September 2020

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Nasinoal-Forest-Week-Virtual-Tour

Nasinoal Forest Week Virtual Tour Through Some of America’s Stunning Forests – While some Americans are starting to travel again as coronavirus lockdown measures ease, some are still opting to stay home.

This is where virtual travel becomes such a handy tool for people who want to “go on vacation” without leaving their homes. You can experience museums around the world, famous tourist attractions, tours of destinations, and much more.

Darley Newman, TV host and producer of PBS travel series Travels with Darley, in collaboration with the National Forest Foundation and the Recreate Responsibly Coalition, is bringing about two new online video series that will help you see the beauty of U.S. national forests from the comfort of home.

“I’ve been filming in National Forests for over five years and eight seasons of Travels with Darley,” Newman said in a statement. “I’m constantly amazed by the diversity of our public lands, on every level. From extreme mountain biking trails in the Santa Fe National Forest to volunteer experiences on the Angeles National Forest, only a short drive from the heart of L.A., there are so many different adventures to enjoy in varied settings. At a time when we’re not traveling, I’m excited to look back and share my national forest experiences in new and different ways.”

The first video series, entitled Virtual Field Trip, is available online through social media and partner websites to inspire and educate viewers. These virtual tours of U.S. national forests offer insight and travel inspiration on certain forest experiences, as well as history, ecology, astrology, and stewardship topics like the 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote to the American bison (in honor of National Bison Month in July).

The second video series, entitled #RecreateResponsibly, and available in both English and Spanish, will focus on responsible recreation and provide useful advice for travelers to keep in mind while planning trips as national forests begin to reopen. Tips on leaving no trace, practicing physical distancing, and how to best plan ahead provide travelers ways to safely and responsibly get back outdoors.

Newman and the National Forest Foundation are also hosting a Facebook Watch Party to kick off this year’s National Forest Week on Thursday, July 9 at 8:00 pm E.T. The watch party will feature segments from Travels with Darley episodes that have never streamed online before, and include destinations from Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Illinois, to Lake Tahoe, and New York’s Finger Lakes.

Anyone can sign up for the National Forest Facebook Watch Party on Facebook. Watch the Virtual Field Trip series on Vimeo, or check out the #RecreateResponsibly videos in English and Spanish.

For more information on National Forest Week, visit the National Forest Foundation website.

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Parents-Take-child-to-Climb-the-10.000ft-Mountain-Range

Parents Take Son, Three, and Daughter to Climb the 10,000ft Mountain Range – A three year old became the youngest toddler to reach the summit of a 10,000ft mountain, thanks to his adventurous family. The little boy, named Jackson Houlding, was joined by his seven year old sister Freya Houlding and their parents Leo Houlding, 40, and Jessica Houlding, 41, on the treck up Piz Badile – which is on the border of Switzerland and Italy.

Leo is a professional climber, having trecked up some of the most dangerous peaks on Earth.

And it seems his kids are set to follow in his footsteps, as thanks to their latest pursuit, Freya has now become the youngest person to climb the mountain unaided, while little Jackson is the youngest person to get to the top – 153 years to the day since the peak was first climbed.

As a reward for being so brave, Jackson was given some Haribo to enjoy at the end.

Speaking from Bregaglia, Switzerland, Leo said: “It’s a super classic route, the best of it’s grade in the world.

“What was exceptional was we did it with our seven year-old-daughter Freya and our three-year-old son Jackson.

“My daughter climbed it all by herself, all the way, including all the hiking and everything – it was very impressive. She only just turned seven last week.

“My wife Jess carried Jackson on her back who weighs about 15kg, I carried all the camping equipment and food which weighed a bit more.”

He added: “We’ve done quite a bit of stuff in the UK and Europe in previous years, but every summer the kids are bigger and more capable than the past year.

“We did Triglav in Slovenia, but this was a league above that in terms of grandeur and difficulty.

“If I was on my own, I could have run up it really quickly. I would do it in my hiking shoes without a rope, but for a normal team the guidebook time is about 8hrs on the climb, a two day round trip.

“Having your own children there, I was conscious that we were on a big adventure together but I never felt that we were in an unacceptable position and I never thought we were out of our depth.

“We paced it out because it’s a long walk up on the first day, and it’s a really beautiful place.”

