Hiking

Exciting News: Two New Books Join the Nature Study Guides Finder Series

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The Nature Study Guides Finder series is a timeless favorite in the outdoors world. These guides have been loved by nature fans for ages, offering valuable insights and tips for identifying various plants and animals. With a recent update to the look, the series now carries a fresh, modern design and introduces two new titles—Mushroom Finder and Bird Nest Finder. There are also five titles in the series that have recently received updates with new editions. 

New Titles

Picture of the Mushroom Finder book next to a mushroom near a tree in the grass

New to the series is Mushroom Finder, written by Jacob Kalichman, an expert field mycologist known for his extensive work on North American fungi. This pocket-size guide is perfect for foragers and outdoors enthusiasts looking to identify mushrooms in their natural habitats. Jacob’s expertise ensures readers get accurate and reliable information, enhancing their foraging adventures. The book includes stunning illustrations from Roo Vandegrift, who currently works as the Plant Pathologist at the USDA Plant Inspection Station. Roo’s detailed art captures each mushroom’s unique traits, making identification easier and more fun.

Bird Nest Finder is another exciting addition, written and illustrated by Dorcas S. Miller, a seasoned author within the Finder series. Dorcas has previously written Track Finder, Scat Finder, Winter Weed Finder, Berry Finder, and Constellation Finder, which have sold over half a million copies. Bird Nest Finder focuses on aboveground nests in Eastern North America, providing essential information for bird-watchers and nature lovers. The author’s deep knowledge and detailed illustrations make this guide a valuable resource for anyone interested in the nesting behaviors of birds.

The Bird Nest Finder book next to a bird nest in the grass

Revived Classics

Along with the new books, five previously out-of-print books are back on the shelves. These revived classics include:

  • Bird Finder (originally published in 1990) by Roger J. Lederer—an essential guide for bird-watchers, with detailed descriptions and illustrations of various bird species
  • Pacific Coast Bird Finder (1977) by Roger J. Lederer—identifies common and noteworthy birds of California, Oregon, and Washington
  • Desert Tree Finder (1974) by May Theilgaard Watts—a must-have for desert explorers, providing detailed information on identifying trees and tree-like cacti of the desert southwest
  • Pacific Coast Mammal Finder (1987) by Ron Russo—identifies mammals by sight, as well as by their animal tracks, burrows, nests, scat, scratch or chew marks, and skulls/jaws; great for wildlife enthusiasts
  • Pacific Coast Fish Finder (1990) by Ron Russo—identifies marine fish of the Pacific Coast; ideal for anglers and nature lovers

Not only did this classic series get a new, updated look, but it also expanded its collection, solidifying its status as a go-to resource for outdoors enthusiasts, nature lovers, and foragers. Whether readers are experienced naturalists or budding explorers, the Nature Study Guides Finder series has something for everyone. Discover the beauty and intricacies of the natural world with these expertly crafted guides.

Great for the Holidays

Picture of the Finders series spread out on a table with green garland around them

The Nature Study Guides Finder series is the perfect gift for the holiday season. These pocket-size guides are packed with expert content in simple form, making them ideal for anyone who loves the great outdoors or is just beginning to develop an interest in nature. They’re designed to be portable, so adventurers can easily take them on outings and identify the wonders they come across. These books make thoughtful gifts that spark curiosity and deepen appreciation for the natural world, making them perfect as stocking stuffers or special gifts under the tree.

The Finders Series Best Features and Secrets of Success

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The Nature Study Guides Finders series has helped nature enthusiasts identify plants, trees, birds, mammals, and other organisms for more than five decades. 

These gems are getting some upgrades this October, including updates to range maps, scientific names and families, icons, and design. To learn more, read the previous blog Timeless Treasures: The Everlasting Appeal of Nature Study Guides Finders Books. The Finders are known for three distinct features: size, dichotomous keys, and longevity—partially due to their affordable price point. These components contribute to the great success of this series over the years.

