Hike It Off Magazine Issue Twelve

HIKE IT OFF A

MAGAZINE

MAGAZINE

FOR

DAY

HIKERS

ISSUE NO. 12 FALL 2022

FOUR BEAUTIFUL FALL HIKES IN SAN DIEGO, CA PAGE 5

THIS IS INDIAN LAND: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK PAGE 13

A TENT OF ONE'S OWN: CAMPING SOLO PAGE 24

HEALING IS PART OF THE JOURNEY PAGE 49

CONTENTS 4 EDITOR'S NOTE

5 FOUR BEAUTIFUL FALL HIKES IN SAN DIEGO, CA

13 THIS IS INDIAN LAND: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

24 A TENT OF ONE'S OWN: CAMPING SOLO

29 THREE DREAMY COLORADO HIKES TO HIKE OVER AND OVER

40 HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR HIKES

49 HEALING IS PART OF THE JOURNEY

COVER: TORREY PINES STATE BEACH

EDITOR'S NOTE

Hike It Off was conceived a few years ago deep in the heart of the Sierra over a campfire and strong mountain cocktails. My husband, and Co-Founder Tony Purinton, and his best bud Rick Beach, always came home with much more than memories and bruises while on their many hiking trips.They are notorious for mantras and catchy sayings inspired by their biggest muse, the mountains.They would discuss putting some of their favorites on tshirts.They always wanted clothing that represented the way they felt about hiking, but could never find what they were looking for in stores. Hike It Off was always the first mantra they talked about putting on a t-shirt, but once they were back to the daily distractions of life, the t-shirts never became a reality.

Then something happened that would change everything for us. On June 4th, 2014 while celebrating my birthday, the universe decided to change our lives forever. While stepping over some rocks on a trail I have hiked a hundred times before, I lost my balance and in a split second shattered all three bones and dislocated my right ankle. We had no idea how much our lives were about to change, lying in the dirt waiting for help to

arrive. When you are unable to do what you love and are forced to be still and really think about your life and what is most important, your perspective changes. After two surgeries, a prognosis of a year of recovery, and an uncertain outcome, the thought of not being able to hike again was a real fear that crossed both of our minds daily. We both realized then how much hiking meant to us and even though this was the most difficult obstacle we had ever needed to overcome, we knew that the universe in its tricky little way had created an opportunity for us through this misadventure.

While I was in recovery, Hike It Off was born. I was determined to bring this dream to life- both in the t-shirts Tony had always envisioned and in writing, my true gift. Now we live, breathe, eat, and sleep Hike It Off. It is our dream, medicine, and future. We are so honored to be able to share it with hikers that are just like us.

Hikers who live to hike it off!

Jaime Purinton

Jaime Purinton EDITOR IN CHIEF

Four Beautiful Fall Hikes in San Diego, CA Bonus! Where to refresh and refuel post-hike!

By: Jaime Purinton

While San Diego may not be known for colorful fall foliage, it still encapsulates its own fall beauty. Stunning sunsets, perfect weather, and less crowded trails than summer make San Diego a desirable fall hiking destination. We've put a list of our top four favorite fall hikes plus some great spots to hit up post-hike to refresh and refuel, San Diego style!

TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE Located within San Diego city limits, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve's 1,500 pristine acres offer eight miles of trails with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean below. The Park's namesake, the Torrey Pine (Pinus torreyana), is our nation's rarest pine tree and only lives in two places, here in the Park and on Santa Rosa Island. Many animals live in the Park including osprey, rattlesnakes, bobcats, herons, and coyotes.

Our favorite trail is the Parry Grove trail which brings you down 118 stone steps to the coastal bluffs hanging over the ocean. In addition to stunning ocean views, you can get close to a deeply cut canyon and view its unique formations. During a wildflower bloom in spring, this trail is exceptionally gorgeous.

After exploring the trails in the reserve, head down to the beach afterward to enjoy the ocean. Check when high tide is and avoid that time so you can walk the beach back to the trailhead.

Bonus: Post-hike, nourish yourself at Trilogy Sanctuary in La Jolla. They offer organic, gluten-free, and vegan meals that can heal the body and mind and taste delicious! You'll find yourself replenished from soothing smoothies to hearty power bowls after your hike. Trilogy Sanctuary offers classes on their ocean view rooftop patio if you're interested in a post-hike sound meditation or gentle yoga class.

ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK California's largest State Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, is right in San Diego's backyard! The Park offers much to explore with over 640,000 acres, 500 miles of dirt roads, and endless hiking trails! There are trails for every hiker, from first-time to expert-level. Trails vary from a short and easy hike up Borrego Palm Canyon to a lush palm grove to climbing through tight slot canyons to strenuous hikes up to higher elevation areas of the Park like Villager Peak.

One of our favorite destinations, Whale Peak, offers a 360-degree view from the top. At 5,349 feet in elevation, Whale Peak has a unique environment that includes large juniper trees and Pinyon Pines. However, the Pinyon Pines are quickly dying out due to the severe drought and climate change. There are two routes up Whale Peak, one from Pinyon Mountain Road at five and a half miles and a longer route starting at the Pictograph Trail at just under nine miles.

Bonus: Visit Borrego Springs' most popular watering hole, Carlee's, for a cold beer and burger after your adventure! Not only does Carlee's have great food, but they are also a staple in the small desert community supporting local charities and non-profit groups, especially local high school athletics and little league teams.

SANTA YSABEL EAST PRESERVE A true San Diego backcountry hike, the 4,600-acre Santa Ysabel East Preserve offers fifteen miles of trails to choose from (when combined with Santa Ysabel West Preserve). You will enjoy rolling hills, oak woodlands, native grasslands, and wildlife, including hawks, eagles, turkeys, snakes, lizards, coyotes and bobcats. Picnic areas along the trail are strategically placed under beautiful oaks or pines.

Although not too far out of Julian, the preserve feels like you are very remote, and the solitude is relaxing. The trails are multi-usehikers, equestrians, and bikers all share the trails. The trail is dog-friendly but keep your pup on a leash.

Bonus: Julian is known for its apple orchards, some dating back to the late 1800's when Julian was known as the "greatest apple belt in the world". Today, ranches like Storum Ranch Cider and Wine are still growing apples and making tasty cider from them. Stop in for a taster of their single varietal and blended ciders.

Once you've finished with your tasting, head over to Vulcan Mountain Winery to taste the legendary Hart Family's awardwinning wines. Enjoy live music and food trucks on most weekends. P.S. Say hi to Mel for us!

SANTA MARGARITA RIVER TRAIL PRESERVE Managed by the Wildlands Conservancy, the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in Fallbrook is one of San Diego County's gems. It is one of the last free-flowing rivers in San Diego and home to the southernmost range of Steelhead Trout (fishing is not allowed). The 1,384 acres, five-mile section of the Santa Margarita River is part of the South Coast Ecoregion, one of the world's 25 global hotspots of threatened biodiversity. With just about 18 miles of trails co-maintained by the conservancy and Fallbrook Trails Council, there is plenty to hike here.

Most of the trails flank the river and are shaded by mature oak trees. In the fall, large Sycamore tree leaves change into shades of gold, adding a magical feel to the trails. Take one of the trails that lead to the top of the river and enjoy views of the entire river valley below. Keep an eye out for California Golden Beavers that build water impoundments along the river. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

Bonus: Grab an ice-cold beer and woodfired pizza at The Mill after your adventure! Located in a refurbished old barn, The Mill is a local favorite because of the welcome vibes (Fallbrook is the "friendly village"), good beer, and delicious pizza. You can shop curated housewares/gifts at Shoppe Witty, also located at The Mill.

THIS IS INDIAN LAND: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

BY JESSICA MEHTA

Tucked below the verdant landscape of the Green River Valley in what is now often called Kentucky, there are hundreds of miles of sprawling caves—and this is no common cave system. It’s comprised of over 400 miles, including 10 miles available for public tours. The National Park was established in 1941, making it one of the oldest attractions in the country. However, prior to contact, the area was home to prehistoric humans and several Native American Tribes.

