prove that spending time outdoors has enormous effects on our bodies, minds, and spirits. Consider books on the matter such as Your Brain on Nature by Eva M. Selhub and Alan C. Logan and The Nature Principal by Richard Louv.


Hiking:


1. Creates in our body extra endorphins and oxygen, dopamine and serotonin


2. Puts us in direct contact with the ele- ments


3. Gives us a feeling of accomplishment 4. Is mentally refreshing


5. Enables us to see things we can only get to on foot (in wilderness areas there are no mechanical devices allowed such as four wheelers or bicycles, therefore only those willing to hike or perhaps ride an equine in will get to see the caves, hollows, secret places the forest hides)


6. Increases muscle tone, reduces blood pressure


7. Relieves stress 8. Challenges our limits 9. Makes us feel alive


10. Helps us connect to friends and fam- ily in a positive way


11. Prevents osteoporosis 12. Helps prevent/control diabetes 13. Improves arthritis 14. Relives back pain 15. Helps us shed pounds 16. Helps with depression


And the list goes on and on…..so are YOU ready to hike?


How do you get started? What equipment will you need? First of all, really take inventory of your


personal physical limits. When you start researching trails, look for flatter, shorter trails to start out with. Educate yourself on what you should take with you on the trail for safety. Basic items suggested can range from water, snacks, map, cell phone to carrying a compass, fire kit, first aid, rain gear and more. It depends on what type of hike you are doing, where you will be, how


FEBRUARY 2017 21


long the trail is and of course, weather. If you know someone who hikes, ask them to share their knowledge and passion for the activity with you. You can also con- tact local hiking groups and clubs but be forewarned, some of these groups have been hiking for a long time so you need to make sure they understand if you are a beginner that you need to start off slowly and on easier trails for shorter distances. You don’t need to buy fancy equip-


ment to hike, you will need a good pair of shoes (even sneakers are fine on most of our Triad trails and paths) and remember “cotton kills” in the outdoors so wear syn- thetic (nylon, fleece) layers. Educate your- self on hypothermia and its dangers before heading out. Also, consider taking your dog with you, most trails allow leashed dogs and having your canine companion with you can really be enjoyable for them and you!


If the thought of just “walking in the


woods” doesn’t sound too exciting to you, make it interesting. Take along a tree iden- tification book, become a birder and learn to listen and look for certain birds, or identify plants or flowers to make it more interesting. You can also sign up to volunteer. Those listed and other organizations do a


monumental amount of trail building, clearing, maintenance all on a volunteer basis; who knows, you could meet your next best friends while getting outdoors and positively affecting your health and com- munity!


I hope you are inspired to at least give


hiking a try. If you are already a hiker, maybe adding some context will re-ignite the passion for you. So TAKE A HIKE AND SYOTT! (See you on the trail!)


JoAndra (Jo) Proia is the Outdoor Writer for Natural Triad. Her na- ture writing has been published in several outdoor magazines and she is working on her first guidebook, “Piedmont Lakes” to


be published in the spring of 2017. She is an ACA Certified Kayak Instructor and Guide with GET:OUTDOORS WOMEN ON THE WATER, a kayak shop in Greens- boro. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid and is an L1 Level yoga teacher. She can be reached at jo.proia@naturaltriad.com or LIKE her page at www.facebook.com/ getoutdoorswomenonthewater


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