You’ve seen the photos your friends are posting on Instagram and Facebook of their vacation. Big, bold and beautiful, their pictures are a traveling testimony to the great times and amazing places that they are visiting. Admit it; you’re jealous!! You want to see the sights. You want to walk the walks. You want to experience the places that they are experiencing. But you aren’t into hiking. Heck, you aren’t even really big on walking. This blog is for you. You CAN live your best life, see the great places, and experience the wonders of nature even if you aren’t the most fit person in the world. I have been doing it for years and I can help you.
My name is Kathy and I am 55 years old. I am not an athlete, have all sorts of physical issues, and am overweight by at least 30 pounds. I have good intentions towards being more fit. I have joined a gym, exercised on and off, tried running (hated it), and lifted weights. I try to eat healthy but let’s face it, I love pizza, candy, and beer – maybe not in that order. I am always trying to lose weight but honestly I don’t want to commit to a giant lifestyle change that involves sacrificing everything I love just to be thinner. I don’t want to spend the money to join another gym just to give up and stop going after a month or two.
I love being outside when the weather is good. I also love walking in the woods. The peace and solitude of meandering down a tree lined trail deep in the forest has a tremendous calming influence on my life. I have two dogs and I feel like I can “kill two birds ” by taking them for walks in the woods. The forest gives me an opportunity to escape the bounds of everyday life and elevate myself somewhere spiritual. The forest reminds me that I am a part of something much greater than myself, a part of nature, a force that never ends. I feel happy in the forest and the miles go easier while I am distracted by the animals and plants that call the woods their home. But I have found that there is very little information available for someone like me to find trails that aren’t too hard. Sure, if you are a marathon runner or avid backpacker, it’s easy to find something that will work for you. I need trails that aren’t too difficult, that provide a lot of “bang for your buck” in terms of scenery, and won’t require a call to careflight to get me back home.
I have spent countless hours researching trails that work for me and now many of my friends ask me for advice before they hike or take a vacation. Several years ago, I decided to hike as many trails as I possibly can in as many parks across the United States. My sincere hope is that I can inspire as many people as possible to start hiking. Hiking has helped me to grow as a person, both spiritually and emotionally. It has also helped me lose weight! Through this blog, I will share my hiking experiences on the trails that I have hiked. Please keep in mind, we all hike our own hikes! Respect for one another, whether you are fast or slow, whether you hike 1 mile or ten, is what it is all about. Before you plan your next vacation, check and see if I have been there. I can help you find the best paths and the prettiest views. I can help you live your best life! And when people see your photos and hear your stories, you will be so glad you did it. I have never regretted a good hike.
The Bellowing Snail: Hiking for the Non Hiker 