Early Inhabitants Evidence shows human use of the Mammoth Cave area dating back about 12,000 years. It’s estimated that the cave system was discovered about 3,500— 4,500 years ago by people of the Late Archaic and Early Woodland period. Huntergatherers utilized the rivers and valleys as their main supply of resource access. Early peoples made use of about 20 miles of the immense cave system. Its minerals were key elements for ceremonial practices, trade, and as forms of medicine. Tools and burial remains have also been discovered in the caves, suggesting a spiritual connection between Native inhabitants and the cave properties. Park officials have collaborated with local Tribes to ensure the safety and respect for their ancestors’ resting places.

The Mammoth Cave National Park area was home to myriad Indigenous people with ties to the Southeastern Woodlands.

Today, the connected Tribal associations include the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians,

Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, Shawnee Tribe, Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Absentee Shawnee Tribe, and Chickasaw Nation.

The “Cherokee” Peoples First European contact with the so-called Cherokee people came with Hernando DeSoto in 1540, soon followed by more European explorers and immigrants. The term “Cherokee” was adopted by colonizers when they heard the term used by a neighboring tribe (“Cherokee” means “speakers of another language”).

Cherokees did not claim this term until contact, instead referring to themselves with a variety of other terms such as Aniyunwiya (“principal people”).

Attempted treaties (over 500 have been broken by the U.S. government with various Native tribes) and complications with the government began in 1725.

Still, by the late 1820s, Cherokees

had a written language created

by Sequoyah, a constitutional government, and a newspaper, The Cherokee Phoenix, still in print today in both Tsaligi (the Cherokee language) and English.

However, by 1838, the discovery of gold in “Georgia” sparked a vigorous removal of an estimated 17,000 Cherokees over a sevenmonth journey. Known as the forced removal along the Trail of Tears, which are actually several different trails, this resulted in the death of about 5,000 Cherokees.

It occurred during one of the harshest winters in history, providing a perfect storm for starvation, exhaustion, and stockades. The Trail of Tears included displacement of what is today called the “five civilized Tribes.” In 1970, the Principal Chief’s Act created a way for the Cherokee Nation to take back control of their government and elect their own officials. Today, the United Keetoowah (pronounced Kih-too-wah) Band of Cherokee Indians are 14,000 members strong and located mostly in modern-day “Oklahoma.” They consider themselves the Western

Cherokee or the Old Settlers, keepers of tradition, and some chose to head west before the Trail of Tears officially began due to inherent rapid westward expansion.

The Shawnee Tribes The Eastern Woodland Shawnee people were forced west into “Texas” and Old Mexico after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.

Through this relocation process, they became known as the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. It has been documented that their ancestors traveled from what is now known as “Canada” to modern-day “Florida,” from what is often called the Mississippi River to the East Coast before their removal of their lands.

Being a woodland Tribe, they are speakers of the Algonquian dialect. In general, the ancestors of the Shawnee people were actively mobile and nomadic, comprised of warriors, hunters, planters, and gatherers within their community. They had barkcovered longhouses for HIKE IT OFF MAGAZINE

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Chickasaw who followed Chiksa’ farther east and the Choctaws who remained at the initial camp with Chahta. The Chickasaw homeland once spanned across the great prairies, mountains, and forests of what is now Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. They used the many waterways and springs in the area for resources as well as trade and transportation. They built large temples, ceremonial complexes, and agricultural gardens that provided nourishment for all. Like the Cherokee Tribes, The Chickasaw’s first contact with Europeans was in 1540 with Hernando DeSota, followed by battles with French and Indian forces in the 1730s.

The westward expansion of the colonizers forced treaties that were ultimately ignored by the U.S. government, reducing their land rights and access. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 Chickasaw Nation pushed them out of their homelands. In the 1850s, a the Chickasaw’s ancestors governor was chosen rather than consulted their “hopay’i” a chief to provide more power to (prophets) to bring them to the the Tribe, but the Tribal Mississippi River, crossing it safely governments’ role ended in 1907 from west to east. Upon docking, when “Indian Territory” became they broke into two groups: the the state of Oklahoma. In 1971, ceremonies, separated their hunting camps into small family sections, and tied their agricultural practices to ceremonial purposes. Ceremonial dancing was interwoven with planting and harvest times. Many Shawnee people migrated to what is usually called Missouri and Arkansas today, and in 1832 the U.S. government attempted to remove all remaining Shawnees to “Kansas.” However, the Shawnees instead opted for “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma or Texas rather than settle for the surplus of Kansas land. The Absentee Shawnee Tribe’s citizenship consists of about 4,570 members today, with many proudly continuing the traditional methods, ceremonies, and medicines of their cultural heritage.

the first Tribal election was held, bringing many changes to the Chickasaw people. Today, the Chickasaw Nation is thriving, economically and culturally, and dedicated to the preservation of their history.

are located in surrounding states.

