One of my all time favorite things to do is hike and unfortunately I have not done any hiking since moving to Ohio. :( I used to hike every day in Arizona because the mountain was literally just outside my door. Check out this pic taken just 6 feet from my bedroom patio. My best friend and I used to go hiking on South Mountain in Northern Phoenix about once a week as well. A couple days ago I was going through some books to see if I could donate any and I came across my large collection of hiking and camping books and it really gave me the itch to get hiking again. There is just no greater adventure in my mind. A mountain or trail reveals itself to you with every step and tells a story you can’t see from a car window. It awakens something earthy and primal in you and makes you acutely aware of how special every moment is.
Some of my all time best memories of my 20+ years in Arizona are on the trail. I remember sliding down the mountain at slide rock, trekking across all the springs at Seven Springs, jumping off a bridge into the cool water below, traveling down into the Grand Canyon, fishing at Bartlet, and my boyfriend (now husband) taking a 30 foot fall off of Squaw Peak. Okay maybe that memory wasn’t so nice at the time but now it is pretty funny since everything turned out okay…save a few scars. In the mountains surrounding my home I remember the exhilaration of finding two abandoned homes and exploring them, a couple abandoned mines, seeing mountain lion tracks and spotting a few rattlers and stray cattle. Oh yes, it is time to dig out the backpacking equipment and go out to see what adventures Ohio has to offer.
My only problem is that there is nowhere to hike or backpack where I live for at least 35 miles so daily hikes are out until we move into the city which has several awesome parks with hiking and camping. I am already plotting out several day hikes and some overnight backpacking trips. We have to start getting the kids used to this sort of adventuring because I have recently revived my dream to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine…it takes six months to do. What could be better than spending six months camping and hiking with your favorite people on the planet?
For anyone interested in hiking and camping with their kids I suggest you read Trailside Guide: Hiking and Backpacking by Karen Berger. It is an awesome book with info on what you need to hike, what to wear, what to eat, what to do about blisters, injuries, and bad weather. Basically everything you need to know. My guide is waterproof even so I can take it with me. Also check out Camping and Backpacking With Children. And another good book that will inspire you is A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson who hiked the The Appalachian Trail I mentioned above.
I just picked up 50 Hikes in Ohio. Let the adventures begin! Any other hiking and backpacking enthusiasts out there? Comment and share your stories or your fears about hiking and camping with kids if that is the case.
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