Piz Badile is a mountain in the Bregaglia range and stands at 10,853ft (3,308m) and it’s north face is considered one of the six great faces of the Alps.

The first ascent was completed by W. A. ​​B. Coolidge with guides François Devouassoud and Henri Devouassoud on July 27, 1867.

It might sound tricky to many, but to Leo it was a walk in the park, given that just last year he became the first Brit to climb the world’s remotest mountain, Specter, which is so isolated only ten people have ever seen it.

Specter is a jagged mountain peak in Antarctica, 450km south of the South Pole, and he battled Antarctic conditions for more than 2,000km to make the climb.

Leo began the family trip up Piz Badile at 39-years-old and ended it at 40, celebrating his 40th birthday on the summit of the mountain with his loved ones.

The Houlding family set off on July 25th and took their time completing the route – spending one night in an alpine hut and another two in bivouacs.

“We started down in the valley and it takes about five hours to get up to a beautiful mountain hut on the Swiss side,” Leo explained.

“They’re kind of like hotels, they provide you with a bed and food – it’s a nice one, called the Sasc Fuca. We spent the night there.

“With an adult team you would normally go from there to the top of the mountain then down on to the Italian side, but because we were with the kids we had a short day from there to a bivouac site.

“We camped on a shoulder right below the start of the difficult climbing. It was a magnificent site. Then we did the big climb on the third day.

“Then right on the summit we stayed in a bivouac hut – it’s a tiny metal shed, it was a spectacular spot with a huge drop 1m from the front door.

“On the fourth day we woke up in that hut and it was my 40th birthday, we descended the other side.

“It took six abseils, then a long five hour walk through beautiful scenery to San Martino valley in Italy. Then we got a taxi back round to the camper van in Bregaglia.”

The super-fit dad, who is an ambassador for Berghaus, said he never worried about his children’s safety on the treck, given his experience with mountaineering.

“It’s a proper rock climb, not a walk up a mountain, and one of the finest climbs of it’s standard in the world. It’s a 1,000m long knife edge ridge and you’re using your hands the whole way, it’s a really long rock climb, “he said.

“There’s always danger in the mountains, there’s hazards of fall, hazards of weather, hazards of rockfall. The benefits of being on a ridge is that the threat of rock fall is much lower, if you’re on the face it’s worse.

“These days mountain weather forecasts are so accurate you can mitigate that risk too. For falling, it’s the person who goes first at risk – so I led the whole climb. I’m a professional climber, the most experienced person goes first.

Discussing his impressive feat at the end, little Jackson said: “It was really good, I enjoyed the bit I climbed on my own and the Haribo sweets.”

Jessica adde: “It was great, we keep upping the level each year. It’s a huge achievement, especially for my daughter.

Meanwhile, Freya reflected: “I found it really fun and really scary. I’m very proud.”

What an impressive achievement to have under your belt at such a young age!

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Hiking-Is-Better-On-Mountain-Bikes-And-Extended-Ascent

Hiking Is Better On Mountain Bikes And Extended Ascent – Climbing on a mountain bike is hard for everyone. Your bike is heavy, your suspension and squishy tires steal power from your legs and your wide handlebars are better suited to working the front end through corners and over rocks than going uphill.

The key to climbing better on your mountain bike, no matter your fitness level or your body type, is practice. If you always try to blast uphill as fast as you can, you may improve your speed somewhat, but to develop good climbing technique, you will need to back off and go a pace you can sustain. Speed will come later.

And, think positive. Most long climbs end with a fun descent!

Long, sustained climbs are usually not very technical and take place on fire roads, paved roads or single track trails. Grades may be from barely noticeable to a difficult 12 percent or more for at least a quarter mile. In mountainous areas, it’s not uncommon to find grinders over 3 miles long at 6-14 percent, with sections much steeper.

Climbing long, sustained hills on a mountain bike isn’t much different than on a road bike except the road may be bumpier. Relaxing, finding your rhythm, pacing yourself and preparing yourself mentally will help you not only climb faster, but might even allow you to enjoy the experience.

Accept the climb. You’re outside and on a mountain bike. You are hopefully already having a good day! Embrace the climb. Hating climbing won’t help, and will actually make you slower. Avoid being the one in your group complaining about the hills.