You can still support these communities through the businesses and events listed below: Support for the Cherokee People

For authentic Native art, visit the Cherokee Art Market. The market has been showcasing numerous artists of elite quality for the last 15 years. They host a youth competition and show, encouraging children to get involved in heritage artwork.

Another option for the art love is Since most Native Americans The Trail of Teas Art Show & Sale. from the Mammoth Cave This is the longest-running National Park area were pushed Native art competition in from their homelands, many Nations’ and Tribes’ organizations Oklahoma and has been in

Supporting the Tribes and Nations from the Mammoth Cave Area

operation since 1972.

For museum options, visit the interactive and immersive Cherokee National History Museum in the original Cherokee National Capitol Building, recently restored in 2019. In the middle of Tahlequah, Oklahoma you will find the Cherokee National Prison Museum and learn about the history of Cherokee law enforcement. ·There are several locations for Cherokee-owned gift shops for authentic souvenirs. You can shop online or visit one of the stores for a wide variety of beautiful options.

Support for the Shawnee Tribes The Shawnee Tribe offers two casino options, both in Wyandotte, Oklahoma, for visitors. Indigo Sky Casino &

Resort is an upscale location for gaming, delicious dining, and a comfortable place to stay. The Outpost Casino is a casual spot to play slots or games and enjoy a delicious grille. The Shawnee Tribe Cultural Center explores stories of the past and traditions throughout their history. The center is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but their online store has many options available for purchase, too.

Support for the Chickasaw Nation The Chickasaw TV Network offers an impressive video series based on their Kentucky homelands with personal accounts from elders, traditions, historical events, and more.

See the full list of Chickasaw Nation-owned businesses throughout Oklahoma and Texas.

Jessica Mehta is a multi-award winning Aniyunwiya (citizen of the Cherokee Nation) writer and artist. Born and based in Oregon, she takes advantage of her beautiful backyard of the Pacific Northwest on a daily basis. Learn more at: www.thischerokeerose.com.

A Tent of One's Own: Camping solo

By Monet Yelsnick

Sometimes you get the urge to get out and do a nice overnight hike but simply cannot find a hiking/camping buddy! What's a girl to do?

Do you stay home and wait indefinitely for someone to feel like coming along, or do you go for it and accept all the risks of going into a secluded wilderness alone?

I got this call recently, and I had to answer. Scared silly, I decided to give a solo trip a try. Now, I am terrified of the dark, have terrible eyesight in even the brightest of light, and have stayed awake all night staring at my window in case someone tried to break in. I knew this would be a challenge. To my credit, my fear was not unfounded. We have all heard the phrase "woman attacked on the trail" in the news probably more times than we can count. Plug it into google, and you will get pages of results.

We are told not to go anywhere alone, to keep our wits about us, and never allowed to be lost in the moment and our own solitude without risking imminent danger. Still, I felt like I wanted to risk it.

I watched many youtube videos on hiking and camping alone as a woman, and frankly, I felt better knowing many women did it successfully.

Although I had tried to be prepared, I made so many mistakes! It was nearing sunset when I arrived at my location, so my hike was out. Additionally, I knew I had to work on building a fire because there was no one else to start it, and it sure wasn't going to start itself! I started my fire to say I did it, sat by it for as long as I could muster the courage and then I got into my car when darkness fell for some comfort. I found myself afraid– I imagined someone coming up to my car and attacking me, going over and over again in my head how I would get out of a sticky situation if someone showed up at my site, just really being my own worst enemy.