SIZE MATTERS

When out on the trails, the amount, weight, and size of items brought along matters significantly to any hiker or outdoors enthusiast. Carrying heavy or bulky items can quickly become cumbersome and detract from the enjoyment of the journey. This is why one of the greatest characteristics of the titles in the Finders series is their compact, lightweight design. These booklets measure only 4×6 inches. Many users report that they can easily slip them into their jacket or pants pockets before exploring the trails. Additionally, they fit perfectly into the outer pockets of backpacks. The glossy covers also contribute to the ease of quick retrieval, making them a practical, convenient choice for anyone looking to travel light while staying prepared.

Nature Study Guides Finders books on floor next to hiking gear.

THE KEYS ARE KEY

Each book is organized using a dichotomous key, consisting of a series of statements or questions, each offering two distinct choices. These choices lead the user down different paths, depending on the characteristics of the organism being identified. By systematically narrowing down these choices, readers can eventually arrive at the correct identification of the organism. Educators and naturalists appreciate the guides for their organization, which encourages examining the structure and families of plants. The Finders for birds and mammals are organized by taxonomy (classification via characteristics). 

Inside page from Winter Tree Finder by May T. Watts

Inside page from Winter Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts and Tom Watts

THEY’RE REASONABLY PRICED 

The first book in the Finders series, Tree Finder, was published in 1939 by May Theilgaard Watts, followed by her Flower Finder in 1955. Many consumers eventually replace their original copies because of wear and tear from use (some have enjoyed them for over 40 years!). The 1939 edition of Tree Finder was initially priced at a modest 25 cents, and for many years, it was priced at just $5.95. As the series continues to thrive, new editions are set to be released at the accessible price of $7.95. This practical price point has been integral to the series’ ongoing success, ensuring that it remains a beloved resource for both seasoned naturalists and budding nature lovers alike—in 2024 and beyond.

old copy of Tree Finder from 1939 for 25 cents.

NEW EDITIONS RELEASING IN 2024/25

The new editions for 12 of the Finders will be available on October 8th wherever books are sold. These editions are eagerly anticipated, as they feature a cohesive new look that adds a nostalgic touch to their appearance. With their attractive design, it will be tempting for outdoors enthusiasts to purchase all of these books. Additionally, there will be bundles available that are grouped by region or subject matter, providing buyers with convenient options to expand their collections. The rest of the Finders will be released in 2025, and they will also receive similar visually appealing updates to ensure continuity in the series. Keep an eye out for these exciting releases!

A NOD TO SUSTAINABILITY

Beyond the practical benefits, the Nature Study Guides Finders series also aligns with the ethos of sustainability—a core value for many nature enthusiasts and environmentalists. The compact size and durable quality of the guides ensure minimal waste, and their longevity means fewer replacements over time. Investing in these guides is not just a step toward becoming a better naturalist, but it’s also a step towards a greener planet.

Timeless Treasures: The Everlasting Appeal of Nature Study Guides Finders Books

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Discover why these guidebooks have become staples that continue to thrive in their popularity with nature lovers.

Environmental Education: The History of Nature Study Guides

May Theilgaard Watts, the daughter of a landscape gardener, attended the University of Chicago for botany and ecology (graduating in 1918) and later attended the Art Institute of Chicago. May became involved with a group that worked on preserving the natural landscape in the Midwest. In the 1940s, she became a full-time naturalist at the Morton Arboretum, where she developed an education program that included classes in gardening, nature literature, art, botany, ecology, creative writing, and geology. 

In this role, she created the first Nature Study Guides for her students, who were, at first, teachers. The classes were such a big success that they were requested by Girl Scout leaders, homemakers, and families. The groups continued to grow; soon, doctors, dentists, botany professors, nursery workers, farmers, nurses, principals, and Boy Scouts were in attendance. 

Today, these guides also have a wide range of audiences, including professionals, academics, hobbyists, and children. The guides have remained invaluable resources for decades.

May Watts
Will Barnett photo of May Watts

Staying Relevant: How These Guides Adapt to Changing Environments

Nature Study Guides have been a favorite resource for more than 60 years and continue to be revised and updated. The most recent changes include updates to the range maps. The hardiness zones have also been adjusted due to climate change, and these details offer more accuracy. The scientific names and families of particular species have also been corrected, and new ones have been added. 