Some mountain bikes are much better suited to climbing than others. Generally, hardtails and trail bikes with short travel full suspensions climb better than long-travel bikes regardless of wheel size. If you have bike with 6” of travel or more, long hills will probably require some extra patience, but you will more than make up for it on the way down!

Breathe and relax. If you’re stiff, you’ll burn more energy than you need to, and you won’t react well to sudden changes such as bumps or holes. Start from the top of your forehead and work down. Make sure you’re not frowning, relax your eyebrows and your jaw by exhaling. Relax your neck, your shoulders, your elbows, wrists and fingers. Wiggle your fingers a little to symbolize releasing the tension.

Your actual breathing should be deep and rhythmic with full exhalations. This will help you relax as well as lower your heart rate.

Body position: stay seated. If you have one, raise your dropper post to the high setting. Lock out your suspension if you can. Your body position should be neutral and comfortable, with your shoulders wide and chest open for easier breathing. Keep your head up, eyes looking where you want to go, relax your shoulders and bend your elbows slightly. Your wrists should be flat, to be in line with your forearms. Your grip should be loose. If the trail or road is not bumpy, rest your thumb on top of the grip to save a little more energy.

Stay seated to conserve energy as much as you can. Keep your upper body quiet and relaxed. As the pitch steepens or you lose traction, you may need to lean forward to put more weight over the front wheel. For a quick steep rise with plenty of traction, stand and pedal hard to give yourself a little power. For a technical rise or where traction is poor, you may need to “hover” slightly over your saddle while leaning forward. Otherwise you may spin out your rear tire if you apply too much power. Pulling back on the bars with each pedal stroke increases traction even a little more.

If it’s a very long climb you may need to give your rear a break from the saddle and vary the muscles you’re using. It’s OK to pedal standing up for a while on a very steep part. Or shift gears one or two harder and stand. Stay smooth and keep your momentum and lower your cadence to keep your heart rate down. Standing uses more energy than riding seated, so keep the standing breaks short.

Find your rhythm for efficiency. You may think that mashing a big gear at a cadence of 40 to 50 will make you go faster. Really it will only wear you out. Pick an easy gear and spin as high a cadence as you can with smoothness and power. Aim for 70 rpm or higher, ideally 90, as long as you can pedal smoothly. If you’re bouncing on your saddle or on the suspension, you’ll be wasting energy you’d rather see converted into forward motion.

Pace yourself. Your pace during a fun ride with friends will probably be different than if you’re racing, but either way you should feel not completely spent at the top. Plan to go slower early on in the climb, and in an easy gear. If you’re fresh as a daisy at the top, go a little harder next time, or push your pace as you get closer to the crest. Conversely, if you’re completely toast halfway up, go easier at the start next time. Use your breathing or heart rate to help you judge your effort.

On a road or trail you’re familiar with, choose some markers such as rock formations, tree stumps, signs or whatever at regular intervals to help you tick off progress. Roadies often use mile markers. On a MTB, you get to be creative. For a three mile climb, as an example, you may want to break it down into six roughly half mile segments.

A good mental exercise is to think of pedaling circles, and imagine a winch at the front of your bike. Toss the imaginary hook and cable uphill to a tree or post, and visualize the winch pulling you up. When you get close to that tree, imagine tossing the hook to another tree.

If you’re out for a leisurely ride or are working on improving your fitness, feel free to stop at the top or at a particularly scenic place on the way up to enjoy the view. Otherwise, try to maintain your pace to get your body accustomed to longer duration efforts.

Eat and drink! A long, sustained hill may be a good opportunity to refuel yourself, since your hands are less busy. Catch up on plain water especially if it’s hot out. If you’re racing, grab some food in small bites. Liquid nutrition or chews that you can let dissolve in your mouth may be best for climbs, since these are less likely to interfere with breathing and make your heart rate spike. Don’t overdo the food, however. Eating too much at once (more than 100 calories at a time, or more than 200-300 calories per hour, depending on the person) may cause stomach issues just as it would during any intense activity.

In summary, do the best you can. Hills are difficult on any bike. Eventually, with training and practice, you’ll go faster up long, sustained hills on your mountain bike. It will always be hard, your speed will just be faster. Enjoy your improvements and these hills may even become a fun way to get to the downhill part.

