Hiker Blog

Retreats in Australia's outback let eco-adventurers and wine lovers alike - " of all levels and abilities - " get off the grid in style with these getaways that shout, Visit me! This country isn't just worth ... via Huliq.com

"It's not a common experience to see a lot of snakes because if you're making noise and they know that you're coming, they're trying to get away from you as well"

The Great Outdoors can be a scary, scary place. But it doesn't have to be. Phil Gaines, the South Carolina director of State Parks, says many of our outdoor fears are because of our unfamiliarity with nature. via The Greenville News

"My husband packs a few short-sleeve polos, khakis, bathing suits and voila! He's good to go. For me, not so much"

Honeymoons are big business in the United States. With more than 2.4 million weddings occurring each year, those happy couples spend $8 billion a year on their honeymoon With that kind of serious money going ... via Williamsburg Magazine

"Hiking sticks are usually worth 65 cents each, unless they have unusual characteristics like a deep vine growth ring the length of the stick. The rooted sticks, like sassafras and sumac, can bring as much as $ 1. 25 each."

A hiker uses a stout walking stick for leverage to go up and over the last boulder blocking an incredible view of the mighty Yellowstone River below. via Herald-Leader

People go camping and hiking because they love the outdoors, right? They're probably the first people to go green, right?

Not necessarily -- and I include myself among those who have been too careless at times. If only I could turn back the clock...

If Steve Nash can talk trash in new Nike shoes made from trash, outdoors enthusiasts can pick up their trash in the outdoors -- and more. (Just think, 'Will work for trees.' Sounds kinda nice.)

Several organizations, including Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly, work to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts on the environment. (You can find out more about them at www.lnt.org and www.treadlightly.org.) Read more

ZION NATIONAL PARK - Every summer I drive through the east section of Zion National Park and see people crawling all over the slickrock on the side of the road. via TheSpectrum.com

"You can lose track of one another, so staying together is key"

The skill of route-finding is a lot different than riding a bike. A student can learn it well, but the know-how won't necessarily be there in 20 years, like balancing on a bike will be. via Statesman Journal

"We saw it come in and we were very scared"

TURNAROUND: Marjuni Ibrahim, a former member of the Free Aceh Movement walks in a jungle in Indonesia's Aceh province. via Stuff

"I can't wait to buy him his first Trek"

Sweat, boots and bike shorts don't whisper romance to most. But for three area couples, their bike path, hiking trail and race course dates crooned the language of love. via Chattanooga Times Free Press

For a serious hiking trip, prepare for the unexpected. Before setting out, consider the following guidelines offered by the American Red Cross: n Review the equipment and supplies you'll need during the outing. via The Olympian