The most noticeable recent change is the look; however, they remain recognizable as the classic guides that people have come to trust. While the books cover different regions, they are all part of the series, most using dichotomous keys. Along with the outside look, the icons inside have been tweaked for easier recognition. 

backpack showing the size of the Mushroom Finder and a picture of the new cover of the Winter Tree Finder.

Testimonials: Lasting Stories of Connections with Nature

“This Nature Study Series is hard to beat for the person wishing to know plants and understand the differences in physical characteristics. All this comes at a very reasonable cost.”

“I like the whole series of these books. They use deduction to figure out what you’re looking at— be it flower, tree, or animal.”

“I love these mini reference books! They take up very little space on the shelf and are lightweight enough to throw in a day pack, which is much easier than trying to find data or see a screen on a smartphone while you’re out hiking or picnicking.”

Tree Finder by May Theilgaard Watts is the most popular book in the series. People pass it down from generation to generation or purchase it for their kids and grandkids. The range of users is diverse. Below are a few consumer reviews to highlight the trusted guide.

“Even the pros use this book. I’m a certified arborist with 19 years in the green industry. This was one of the books I used to lock down my tree ID skills. I have also used this book to teach future arborists, as well as Boy Scouts and Scout leaders.”

“I had one of these 50 years ago when I studied in elementary school and have always liked it. It makes identifying trees fun!”

“As a certified forester, this is exactly the book we used at West Virginia University for ‘keying’ trees. It’s a great beginner’s book for tree identification. I’d highly recommend it.”

“I first read this in high school for my leaf collection project. I have since purchased this book for my children. I want them to be able to identify trees they ask about on our hikes. It is a wonderful book for all ages.”

Additional Nature Education: New Books by Expert Authors

nature study guide finder book covers

While the Nature Study Guide series has many classics, two new books are being added this October. Bird Nest Finder, by Dorcas Miller, helps readers identify more than 70 species of birds and their nests. Dorcas is a well-known expert and author of five other guides in the series. Similar to other books in the group, it uses a dichotomous key to help identify aboveground nests by answering questions about their type, size, material, and location.

Another new book in the series is Mushroom Finder. This guidebook provides a dichotomous key to identify fungi by answering questions about the location; appearance; or shape, such as the cap, spores, and stem. The step-by-step instructions can help readers identify more than 300 types of mushrooms that are at least 5mm tall or wide, have tangible thickness, and are fresh. The author is Jacob Kalichman, an expert in his field and a USDA plant pathologist. 

Be sure to check out more information on this series at http://naturestudy.com/

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Celebrate National Trails Day today! 

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Today is the 32nd annual National Trails Day when people all across the country unite to celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day®. It’s the perfect opportunity to set off on a local trail with others in your community. 

Find a local event and take the National Trails Day® pledge to leave the trails and the outdoor community better than you found them.

There’s something magical about being outdoors. Fresh air, birds singing, moving along a trail, or even just around the block – there’s nothing quite like it. But today, trails and public spaces are in dire need of help  – and not everyone has access to or feels welcome in these places that can calm and inspire. National Trails Day® is the perfect opportunity to get out there with the people you love, give back to the trails that bring us together, and make sure no one is left out.

Take the #NationalTrailsDay Pledge and commit to leaving the trails and the outdoor community better than you found them.

If you do get out and hike today, be sure to tag any Instagram posts you create with #NationalTrailsDay and @AmericanHiking for a chance to win several outdoor gear prize packages that they are giving out.

Join the nationwide movement to give back to trails and build a world where everyone has access and feels welcome to enjoy the great outdoors.

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Five Hikes for Hope Near Birmingham, Alabama

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This Saturday, June 5th, is the Alabama chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Hike for Hope event. As a supporter this year, AdventureKEEN is helping to raise awareness about suicide prevention because we believe that spending time outdoors can be a healing activity. We interviewed AFSP board member Amber Henderson earlier this week to learn more about the foundation and its programs. If you’re looking for a hike in the Birmingham area, we recommend Five Star Hikes: Birmingham, 2ed by Tom Spencer from our imprint Menasha Ridge Press. Though it’s getting a bit muggy down South, these five trails offer plenty of shade as you hike this weekend in support of AFSP’s Hike for Hope.

