Tips for Going on a Hike

I have learned from my previous adventures that there are certain things you need to go on a hike.

These things are essential to having an amazing experience. You need snacks (like a small trail mix), you need a drink or drinks depending on the length of your journey, a travel bag of some sort to hold your items, and a walking stick is optional.

You need snacks and a drink because there is nothing worse then being two miles into the forest and being super thirsty or hungry. Now your water or drink amount is really dependent on the length of the trip, for example don't bring ten water bottles if your going on a hike that is only two miles. Another thing that is super important is some sort of travel bag to hold your snacks and drinks because you don't wanna have your hands full or occupied while climbing a steep hill because you most likely will end dropping them and be forced to go back down to get them. A walking stick is optional because you might need one if you are on really rocky terrain and you might need extra stability. But you might not need one cause you might be on flat ground and have to carry something extra unless you just like having a walking stick (it's all preference). I make it priority that I have these things because if I didn't then the hike wouldn't be as fun.

These things are almost essential and need to be had to have an enjoyable experience. Just to re-cap those items are, drinks, snacks, and a bag to carry those things (walking stick optional). Those are some tips on what is needed to hike.  

Paved Trails (River Legacy Park)

It rained last weekend which brings natural trail hiking to a halt because of the mud and dangers (slipping, inability to climb). A good alternative would be to hike on a paved trail. The one I will be reviewing will be River Legacy trail in Arlington, TX which I visited this weekend.

River Legacy Park has different amenities such as a playground, nature center, picnic areas, and a biking/hiking trail. The first thing I noticed was how manicured and clean it was. It definitly has a "park feel". If you are hiking for challenges or hiking for relaxation this may not be the hike for you. I found that sharing a trail with cyclists can be very annoying because you always have to be cautious so that you don't get hit. One benifit would be that you can go during any season or weather because it is paved. The other plus would be you don't have to be cautious of your footing or foot placement since it is straight and stable concrete. The other advantage would be if you have siblings or children you can take them to the playground after the hike to burn out extra energy.

This paved trail was definitly pretty good if the weather was bad the previous day or you just want to hike on a straight and stable surface. I would definitly recommend this as a family orientated trail fun for everyone. Although I did still have the ability to hike it reminded me that I do like natural trails better.  I'm eager to see what next week brings because hiking is always an adventure.    

My First Hike

We arrived at Cedar Ridge Preserve shortly after sunrise and it was a little chilly outside. We really just showed up thinking it was some what of a litte "walk".  Little did I know this would be my favorite hike to date for many reasons.

Now throughout my experiences on many trails my first hiking locatiton is my favorite because it had everything I liked and nothing I didn't like. First it had beautiful landscapes such as, being on top of a towering hill that overlooked my hometown in way I had never seen before, to an amzing pond with fish and turtles, to the flat grounds with what seemed like millions of wild flowers. Second, the route was flawless in the that you were always surprised at every turn. I climbed steep and challenging hills that made me aware that you needed your ankles very much in a way I was not used to. Next, the air was very crisp and clean in a way that connected you to nature and made you feel at home. Lastly, the ground was a natural trail surface which is soft and easy to climb and walk on over many miles.

This trail left the biggest impression on me. After doing many trails this one has still stuck out due to the perfect conditions it has and the amazing scenery out of all the hikes I have been on. I would definetly recommend this trail to anyone who wants to start hiking in Cedar Hill because it is still my favorite to date.  

Why Hike?

Why hike? Who hikes? These were the questions I asked myself as I was dragged on a "family adventure". It sounds like the the most ridiculous thing ever just walking around "nature" with a bunch of dirt and trees.

That all changed when I actually showed up to the trail and looked around and saw people from all walks of life getting out of their cars with their gear, with their family or by themselves. I guess at that moment I saw exactly who hikes. People hike, that's it just normal people, people like me. Then I saw the nature and how amazing it looked and how the air was different and even how everything had its own little area that was it's own.  

In this blog I'm going to not only share my experiences hiking but I'm going show trails and share tips that I learned while hiking those trails. I'm also going to be showing my individual growth as a hiker and my journey as I explore my successes and failures of hiking.