I forgot my camping fuel for my stove, and it was much too cold and wet to start a fire the following day (especially because I didn't move my wood far enough under cover), so I ate whatever I could find in my camp pack, and then I packed it up early. What I did do was rejoice in my ability to build a great fire by myself, to enjoy the solitude of my favorite land and do it with myself– not to have to wait on someone to live my life. All this to say, even if it's a disaster and you forget everything you think you need, you can still have an excellent time. I still had a rewarding time, felt so proud of myself, and for the moments I was reprieved from the terror of my mind, I was alone in my favorite place at total peace.

Though a solo overnight may not be for everyone, my future self included, it can be a rich learning experience, and I have some tips on doing it with the most success:

solo camping tips Camp in your car. It gave me immeasurable peace of mind to have a locked, hard-to-penetrate barrier between me and the unknown. I was also camping in the winter, so I warmed the car up for about 10 minutes before bed and was able to stay warm throughout the night.

Make a checklist of your must-haves before and actually check it off before you go. Have someone you camp with often look over it too to ensure you do not forget anything Go somewhere you're comfortable and familiar.

Don't go totally off the grid. Going to a popular trail and campground is okay if you're afraid to be completely alone!

Bring some creature comforts. I downloaded a few movies and podcasts because I knew I would struggle to sleep without them.

Bring a weapon if it makes you feel better– be sure to look into local laws and ensure everything is properly licensed and you are trained and comfortable with whatever you bring.

Make sure you have sufficient sources of warmth. It's easy to underestimate how much heat another person in the tent creates for us.

Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back.

Monet Yelsnick is a musician and outdoor enthusiast in Seattle, WA

THREE DREAMY COLORADO HIKES I CAN HIKE OVER AND OVER BY: MICHELLE JACKSON

Coloradans like to guard the names of their favorite hiking trails closely. Similar to Fight Club, what happens in Fight Club, stays in Fight Club. It may be challenging to discover our favorite hiking trails, camping spots or hot springs. Many Coloradans are rightfully nervous that their favorite hikes and hidden gems will get overrun with folks who won't love the trails as much as they do. I have to be honest and say that sometimes I worry about having my favorite outdoor spaces overrun too.

But, I hope that by sharing my favorite outdoor spaces, other people will fall in love with nature and learn the best ways to experience the outdoors while doing no harm. With that in mind, I thought I would share three of my favorite Colorado hikes, from easiest to strenuous.

These hikes aren't secrets, but I believe that they showcase Colorado’s beauty in unique ways, and I felt like sharing them with you.

Hike #1 Woods Quarry Hiking Trail-Chautauqua Park Woods Quarry is one of my all-time favorite quick and easy hikes. On the days when I don't have a lot of time to spend in the mountains, the Woods Quarry trail is a great way to spend some time in the mountains when I'm short on time. This hike is located in Boulder's Chautauqua Park and should take about 1.5 hours max round trip for a leisure hiker.

The trail has a steady altitude gain and is busy enough for newer solo hikers to enjoy without worrying that they will get accidentally lost or be alone on the trail for significant periods. The trail is well-maintained, wide and not as rocky as many of Colorado's trails tend to be.

While busy, the other hikers are typically respectful while on the trail.

Woods Quarry trail is well-maintained, has excellent signage and is incredibly easy to navigate. Other popular trails intersect with it at certain points, and hikers can change their return route and explore a different section of the park. The hike ends at a rock

quarry with couches and chairs fashioned out of giant slabs of rock that allow hikers to sit down, rest and enjoy the view of Boulder Valley and a glimpse of the city of Denver on a clear day.

The historic Chautauqua Park also has a ranger station where you can learn more about the park, region and creatures that live in and around the park. There's also the historic dining hall that has been open since 1898, a general store and the Chautauqua Auditorium that hosts concerts, silent movies and more, depending on the time of year you're visiting the park. If you prefer to do something in downtown Boulder, head to the Pearl Street Mall, an open-air walking mall with restaurants, bars and local shops. I recommend staying at the Basecamp Boulder hotel, which is affordable, cute and within walking distance of downtown Boulder.

Hike #2 Herman Gulch Trail If you're looking for a slightly more challenging hike, Herman Gulch Trail is a moderate hike just before the Eisenhower Tunnel. The tunnel is the dividing point between the eastern and western sides of the Rocky Mountains. Herman Gulch Trail is the location of one of my all-time favorite wildflower hikes.