Aldridge Gardens — Found on page 53, this 1-mile loop circles around a lake and through some beautiful gardens. You’ll probably want to walk it more than once, noticing different flowers and creatures along the way.

photo courtesy of Emily Beaumont

Moss Rock Preserve: Boulder Field — This can be found on page 94 and offers a great hiking opportunity if kids will be joining you. It offers plenty of creeks to stand in and rocks to climb on.

photo courtesy of Emily Beaumont

Oak Mountain State Park: Peavine Falls — Found on page 126 of the book, this short (but steep) hike offers a true gem with a 20-foot waterfall followed by smaller waterfalls downstream. Take Tom’s recommended longer route, over a bridge and down the Falls Creek path, for the most enjoyable descent.

photo courtesy of Emily Beaumont

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve: Nature Center to Hawk’s View — This is a longer (3-mile) out-and-back hike (on page 165 in the book), so take plenty of water. It’s a little more difficult than other hikes but worth it for the views!

photo courtesy of Emily Beaumont

Cahaba River Wildlife Refuge — Found on page 179, this hike will take you along a short part of Alabama’s longest free-flowing stream (200 miles total). Wear water shoes because you’ll want to walk out into the river to get a closer look at the unique and lovely Cahaba lilies (in bloom from mid-May to mid-June of each year).

photo courtesy of Emily Beaumont

As you can see, there are lots of beautiful places around Birmingham, Alabama, where you can get out and go for a walk or a hike. We hope these five hikes will inspire you to explore your local trails, as well as support and look into the work of the Alabama chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

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There’s a Book for That!

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As more and more people look to hiking for exercise, as a hobby, as a challenge, for improving their mental health, and simply as a way to enjoy nature, many need advice on where to go. 

I often see Facebook posts from people asking for ideas on where to hike if they want to “jump in a lake” at trail’s end, to drive less than an hour from their home city, to see a moose, to watch a sunset or sunrise, or to take young children along. By my very unscientific math, these particular answers can be found, 9 times out of 10, through a recommended app. 

Even though I do some online research ahead of hiking at times and use an app for tracking my miles and other details on trails, I’m still an advocate for using books over apps when I recommend trails. And my suggested answers to most hiking questions can be found in my book 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder. Or I can point you towards a very specific trail (which likely also happens to be one of the 60 hikes in my book). 

Before becoming a guidebook author myself, I often turned to a two-volume set of books called Colorado’s Best Wildflower Hikes (Westcliffe Publishers, 1998), and I have referenced many others just out of curiosity and for fun. This doesn’t always mean I have had the book in my backpack during a hike, but I would have read it ahead of time in search of inspiration and ideas for an outing with family and friends as we determined what we wanted: shade? wildflowers? a waterfall? 

In my opinion, here are the pros and cons of hiking apps v. hiking books.

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Available on portable handheld device 
Latest updates on road and trail conditions

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Hard to know bias or ability or experience of reviewer
Details can be for the wrong trails or outdated trails (I’ve seen this a few times, along with contradictory opinions/information.)

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Advice of one or two people rather than dozens to hundreds of opinions
Condensed reference information per hike in one place
Also available on digital devices
Make great gifts
Types of hikes categorized to narrow down your search

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Bulky to carry in a backpack

Neither books nor apps are always necessarily free, but both can be. Some apps are free to start, but as you increase what information you want, there might be a monthly or annual cost. Books might be available in a Little Free Library or found at a traditional library at no cost, though I like to encourage people to support local independent bookstores by purchasing a book or two or three. 

There’s no reason that books and apps can’t be used in tandem for hike research; in fact, if you have the time, it can be helpful to cross-reference multiple sources. However, it’s also OK to explore and have a little adventure in the unknown too. 

The post There’s a Book for That! appeared first on Menasha Ridge Press Blog.

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Hiking Around Tucson This August

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[Note: the following information was current as of August 1, 2020.]

The Bighorn Fire, named for the bighorn sheep that roam the Santa Catalina Mountains north of Tucson, began after a lightning strike hit those mountains on June 5th, 2020. Fanned by high winds and exacerbated by hot, dry weather often exceeding 100°F, the fire burned for almost 7 weeks, burning 119,978 acres (178.5 square miles) of forest. At its height, more than 1,000 firefighting personnel were involved in containing the blaze, and several helicopters and aircraft were used to dump water and fire-retardant slurry over remote areas that could not be reached by road.

