Monday, January 2, 2017

Hiking In The Woods


I mentioned in my penultimate post that I've been hiking a lot -- and plan to do more. It's a great way to get exercise because you're distracted by the beauty of nature. Plus you get to see cool stuff.

On my last hike, I saw a black squirrel. Black! Completely black in the darkest shade. I didn't know squirrels came that way. I wonder if the other squirrels make fun of him, like poor Rudolf.

Up to now, I've hiked in sneakers. I didn't realize how good hiking boots have become in the past 40 years. I got a pair for Christmas and -- wow! They feel like pillows covered with armor. So soft, yet so sturdy. Their design comforts your foot while giving serious traction on the trail. Amazingly they're even lighter than sneakers which lessens fatigue. I'm so glad I dipped my toe (literally) into technology that's evolved miles from my youth.

Do you hike? Have you worn hiking boots?











22 comments:

  1. I love walks in woods, it's a great way to get exercise and take in fresh air. Hiking boots are a must for walks like these too.

    More photos of your walk next time please Ally.

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  2. I adore hiking, but not in winter. You have no snow there, which makes it viable.

    I have hiking boots that are 23 years old. They are the same ones worn by the RCMP in rural detachments in Canada. They are STRONG but heavy and comfy. I think your newer ones would be more comfortable and easier to walk in but we do much less hiking now that we live in Ontario. In BC and Quebec it was a regular thing.

    Have you seen squirrels in Mexico or Costa Rica? They are wonderfully colourful!

    We have lots of black, grey and brown squirrels up here. They come in all colours.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  3. That looks like a lovely hike! I know, hiking boots have come so far! I used to wear them a lot when I walked to/from work (about 6K each way), but not anymore. Black squirrels are the native species here, but have been nearly wiped out by the invasive grey squirrel.

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  4. This looks like good fun and great for peace of mind. The path is so well cleared. I have woods but they are full of bugs and critters, ( deer ticks , chiggers, etc ) not sure about black squirrels, how cool is that! I could try in now that is is winter and I could cover everything!
    Great investment in those boots!

    Happy 2017!
    xx, Elle
    http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/

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  5. Hiking has recently become one of my favorite forms of exercise too. I've only worn hiking boots once, though. I was able to borrow some when I went up Mt. Fuji - and boy, they make a world of difference! I really need to invest in my own pair too. Glad you got a good pair for Christmas! :) And you'll have to visit Wisconsin sometime - we have all kinds of black squirrels running around. :) (But the hiking isn't as good, haha.)

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    1. Wisconsin... *looking at map*... yeah, that's possible!

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  6. Hey special friend ... Happy New Year!!!! I really thought I had commented on this post ... but here goes!

    I have owned a few pairs of hiking boots in my life ~ My favourite were a waterproof pair which I even wore (as my main shoes) during my holiday to Germany to visit Wendy ~ Actually I took my hiking boots and a pair of slippers with!!! LOL!!!

    We did a LOT of hiking about 23 years ago ... and on a particularly difficult 3rd day of a 5 day hike I told my hubby that I wanted a divorce ... because I wanted a baby and he didn't (which he told me one year into our marriage!!!) ... Well!!! As you know I have my darling 21 year old Connor so that discussion actually ended well. We now do more walks than hikes although we would both like to get into it again ... only problem is if you do a long hike you need a lot of people to do it together because some of our trails are not too safe any more ~ sadly!!! One dream has always been to do the Otter Trail ... Maybe you can come and do it with me!!!!

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    1. I'd love to hike with you, Lynn! We'd never stop talking. :-)

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  7. When I lived on Long Island all we had were gray squirrels. Up in Westchester we have have a good supply of black and a few brown squirrels as well.
    Pat
    Keep on Truckin'

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    1. Then I must have seen an upstate pioneer colonizing the down-state population. :-)

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  8. Hiking is such a nice way of gentle exercise and - as you said - you get to go out, see cool stuff and enjoy fresh air.
    I don't have proper hiking boots though as I don't hike often enough to justify!

    -Kati

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  9. Do I hike? No. Have I? Yes, and actually enjoyed it. I used to be one of those kids that ran about in the woods during the summer and stuff, exploring everywhere I could get to. We also went to Rador Lake (a well known hiking area of Nashville) in my high school days as a school field trip. Every English class during junior? year went. Fun even though it was FREEZING and rainy.

    The wildlife is definitely the best part. I almost, almost slammed on my brakes earlier today because a red hawk had caught himself lunch in someone's yard! It was so big, I was startled. Gorgeous bird though.

    Re: shoes - shoes make such a huge difference, whether hiking boots, walking shoes, or slip ons with secret memory foam. I'm glad yours have been helpful.

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  10. I went for a hike a few months ago. It was the first time I can remember doing it and I surprisingly I loved it.

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  11. I've never been much of a hiker, but that looks like a pretty place to explore :)

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  12. Beautiful pictures! I haven't hiked in ages... really entirely too long... but your post has inspired me. It's beautiful to connect with nature in this way and see/experience wildlife in their natural habitat. So cool you got to see a black squirrel!

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  13. The last time we did a proper hike was about 7 years ago, i do miss camping and hiking. Hiking boots are amazing :)

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  14. what a beautiful place! i love to hike...but have never owned a pair. been wanting to get some.

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  15. I was gifted a pair of hiking boots during a trip to Switzerland a few years back and have to say that they are one of the most comfortable shoes I own. I do maybe one hike a year and when I do I love it.

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  16. I do hike a lot,you need to tell me what brand are those, I need to get one for myself, I want to feel that comfort on my toes.
    xx Bing

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  17. I hate hicking.. I hate anything outdoorsy... I am a city girl.
    Greetje

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