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Guide-Up-The-Mountain-out-OF-The-Country

Guide Up The Mountain Out OF The Country – When you’re packing to hike the Milford Track, walking the Tour du Mont Blanc or trekking a section of the Pacific Crest Trail, here are some packing tips when you’re not “just a hiker” but a traveller who wants to experience it all.

Even when you’re ticking hikes off the list of 1001 Walks You Must Do Before You Die, the reality is you’ll also experience fine dining in France, or chow down on a chilli dog at a LA baseball game.

If your luggage reflected the many types of experiences you want to collect, it would be bulging and groaning under the weight… and that’s even before the chilli dog.

So how do you pack for a hiking holiday when it’s just one part of your trip?

1. Boots ‘n’ All

Assuming you have a favourite pair of hiking boots, take them. Wear them. Every travel day – whether plane or train – sticking them on your feet will feel weightless compared to cramming them in the bag.

Of course, slip them off in-flight for added comfort. You can also tie lace-up boots more loosely later if your feet swell.

Oh, and one more thing… if you’re taking trekking poles, pack them in your checked baggage. Security will only let them be carried onto an aircraft if they are needed for mobility purposes (like a cane) and you may need a letter from your doctor to prove this.

If so, the poles must be collapsible to fit in overhead bins.

Tip: Some country’s immigration check hiking boots to ensure there’s no muck that could risk local agriculture. New Zealand checks and I’ve been asked in the UK, Hawaii and Australia too.

Make sure you clean boots, especially the soles, before you leave home and before each international flight. If you’re not wearing your boots, quarantine may pull them out of your bag to check – heaps easier if you don’t have to do that.

2. One Bag for Hiking, One for Travel

If you’re planning on multi-day hiking, there’s a whole bunch of stuff you simply don’t need on the trail that makes the rest of your trip more comfy. Like technology, a fancy shirt and, um, deodorant.

If most of your trip will be walking with a little extra sightseeing, take two bags – a hiking pack and a daypack. Most of the time you’ll use these two as intended – the hiking pack for all your luggage and a daypack for odds and ends – but when it’s time to hit the trail, all the unnecessary gear gets put into the daypack and left behind, leaving only your hiking pack to carry.

If you plan on ending up back at the same hotel, great, leave your extra bag with them.

But if you’ll be somewhere different by the track end, talk to that next hotel in advance and ask if you can post the extra bag for them to hold until your arrival.

If you’re hiking in the US, you could organise a “hold for pickup” at a local post office.

Tip: Many hiking backpacks can’t be easily padlocked if they are drawstring style with clips. Best to use hostel lockers or hotel safes for valuables.

If you’re looking to buy a new bag, make sure it has lockable zippers and go for a TSA approved lock. You could always try securing the whole bag with Pacsafe Exomesh but really, if someone wants to steal your bag, they will. You’re just trying to stop the opportunists.

3. Don’t Pack It, Hire It.

So, you own all the camping gear you’d ever need? Good on you. If hiking is most of your trip, by all means, pack it all. But if camping is just one part (like us when we hiked Haleakala in Maui, Hawaii), then save weight and space by hiring the essentials.

Find a hiking gear hire company in Sydney by Googling as outlets constantly open and close so we can’t provide firm recommendations. Just be aware that to do an overnight hike like the Coast Track requires gear suitable for hiking, not car camping. I’ve noticed many gear hire places have items like 6 person stand-up canvas tents, but not 2 person lightweight tents.

For the US there are many choices so Google rental hiking gear near your target location. (“Rental” is a more common term in the US than “hire”).
New Zealand has quite a few choices, especially around the Wanaka / Te Anau area.
The UK has got it going on with East Sussex-based Outdoor Hire who can deliver to pretty much anywhere in the UK, even off the mainland.

Tip: There are more gear hire places to choose from than listed. When you’re Googling ‘hiking gear hire / rental’, remember that hiking is called different names all over the world.

It’s “tramping” to you Bro, in New Zealand; the Brits love a bit of “rambling”; Australians traditionally go “bushwalking”; and anywhere with serious mountains probably say “trekking”.