Tucson Hiking book

The village of Summerhaven high on Mount Lemmon was evacuated, and many residents of homes in the Santa Catalina Foothills were also forced to leave. Fortunately, the fire crews were successful in saving the buildings and no lives were lost or major injuries reported. While some wildlife unfortunately did not survive, many animals were able to escape the fire. In fact, a herd of 14 bighorn sheep was seen strolling through a suburban neighborhood in late July.

The US Forest Service has closed all facilities in the Santa Catalinas until November 1st. With the annual monsoon rains expected through September, it is likely that the burned-out areas will not be able to absorb the rainfall and dangerous flash flooding will result. There have already been some flash floods of tarry water carrying blackened debris closing roads and potentially threatening homes. All trails have been closed until the flood danger is over and crews have inspected trails to assess if they are safe and passable.

This means that trails described in the Mount Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, and Santa Catalina Foothills sections of the book are closed. Also, Sabino Canyon and the Catalina State Park are closed until further notice. The Mount Lemmon Highway was temporarily closed during the fire but reopened on August 1st with restricted access to Summerhaven. Because parking space is limited, the road may close temporarily until space is available. Further information is available on the Pima County Sheriff’s Road Condition Report at (520) 547-7510.

Saguaro National Park is open. However, both visitor centers are closed until further notice.

I live 2 miles south of the evacuation zone in the Catalina Foothills. During most of June and into July, I could see the fire burning, huge clouds of smoke billowing, and firefighting helicopters and aircraft passing overhead. Often, I could smell the smoke. Most residents of Tucson and the surrounding communities experienced the same to a greater or lesser extent. 2020 has been an abnormal year for everyone, and Tucsonans got hit with a little bit extra.

When things improve in the fall, I will report back with details of which trails are reopened. Meanwhile, stay safe, stay hydrated, and please wear a mask in public places as mandated by Pima County and the city of Tucson.

About the Author: Rob Rachowiecki is the author of Five Star Hikes: Tucson, which focuses on 38 Spectacular Hikes around the Old Pueblo. He has authored hiking and climbing guides to Central America and the Central Andes, as well as travel guides to Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the American Southwest.

The post Hiking Around Tucson This August appeared first on Menasha Ridge Press Blog.

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Hiking with My Dad & Tips for Hiking with Yours

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Although I grew up in Colorado, I did not grow up hiking with my dad. I really don’t know why this was the case, but at some point, he was a single dad of two with a full-time job, while I was a sassy teen with a part-time job and homework and friends and crushes. Hiking together just wasn’t part of our world. 

Yet, when I set out to update 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder, my dad was one of the people I ended up doing some memorable hikes with through the seasons. It hadn’t occurred to me before to ask him to join me, honestly, and I was so pleased that he wanted to come along. 

Fathers Day 2020

I’ve got a few tips for enjoying a hike with your dad (or stepdad or grandfather or uncle) as I share a few stories from our hikes.

01: Go ahead and extend the invitation. Dad saw my posts on social media about my first few hikes and called me to ask if he could hike with me. It wasn’t that I deliberately did not invite him—I wasn’t so organized to have a list of hiking partners—but I hadn’t thought of him yet. Maybe you think hiking isn’t something your father likes or he hasn’t done it before, but don’t let that stop you. If it’s new to him, start with something relatively flat with places to stop and rest along the way. Even if he says no, it will make him feel good to be included. 

02: One interesting thing about being an adult child is that sometimes you forget you’re still someone’s kid. I was humbly reminded of this on a gorgeous hike outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, to the top of Greyrock Mountain where little lakes filled with talkative frogs dwell. The hike had been hotter than expected, so it felt longer; by the time we were scrambling up rocks near the top, my legs were wobbly. My 70-something father hoisted himself up, and I stood there looking at my hiking poles and looking at the rocks and back and forth. “You want me to take the poles?” he asked. “No, I’ve got it.” I said. Like he can’t see right through me! I finally abandoned the poles and gave him my hand and he half-pulled me up. You’re never too old to still need your dear old dad. 

