To make a really great adventure, you need preparation, safety, respect, and definitely have FUN!!

Preparation

Bring yummy snacks with protein, plenty of water, map, bug spray, sun screen, first aid kit, emergency light source, and compass. Definitely bring bug spray to prevent being bitten by bugs. Let someone know where you are going and when to expect you back. Check the weather before you start and dress appropriately. Don’t wear a tank top in a blizzard: you’ll get really cold. Oh! Don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes with good grip.

Safety

Pay attention to your surroundings, the terrain, and watch out for things that can trip you. Watch out for slippery rocks; roots are even slipperier. Don’t get close to the edge of drop-offs. Hike during the day so you can see where you are going. Hike at a comfortable pace. You are more likely to stumble when you go too fast.

Respect

Be nice to nature, animals, plants, and other hikers. Don’t feed the animals: human food makes them sick. Also, they become unafraid of humans and try to steal our snacks. Leave no trace. Stay on the trail to prevent erosion. When you find something cool, leave it where and how you found it for the next person to discover. Pick up litter that another hiker may have accidentally dropped. And of course, don’t litter or vandalize. No one likes a vandal.

Have fun!!

It’s so great to be outside! Enjoy it! Listen to the trees when the wind blows. Race leaves down streams and see which shape goes the fastest. Play a game: find 10 different kinds of flowers or mushrooms and get a prize. When I do, I get a hot fresh donut on the way home or SMORES if we are camping for the night!