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How-To-Climb-For-Beginners

How To Climb For Beginners – Hiking is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Transported by your own two feet and carrying only what you need for the day on your back, you can discover the beauty of nature at whatever pace you’re comfortable with. And, with a little planning and preparation, it’s an activity that almost anyone can do.

If you’ve dreamed of hiking, but have yet to try it, it’s time to get out there. Just follow these steps:

  • Find a hiking partner
  • Choose a hike
  • Gear up

Find a Hiking Partner

If you have friends who hike, ask them to take you on a trek. Most people are happy to share their expertise, let you borrow gear and introduce newbies to their favorite trails. If you don’t know any hikers, many cities and towns have hiking clubs that regularly plan outings. You can find hiking classes, outings and events through REI Experiences. Online groups, such as REI Conversations or MeetUp, are also a great way to find hiking buddies.

Hiking alone: Experiencing the outdoors by yourself can give you a sense of freedom and adventure that are hard to find elsewhere. But it can also be intimidating and lonely at times. If you’re new to hiking, we recommend finding a companion to keep you company. That person will also be there to lend a hand if you happen to get hurt. If going alone really is your only option, then start out with short trips to popular hiking destinations and make sure someone always knows where you’re going and how long you plan to be gone.

Choose a Hiking Route

There are several easy ways to find a hiking trail that will meet your needs:

  • Guidebooks and websites are great resources because you can get all the stats you need: trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, directions, water sources, trail features and whether dogs are allowed. Websites often display recent trip reports that may give you a sense for what current trail conditions are like.
  • Word of mouth: If you have friends who like to hike, ask them to suggest some locations for you.

Talk to locals: Contact a local hiking organization or call a ranger station in the area where you want to hike. Rangers typically have up-to-date trail conditions and are skilled at suggesting hikes for all skill levels.

Tips for Choosing a Hiking Route
Before you start your search for the perfect hike, it’s helpful to think through a few things, such as:

  • How much time you have: Do you have a couple hours or a full day? The amount of time you have can determine where you go. Don’t forget to factor in how long it takes to get to and from the trailhead.
  • Your fitness level: Honestly assess what kind of shape you’re in. You want to have an enjoyable time out there rather than suffering through a long, strenuous hike that you’re not prepared for. If you’re not in the shape of your life, don’t be dismayed: There are hikes for everyone. Read more fitness tips in our article on How to Train for Hiking.
  • Distance: Think about how many miles and hours you’re comfortable hiking. An average walking pace is about 3 mph, but your hiking pace may be slower than that depending on terrain, elevation gain and how much weight you’re carrying on your back.
  • Elevation gain: The amount of elevation gain on a hike is one factor that determines the difficulty. With a little experience, you’ll come to know how much elevation gain you can comfortably handle and what is too much. For a point of reference, if a trail gains 1,000 feet in one mile, that is considered quite steep. Also, a general recommendation is that for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, add one hour to your trip.
  • Time of year and weather: Some trails won’t be accessible in early spring because they’re covered in snow. If it’s fall and the sun is setting earlier, plan accordingly so you’re not caught out after dark unexpectedly. Always check the weather forecast before heading out so you can dress and pack appropriately.
  • Logistics: Certain hikes require a bit more planning. For instance, if you end up doing a hike that starts and finishes at different places, you’ll need to shuttle cars to your start and end points.

Choose Your Hiking Gear

One of the wonderful things about hiking is that you don’t need a bunch of high-tech gear to get out there. With a few essential items for the trail and a sense of adventure, you’re ready to head into the wilderness.

The Ten Essentials
Start by making sure you’re carrying the Ten Essentials. This is a collection of gear and clothing that all hikers should carry whenever they step onto the trail. The collection includes items for navigation, sun protection, insulation, illumination, first aid, fire, repairs, nutrition, hydration and emergency shelter. Learn more in our article about the Ten Essentials.

Hiking Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important items you need to choose, and it’s a very personal choice. Some hikers prefer supportive over-the-ankle boots, while others enjoy lightweight trail-running shoes. The terrain you’ll be walking on can also affect your decision. Lightweight, low-cut hiking shoes may be fine on well-maintained trails without a lot of obstacles, whereas sturdy boots may serve you better on a rugged trail with rocks, roots and streams. Read about some of our favorites in Best Hiking Boots.