03: Remember to pack your sense of humor along with your water bottle and other hiking necessities. One of my earliest hikes for my book was not in the previous edition, so I did a little research and headed off to meet Dad on a late-summer afternoon. Like many trailheads, this one had several trail options, and I misread the distance. As we walked and talked, it became clear this hike would be longer than we expected—by about a mile, it turned out. “How long did you say this hike is?” he asked me as we began the loop back. I had to confess that I no longer knew, and this seemed hilarious to us. On our various hikes we laughed about all kinds of mishaps—from those in the past to our getting lost en route to the trailhead—and this made us want to go on another hike together. 

04: Try new things together—from taking selfies during the hike to having a meal together after the hike. Even though you’re all grown up, you can still make memories together. Just because we didn’t spend my childhood going on lots of hikes didn’t mean we couldn’t start now. Now retired, my dad has the time to hit the trail and spend the next day recovering, if needed. We have so much to talk about as we hike, and we laugh a lot about past and present stories we share. Next thing you know, we’ll have new hiking experiences to talk about over Christmas dinner with more family members, and our relationship and history will just keep evolving through these shared moments. 

05: Adjust your hiking style. If you’re a weekend warrior bagging peaks with your buddies, that’s cool, but that’s maybe not quite what your father can handle. There’s a lot to be said for slowing down and simply appreciating the company you’re with and the time outside. If it’s your dad who is the budding athlete while you’re a weekday desk jockey, ask him to go at your speed so you can hike together. 

Out of the more than 70 hikes I did for my research, only a handful of those were with my dad, but those were some of the best ones, and I have indelible memories from each one. We were both awed by the beauty we saw, and we easily laughed off our foibles. It wasn’t a trip down memory lane, but a chance to keep building remembrances in our lives together. 

The post Hiking with My Dad & Tips for Hiking with Yours appeared first on Menasha Ridge Press Blog.

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Body Appreciation Through Hiking

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No one would ever describe me as an athlete, so I am probably late to the game in appreciating my body’s functionality. Being blessed with good genes so that I’m generally healthy also means that I tend to take my body for granted. 

The truth is, I long thought of my body in terms of how it looked, how it fit into clothes, or how it was judged by others (the weird mental woman’s work of developing opinions of my own body based on what others might think). 

When I set out to update the guidebook 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder in late 2018, I pictured myself getting buff and toned and looking better than ever as I traipsed along Colorado’s Front Range trails more than once a week. I look back on that and shake my head, thinking, “What foolishness.” Note that I was thinking how I would look, not feel. 

It takes actually using your body to appreciate it rather than judge it. Otherwise, we might miss important messages from our bodies that can direct our wellness—or underestimate our abilities as we sit back and demand that the body just be as we wish. 

A Scientific American article titled “We’ve Lost Touch with Our Bodies” looks at how a combination of medications, technology, and our modern culture have led to many problems in which we are increasingly disconnected from our own bodies. Without going into great detail, the concept is called interoception, and it’s about how our mind receives and responds to basic internal signals from the body such as hunger and thirst. When we numb ourselves through medicines, screens, and more, then the messages don’t get through. 

I certainly wasn’t feeling out of touch with my body, but I do think that a full-time office job and daily commute meant my body—like so many others—had morphed into the shape of a dining room chair, and I didn’t give it much thought. As long as I wasn’t sick, made it to a yoga class and the gym every so often, and fit into my favorite jeans, there was nothing to think about, right? 

Body image is a complex topic for both men and women, and it changes with age, not just size. Psychology Today did extensive surveys on body image over the decades and concluded that, despite discontent with their bodies, people would rather be assessed for what they do, not how they look. 

Somewhere on about hike 30-something in the middle of one of the snowiest Colorado winters in years, I began to think differently about my body, as I needed more energy and muscle to get from trailhead to peak and back, over and over again. I forgot all about how my body looked or might look in the near future and instead focused on what it needed from me in terms of types of food, hydration, and rest. My goal was essentially the same—complete all 60 hikes by deadline—but how my pants fit was no longer on my mind. 

