08/26/2023
Hello Wander Women 😀
Can I tell you a story?
A few years back I wanted to ride the “Hole in the Wall Gang” trail through the mountains of Wyoming( think Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid). This wasn’t a hike but would be a consecutive day horseback ride. When I called the tour outfit I asked, “ Do you need experience? Should you know horse skills? The tour guide responded, “ Have you ever played tennis? I answered, “ No.” She said “Well, tennis is a lot more fun for YOU and others to play when everyone has some experience.” Needless to say, I decided that until I got some experience on a horse I would shelf that experience for a while.
Years later I rode and drove cattle for 85 miles on a horse right into the Reno Rodeo Arena. However, I trained for weeks one hour in the morning several days a week to be ready for the long ride. Yes, I was still sore each day but I had knowledge and it was more fun because of the experience I gained by training.
As a group we want to be inclusive however, we want YOU and OTHERS to enjoy the journey.
Here’s some things to think about if you want to hike 🥾🥾
1. What is your fitness level?
If you don’t normally walk or exercise on any level going on a 3-5 mile hike probably isn’t the place to start.
If this is where you are, fitness wise, please consider, a walking program before jumping into hiking which includes distance and elevation gain. Remember we learn to walk before we can run.
If you do want to join a hike and you have concerns about your fitness and speed, you should consider a buddy at your same level and drive your own vehicle to the trailhead. My cousin once told me in a southern drawl, “Cherieeeeee, you have a lot of power by driving your own wheels!”
2. Proper hiking attire.
If you’re a beginner and you don’t have boots, socks, backpack, or hydration system… here are some ideas.
Wear good tennis shoes made for walking or running.
Wear good socks that you know don’t slip in your shoe when you’re active. Therefore , preventing blisters.
Grab your kids back pack.
Make sure you have a plenty of water either water bottles or Nalgene bottle.
Make a first aid kit. All you need to do is grab one or two of each item such as Band aids, alcohol wipes, a small manicure scissor, wrap tape, triple antibiotic cream, piece of mole skin, etc.
include travel size
Sunscreen
bug repellent
Wet wipes
Chap stick
Keep in mind everything you take adds weight.
Hiking is a great sport
Hiking is not an expensive sport to get started.
Hiking is a lot of fun spending time with other people that share the love of outdoors.
Hikers like any other sport need to be prepared both physically and with proper equipment before getting out there.
Below are pictures of the upcoming hike to Loch Leven Lakes.
The trail is approximately 7.5 miles.
The elevation gain is 1,538 feet over 3.25 miles. The trailhead begins at 6,000 ft. Air is thinner when you begin.
This hike is rated as HARD!
This isn’t meant to scare you but make an educated decision.
🥾♥️🥾
Cherie
