May 2023: A Note From Diane

What kind of question is that?

Of course we're going to hike, the question is when, where and how often.

This month's hiking news roundup will help a bit with the decisions. Let's get started.

NEW HIKING FOR HER ARTICLES

This female owned company knows that getting the right fit is crucial for a base layer. They do things a bit differently: they offer two different cuts for the same base layer shirt. Choose the one that fits your proportions best, while enjoying a unique antimicrobial fabric.

See my extensive field testing results here:

Alpine Fit review

I spent some time in Joshua Tree National Park this month (the rock formations!! the cacti!!), so I was inspired to round up some of the best UPF sun protective clothing recommendations for you. I also share tips on how to protect your skin against damaging UV rays even when you're not in the desert.

Protect yourself with these tips

And here's one more: my take on the benefits of hiking. Let me know what you think!

Three big categories of benefits for hikers

MOUNTAIN HIKING versus FOREST THERAPY

Here's a study that pitted mountains against forest!

Two intervention groups were formed and spent a seven-day holiday in Algund, Italy either in forests or hiking in the mountains. (Why didn't they invite me??)

See how the authors measured health outcomes in both terrains, and what they had to say about forest therapy in particular, here:

Mountains and Forests study

HIKING BUDDY REDEFINED

This is the story of a woman who brought the idea of a trail buddy to a whole new level!

Trail buddies redefined

YELLOWSTONE VIDEO TO WATCH

Here's a great 5-ish minute video to enjoy if you love seeing big cats, Yellowstone, or both! (You may need to scroll down just a bit to get to the video.)

Bonus: This link also has Spotify playlists for each National Park. See if they hit the sweet spot for your favorite park.

Yellowstone Big Cats

ATTENDANCE RECORDS

For all the statistics on which parks are in the lead, read this National Park Service report. Lots of good summary graphics!

Annual visitation records in national parks

HEADS UP

LeaveNoTrace has 2 open positions: LNT jobs

American Hiking has a fantastic week long volunteer opportunity in Mt. Hood National Forest, OR from June 25 through July 1, 2023.

Accommodations are car camping tent sites, and each day involves hiking up to 5 miles to the work site. Mt. Hood volunteer vacation

Benefits of hiking

How does hiking benefit you?

For me, it bounces between physical benefits (strong lungs and legs), mental benefits (the squirrel brain falls asleep at last), and spiritual benefits (which are deeply private and individual, so enough said).

Let the benefits of hiking flow into you this month. Really savor that time on the trail. It's more important than you may realize!

And don't forget to give back some benefits on June 3, National Trails Day. Last month's newsletter (back issues link below) gives you links to all the details on where and how you can make a difference on the trail.

See you next month! Thanks for reading to the end :)

Happy Trails to you,

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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