resources

Feeling a little weirded out about the ethics of returning to a hiking trail near you?

Wondering how to stay safe while keeping others safe?

These two resources will help you sort out your thoughts and plan your hikes this summer.

Should I Go Hiking?

The Ethics Of Hiking Right Now

Want to go camping but don't have the equipment all lined up? Let the Arrive company help you out.

You can rent what you need, wherever you are, when you need it. Arrive Gear Rental

A newsletter reader suggested this resource in northern Wisconsin as a free wedding venue for couples who have had to cancel their weddings due to COVID-19: Free Outdoorsy Wedding Venue

Hiking For Her Media Mentions

And to gain some new resources.

Last month I was asked to share a hiking memory as part of REI Co-op's 82nd anniversary celebration. I wrote about my first backpacking trip, on Isle Royale in Lake Superior.

My memory is #3 on this list (and they’re all worth a read): 82 Stories

Hiking For Her was featured in this video entitled 6 Helpful Resources For Those Who Love Outdoor Adventures.

I’m third, around the 1:45 minute mark. Adventure Resources Video 2020

What’s with this third thing? Maybe 3 is my lucky number!

A Common Hiking Fear

My advice?

Stay found, and if that goes south on you, use my tried and true approach to keep yourself safe:

How to avoid, or deal with, getting lost while hiking

Here's a good article on the psychology behind why we get freaked out at the idea of being lost:

Why Getting Lost Is Freaky

8 Ways Hiking Makes You Smarter

We're used to delayed gratification: we chip away at switchbacks and long miles in order to get to the destination.

We know how to endure: insect bites, stinging vegetation (nettles where I'm from), sore muscles, fatigue, thirst and more.

We understand our bodies and how to take good care of them.

And we enjoy a good challenge.

Does that mean we're smarter than the average bear? Not sure, but I was inspired to come up with 8 ways hiking makes you smarter:

Smarter Hikers

The article includes an infographic for your Pinterest board, and some hiking nutrition tips.

Of course we’re being modest here. There are way more than 8 ways, but why make other types of athletes jealous? ;)

If you've got anything to add to the list, hit reply and send it along. Because together, we really are smarter!

A Worthy Goal

So, too, our muscles and bones.

But can we keep going through the decades?

I plan to hike well into my nineties, what about you?

If you need a little convincing (or inspiration), meet three women who agree that "move it or lose it" is the best way to face aging.

First up, Julia 'Hurricane' Hawkins. She is 104 years of age, and holds world records for her age group in sprinting. Julia has been competing in 'Olympics' for over-50s since the '80s.

Read about Centenarian Olympics from her perspective here: Quest For Gold As We Age

Meet 2 more women who are 65+ and are determined to set the right example: Boise Hiking Inspiration

And why leave the guys out?

Read this story about 90+ year old William Kemsley, an avid hiker who shares his musings on hiking in an aging body on his eponymous website: Backpacker Bill Interview

Outdoor Inclusivity Resources

You can choose your favorite learning method to explore this important topic: read, listen, watch.

Or dabble in all 3 channels, there's so much to explore.

There are also suggestions for how to challenge the narrative, spend your money to support inclusive businesses, and interesting social media folks to follow.

And if that’s not enough, there are even more resources for you at the end of the resource guide.

Inclusivity Resources

Back again in August

Meanwhile, there are 800 pages on the website (link below) for you to explore. Use the search box at the top of every page to get to what you want without getting (ahem) lost.

Take care, take time, take a deep breath of sweet fresh air every chance you get.

Happy Trails,

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

Did you receive this newsletter from a friend?

Please consider this invitation:

Stop by these HFH pages for a little hiking inspiration! Likes, comments and shares are always appreciated.

Hiking For Her

Some of the links in this newsletter and on the Hiking For Her website may be affiliate links.

What does this mean for you?

You create a small miracle when you buy hiking gear through those links, by allowing a modest percentage of your purchase price to flow into the HFH coffers.

What's so miraculous about that?

You receive great gear that has been trail tested and approved by a seasoned hiker. You pay nothing extra. AND you help keep the free hiking tips flowing to your virtual trail buddies around the globe.

Wow!

And a sincere Thank You for your vote of confidence in Hiking For Her. It means a lot!