Located about 45 minutes from Denver on a good traffic day, Herman Gulch Trail is a high-altitude hike that delivers. For folks who would like to avoid driving up the day, the nearby town of Silverthorne has one of my favorite budget boutique hotels called "The Pad.” It's new and opened up Fall of 2021. What I like about it, besides the overall aesthetic, hot tub, and cute rooms, is the focus on sustainability and affordability.

I admit that the altitude slowed me down a bit because I've gained some "COVID fluff" during the last two years.

Despite that, it was an unparalleled hiking experience.

Significant portions of this hike have stunning, unobstructed views of the mountains that flank the trail and a steady stream of tourists and serious hikers making their way up the mountain.

The trail is well-maintained, wide, and incredibly easy to navigate. The trail terminates in a vast grove with several lakes and the quintessential Colorado view. I went on this hike with one of my favorite outdoors communities, "Outdoor Afro,” a community created in Oakland, California, to create safe opportunities for Black outdoors enthusiasts to enjoy nature in supportive spaces.

Hike #3 Sky Pond in Rocky Mountain National Park Sky Pond Trail is the best hike I've gone on in the past five years. It was, for lack of a better word, epic. It's important to point out that Sky Pond is a strenuous hike, not for the faint of heart. It's a high-altitude hike that terminates at an altitude of 10,900 feet, with hikers experiencing almost 1800 feet in altitude gain on the trail.

When my friends and I decided to tackle this trail, it was an unusually misty and gray day. We ended up hiking through varying degrees of fog and mist for hours. The trees were covered with dew, and I felt like we were transported to a rainforest, which was a crazy feeling because Colorado is usually so dry.

What made this hike so magical was the moment we broke through the actual clouds and saw the sun shining on the valley below us. The clouds rolled in the valley below us, and I could believe how beautiful everything looked. The mountains still had snow on them in spots, and we pushed against the wind that whipped through the valley.

Even though Alltrails and other resources stated that the trip would take around 4.5 hours to complete, it ended up being an all-day affair. I was with a relatively large group for a hike, so we did have to match the pace of the slowest folks in the group (which also included me).

Some Final Tips If you're planning a hiking trip in Colorado, there are many wonderful trails throughout the state. Be prepared for Coloradans to be a little protective of their favorite trails, but you might befriend someone who may share their favorite hidden places to explore.

It's also possible to plan an affordable Colorado hiking trip throughout the year. If you don't feel like bringing gear, there are local shops such as Feral Mountain Company, REI, and Mountainside Gear Rental.

Check out the following places: The Bivvi (Bivouac) in Breckenridge and Telluride The Stay Amigo (Salida) The Pad (Silverthorne) Brynwood on the River (Estes Park) Spoke and Vine Motel (Palisade) Basecamp 550 (Ridgeway) Fall is a beautiful time to visit because the summer crowds have eased off quite a bit, and I find the overall hiking experience to be some of the best Colorado hiking of the year. These three trails are gifts that keep giving, and I discover something different each time I visit.

Michelle Jackson runs the website and podcast Square State, where she gets to unapologetically geek out about her state of Colorado. When she's not having random conversations with new people, she can be found hiking, biking, sitting on a patio, or exploring the mountains. Her ultimate goal is to normalize POC faces in outdoor spaces and stop surprising people when she says she's from Colorado.

HOW TO SPICE UP YOUR HIKES

By Becca Murphy

Have you ever gone hiking with someone that likes to speed to the top, snap a few photos, maybe eat a snack and then head straight down? If you're a day hiker, I think it is safe to say we have all been there. But as someone who loves to hike, I have learned to make every hike an experience that I love, and so can you! Like many activities, hiking is very personal, and you probably have a different hiking style than your friends and your family, and that's ok. To discover what makes you feel most at peace in the mountains, you should switch up your hiking routine. So how do you do this? Here are my top tips for making hiking a more personalized and enjoyable experience!

GET UP EARLY Early in the morning, the birds are singing, the water is flowing, and you can see the fog lifting from the sky; your cheeks are red from the crisp morning breeze, you're still cozy and bundled in your warm clothes, and there is no one else around you. As you start your day, you slowly sip your steamy cup of coffee or tea. These are the benefits of starting a hike in the morning when fewer people are on the trail.

