Hiking Guide Part 2

Getting Started in Hiking

I will assist you with all the information that you need in order to start hiking. Although some hikes are easy, not every one has to be a five-day outing into the Amatola Trail.

Not every journey will involve navigating through dense forests, across rivers and over mountain passes. Sometimes you just want to breakaway on a weekend and enjoy some fresh air and a little exercise with your partner. But once you expand your horizons, what do you do?

First, get into shape.

Take those shorter, more level hikes near your home or someplace a short drive away. Especially if you have not had much physical exercise lately, work up to more rigorous hikes slowly. The single major reason for anyone to not stick with any kind of exercise plan is pain. They try too hard too soon and overdo it. That leads to injury and pain, and then they give up.

Your legs, obviously, will get most of the initial burden of a hike. Though you'd be surprised at how many muscle groups are involved. Start with a short, daily routine of some squats and thrusts.

I’m not going to tell you how to that, I’m sure most of you know. If you don’t message me and I will tell you how.

Take a few short jogs to build up your heart and lung systems. You'll need plenty of lung capacity and a good, strong heart to complement muscular stamina.

Get some basic hiking gear. Get the right hiking boots by doing your research online. Make sure they fit with some thick, sturdy hiking socks that wick (absorb) away moisture. If you'll be hiking near brush or trees, seriously consider long pants rather than shorts. Infections from scrapes are common. Wear a strong long sleeve shirt to cover your arms for the same reason. Try to hike with at least one other person unless you are familiar with the area and the terrain isn't very challenging. In South Africa its better to try and go with more people, safety in numbers. GPS and other navigational tools can help, but if you injure yourself or become very ill that may not do you much good.

Until you have an intimate knowledge of plant life, don't eat anything along the way. Mushrooms are a common concern, but many berry-looking plants can be very unsettling at certain times of the year, too.

Similarly, avoid drinking water from natural sources. TV commercials may make creeks look 'natural and refreshing', but just as often 'natural' means 'unhealthy'. Nature in the wild can be harmful. Even in the absence of man-made chemical pollutants, bacteria and other organisms can turn water toxic.

Stay on clearly marked or visible trails until you know the area or have more experience. Getting lost is one of the most common ways that amateur hikers turn a pleasant two-hour hike into a two-day search-and-rescue effort.

Maps can be helpful if you know how to read them, but these days a GPS is probably more useful for most people. But you need to spend a little time learning how to use it. Some numbers or a digital arrow pointing in some direction isn't helpful unless you know how to interpret what they mean.

Start slowly, get familiar with some well known hiking trails and pretty soon you'll be ready for those all-day or overnight trips. Then you really begin to see the great adventure in hiking. There's nothing like sitting under a bright blue sky and looking out over the heavily forested Amatola trail.