Whatever you choose, make sure the boots or shoes are well broken-in and comfortable for long distances. And wear wool or synthetic socks, not cotton.

  • Hiking Boots: How to Choose
  • Trail-Running Shoes: How to Choose
  • Hiking Socks: How to Choose

What to Wear Hiking
Choose clothing made of quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics, such as wool or polyester. Avoid cotton, which takes a long time to dry when wet. You can think of clothing as separate systems:

  • Next-to-skin base layers: Made of wool or polyester, base layers are most important in cool to cold temperatures.
  • Hiking layers: These include nylon and/or polyester pants, T-shirt, sun shirt, sun hat.
  • Insulation: Depending on the weather, you may need a puffy vest or jacket, lightweight fleece pullover, warm hat and gloves.
  • Rainwear: It’s wise to carry a waterproof jacket no matter the weather forecast. If you’re expecting wet weather, bring the rain pants along, too.

Hiking Backpack
Of course, you need a pack to carry your Ten Essentials and any extra gear.

For short treks on trails that are close to home and on days with pleasant weather, a daypack with a capacity of about 15–20 liters provides enough space for water, a few snacks and a lightweight clothing layer.When you venture farther into the wilderness, you’ll need to carry more gear, clothing, water and food. A pack with a capacity of about 30 liters is a good choice for these journeys.

Food and Water
As a beginner hiker, it can be tough to know how much food and water you need, A good general recommendation for how much to eat is 200–300 calories per hour. For water intake, about a half liter per hour of moderate activity in moderate temperatures is a good starting place. These amounts depend heavily on several factors, such as the intensity of your hike, the weather, your age, your sweat rate and your body type. As you gain more experience, you’ll get a better sense for just how much you need.

It’s always a good idea to carry a little extra food and water in case your trip takes longer than anticipated.

  • Hydration Basics
  • Energy Food and Drinks: How to Choose

Water treatment: Many hikers carry all the water they will need for a day hike. However, if you anticipate needing more than about 3 liters, that can be quite heavy. By filtering and treating water from backcountry streams and lakes, you refill your water bottles or hydration reservoir and reduce your load.

  • How to Treat Water in the Backcountry
  • How to Choose a Water Filter or Purifier

Additional Hiking Considerations

Personal Health and Safety

First aid: You don’t need to be a medical pro to take a hike, but it’s wise to know some basic first aid. Always carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it. The farther afield you go, the more important it can be to have medical training.

Going to the bathroom: Going to the bathroom in the woods is a concern of many novice hikers. But rest assured, it’s something countless people have learned to do, and so can you.

If you just have to pee, simply find a place that’s well away from the trail and at least 200 feet (about 70 steps) from water sources. For women, you can “shake dry” or you can bring a couple wads of toilet paper and a small zip-top plastic bag. Put the used toilet paper in the bag and dump the paper in your toilet when you get home. Another option is to use a bandana as a “pee rag” that you can tie to the outside of your pack to dry out.

Most day hikers take care of their other business before they head out. But if the urge strikes midhike, again make sure you’re off the trail and 200 feet from water. Then, dig a hole about 4 inches wide and 6–8 inches deep to bury your poop (a camp trowel can help with the digging). Experienced hikers might wipe with natural objects, such as large leaves (make sure they’re not poisonous), smooth stones and even snowballs, but you can also use toilet paper and bury it in the hole. In some areas, you’ll be required to pack out your used toilet paper (and even if it’s not required, it’s still best practice for lowering your impact on the land). Some high-elevation, sensitive or heavily traveled areas require people to pack out solid human waste. If you’re going to one of these areas, bring human waste disposal bags.

After you’re done going to the bathroom, use some hand sanitizer to “wash” your hands.

Hiking with your period: If you’re hiking with your period, you’ll want to bring along menstrual supplies and know how to manage them efficiently. And if you’re hiking alone, there are some good tips that other backpacking women have shared to help you feel confident and prepared.

Safety: Always leave a detailed itinerary with a friend or family member. Leaving a note with your route plans inside your vehicle is a good way to inform search-and-rescue folks of your plan if they come looking for you (just don’t leave the note in plain view for trailhead thieves to see).

If you’re traveling solo or to very remote locations, you might consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) that allows you to send an SOS if something serious happens.