Whenever you can, I recommend starting your hikes early so you can be surrounded by peace and watch as the world slowly comes to life.

SLOW DOWN There is no need to rush; it is not a race to the end. Go at your own pace, an enjoyable pace, where you can stop and take in the various views along the way. Make sure you hydrate, take deep breaths and exist in the long stretches of the path in front of you.

HAVE A PICNIC Picture this: you are on the final stretch, your legs are burning, and you are so close you can almost taste it. But what are you tasting? Is there a delicious treat in your backpack that is calling your name when you get to the top? The only thing that gets me through the last section of hikes is knowing how good my food will taste when I get there. If you don't have this feeling, I challenge you to bring food that makes your mouth water! Whenever I day hike, I do not pack light. Actually, I take a whole picnic. Make sure to have plenty of water to stay hydrated and any foods that excite you to eat. I always need something savory and sweet when hiking. My go-to foods are homemade burritos, fruit and nut granola, bananas and peanut butter, and dark chocolate. Sometimes I switch it up and bring apples, kombucha, or stir fry. One time I even made pumpkin waffles.

So what food gets you excited? Also, always bring extra! It's the worst when you run out of food and head down because of the dreaded stomach rumble. If you dream of eating it on a mountain, there's probably a way you can. You have to get creative.

BRING YOUR HOBBY Have you ever made your hobbies and passions portable and brought them to the mountains? If there is something you love to do in your free time, I encourage you to bring it with you in any capacity you can and cultivate your craft in nature. I have had some of my most creative moments within the trees. Imagine a small canvas with bright blues and yellows, a song you wrote, or a journal stained with dirt and wrinkled from little raindrops helping you tell your story.

I carry a journal and a book whenever I hike because reading and writing are my two favorite activities. However, sometimes I switch it up and bring my sewing needle and fabric, paints, or a yoga mat (trust my yoga at the top of a mountain is incredible). You can also bring more than one if you plan to stay in the mountains longer than a few hours.

DO NOT DISTURB Have you ever been in a moment where you are sitting smelling the earthy green notes of nature, and the next, your phone is buzzing you out of the calm? This scenario happened one too many times for me, so now I never have my phone on when I hike unless I need the map, or I want to take a few photos. I never answer messages or emails and try to disconnect from the world. This disconnection allows me to focus on using all my senses to connect with nature and do things that bring me peace and enjoyment. Try to disconnect to the best of your ability. Maybe this isn't possible for everyone, but I challenge you to turn your phone off or put it on "do not disturb" for at least thirty minutes.

SWITCH IT UP Do you have a favorite hike? Maybe a favorite hiking buddy? If so, that is great, but make sure to switch it up sometimes and go to new places with new faces or perhaps even try a solo hike. Changing where you go gets you out of your comfort zone and allows you to see more beautiful sights to decide where your absolute favorite places are and which terrain you like most. You also learn a lot about other people while hiking, and their hiking style might give you inspiration on how to create your unique style.

I hope this gave you some inspiration on how to implement the things you love into your hiking experience. There are so many ways to spice up how you spend your time on the trails; it just takes some trial and error to decide what works for you. So, get out there and explore and let us know what you discover about how you like to hike!

Growing up in Bend, OR, Becca began running, swimming, and snowboarding at a very young age, where she learned the importance of living an active and balanced life. Throughout the years, trying new activities, meeting new people, and challenging herself were the things that kept her motivated and moving. Between her passion for adventure, the outdoors, and writing, Becca loves creating stories for brands and people with a sustainable, wellness, and outdoor focus.

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Healing is Part of the Journey

BY CHRISTINE REED

At the end of April, I would normally be hitting the trails, creeping up in elevation as the snow begins to melt, making big plans for the upcoming hiking season. This year was different. On April 22nd, I closed my eyes as anesthetic burned into the veins of my left hand.

My only plans for the next six weeks? Healing from surgery.

The first days after surgery were the hardest, of course. I swallowed mega doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen on a two-hour rotation. My best friend and my partner stayed close at hand to bring me water and snacks and help me stand up to hobble into the bathroom. I watched more TV in a week than I’ve watched in the last year. Spring sunshine streamed in the window, never letting me forget what I was missing.