I developed a new respect for the hard work my body was doing as I tackled trails with thousands of feet of elevation gain in just a few miles, pushed myself to get up pre-dawn to be on the trail, and then asked my body to do it all again the next day or a couple of days later. I became grateful to my body for making it possible for me to meet my goals, and I showed this by making sure I ate protein-rich foods along with fresh vegetables and fruit, had enough snacks and water with me on each hike, and soaked in plenty of Epsom salts when I got home. 

I started off as a slow hiker, and I finished as a slow hiker. My pants fit exactly the same on my last hike as my first. And I was thrilled with my body! 

I learned that what matters is how you feel, not how you look. 

The post Body Appreciation Through Hiking appeared first on Menasha Ridge Press Blog.

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Preparation Is Vital, But Leave Room for Adventure Too

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by Mindy Sink

I recently wrote about some of the things I learned while researching my new guidebook, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Denver and Boulder. One of the lessons I learned in my research was that preparing for various conditions and possibilities along the trail is key to a good hiking experience. 

In the post I said, “The more prepared I was, the more enjoyable the experience.” By this I meant that I had water, snacks, hand warmers, a trail map, bandages, sunscreen, a hat, and so on. I found that when I took a little time to research what conditions I might expect, what the elevation gain would be, and other basics that would affect how long I would be out (how much food and water I needed, for example) that I could enjoy myself more. 

Yet in a world of Facebook groups for all kinds of hikers and apps to show how crowded the parking lots are or where hikers can share photos from the trail the day before, some of the spontaneous fun of heading out in nature can be lost.

Here’s a little story in which good preparation led me to an unexpected adventure. I wanted to get in a hike on a later summer afternoon (okay, maybe it was more like early evening). My husband said, “You’re going to need a flashlight or a headlamp,” as I left the house. I said, “Really? OK, I’ll throw one in.” When the last 2 miles of my 6-mile hike were in the dark, I was very glad to have that flashlight—and I have never hiked without it since. Because I had a flashlight, I safely hiked in the light of the moon! 

I recently read a query in a Facebook group for hikers in which someone described everything he had learned about a specific trail, but he just wanted to know what else to expect. Who knows? Maybe you’ll hear a hummingbird zip past your head, see a deer grazing in the trees, glimpse a moose wandering by, pick up the scent of a new flower in bloom, or watch the morning light hitting the rock just so as a snake slithers over it. No two people will have the same hike from one day to the next. Part of the joy of being in nature is the unexpected. The adventure of hiking lies in what doesn’t make it onto Instagram—those moments that take you by surprise in spite of your planning. 

I can think of so many hiking experiences that make me laugh because things didn’t go as planned. There was a group hike in Eldorado Canyon State Park where the wind just wouldn’t let up, and at one point I was holding onto a tree to keep steady! I was prepared with a warm coat with a hood, but the adventure was in finding ways to block the wind in a group as we kept moving. Another time I went to the wrong trailhead, completed a hike, realized my mistake, found the “right” trailhead, and did that hike too. Then I decided that I liked the “wrong” hike better and put that one in my book instead. 

It’s not that a little insight isn’t helpful, but it’s OK to learn from just trying, even if you have to make more than one attempt. Those accumulated experiences become part of your preparation. In doing research for my book, I found that, much like restaurant review sites, hiking reviews can be a bit misleading if not inaccurate and can therefore create missed opportunities for others. In doing some basic research for the land agency website for a trail, I found that people had been leaving reviews for the wrong trail, in one instance. 

Life is made up of stories. A year or so of hiking by myself, with family, and with friends has resulted in a patchwork quilt of tales to tell and reminisce over together—not a string of hikes just like someone else’s. 

Hit the trail with some preparation, but keep your eyes wide open for the unexpected joys of being outdoors.

About the Author

Mindy Sink is the author of 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Denver and Boulder and Walking Denver, which her daughter, Sophie Seymour, contributed to. She contributes regularly to The Denver Post, Colorado Parent, and other publications. Before becoming a guidebook author, Mindy worked for The New York Times Rocky Mountain Bureau, covering regional topics. Mindy also works in healthcare communications. She lives in Denver with her husband, Mike Seymour; their daughter, Sophie; and the family’s non-hiking cat, Marvel.

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