I don’t feel like myself when I lay around the house. My self is on the trail. That’s where I met her. That’s where I go when I feel like I’m losing her. The sun knows my face not through a window but through a layer of pasty mineral sunscreen.

Many years ago, I chose to take care of my body by hiking and running and prioritizing movement, and to give that up—even for a few weeks—feels like a broken promise to the woman I’ve become in those years. That’s exactly why I’d been putting off surgery.

Instead of making a doctor’s appointment in early 2021 when my symptoms started, I packed food resupplies for the Colorado Trail. I hiked. I gazed over endless mountain vistas. I frolicked among the wildflowers. I tightened my pack's hip belt down over the dull ache in my uterus, relieving me from having to press my fist into the pain like I normally do on a bad day.

I wanted to heal something on the Colorado Trail. I wanted the trail to heal me, like it had in so many ways before. But walking can only do so much. The trail holds magic, but not that kind.

So, after the Colorado Trail, I acquiesced to the demands of my body and went to the doctor. When they described how they would cut into me, I didn’t worry about the effects of anesthesia, or the risk of complications, or what they might find once they were in there. I only worried that all my hard-won cardio fitness and my identity as a hiker would disappear along with the endometriosis through tiny incisions in my abdomen.

The doctors said I’d be back to my normal routine a week after surgery—the only caveat being ‘don’t lift more than ten pounds and no strenuous exercise.’ They didn’t seem to understand my normal routine at all. So, I asked at every consult appointment and again as I lay in the pre-op room in the worn blue gown. But when can I hike again?

But soon a month had passed. In late May, I sweated my way to McAfee’s Knob in Virginia with almost nothing in my day pack. Then Black Balsam Knob in North Carolina. Now that I’m back home in Colorado, I’m taking every chance to hike I can get. Might even be blowing off other responsibilities to get more trail time. Come to think of it, I’ve probably gotten more trail miles in the last month than most non-thru-hiking months in the last few years.

Chronic illness has made every step on my journey to becoming a hiker a challenge. But every challenge has been an invitation to push myself a little harder.

"But mostly I was worried that I wouldn’t be mentally strong enough to push through."

I was worried that getting back on my feet after surgery would be hard. I was worried that my POTS symptoms would flare up from a month of full rest (and they did). But mostly I was worried that I wouldn’t be mentally strong enough to push through. That I would feel like I was back at square one. That I would wonder if it was worth it.

It can be so uninspiring to be working your way back to where you use to be. To be putting in the workouts, the hours, the miles—all the while seeing an old version of yourself, the before photo. But my life, my body, my journey is not a linear one. Sometimes the trail winds back and forth before leading us to our summit. Sometimes we go one way only to realize we must backtrack and go the other way.

Having surgery wasn’t a setback, just a step in another direction toward overall wellness. Exercise and fitness are not a holistic system

of caring for a body. My body also needs healthy food, and rest, and love, and sometimes medical intervention. I’ve added a few more little scars to my collection. Another reminder that this body has a lot of experience with healing.

Like it always does, time away has inspired me to make even bigger plans. The me I found on the trail is a dreamer and she hasn’t gone anywhere. So, here’s to a season of hikes to get my cardio fitness back. At least I’m carrying a little less extra weight—thanks to the surgeon.

Christine Reed is an avid amateur outdoorswoman. Her upbringing as a military brat taught her to see everywhere and nowhere as home.

She didn't start hiking until after college, when she realized she wasn't sure where her life was headed and sought out a defined path on the Appalachian Trail.

She's currently living in a converted Ford Transit, hiking, rock climbing and kicking around the US, and working on a debut memoir about life, hiking, and human connection.

Follow her on Instagram.

www.hikeitofflife.com

“I’VE LEARNED THAT MAKING A ‘LIVING’ IS NOT THE SAME AS ‘MAKING A LIFE.” – MAYA ANGELOU

Fall 2022 Issue Twelve CEO & Chief Editor- Jaime Purinton Chief Lollygagger & Director of Vibe- Tony Purinton Writers: Jessica Mehta Christine Reed Michelle Jackson Becca Murphy Monet Yelsnick

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