social Archives - I'd Rather Walk

Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 5.6 minutes

You can go visit the tigers again! — You can go visit the tigers!

Last summer I went back to visit the Carolina Tiger Rescue in Pittsboro, NC. I first visited the rescue about three years ago.

I originally heard about the organization many years ago, but life (work, childraising, etc) was more than busy enough already, so I let it go.

And then COVID limited all of our activities…

But lately, I’ve been taking another look at local volunteer opportunities – especially those dealing with animals and wildlife.

Saber Tiger and his friend greet the visitors.

The Carolina Tiger Rescue was high on my list of possibilities, and I visited their website to see what I could find.

The facility offers public tours by appointment Fri-Sun, so I reserved a ticket for one of their Friday morning tours. Continue reading Wild Things – A Short Hike at the Carolina Tiger Rescue

How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan

Most recently updated March 21st, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

These days, it’s more important than ever to maintain good health and fitness, no matter what your age.

But you’re busy, and can’t possibly squeeze in time for fitness training around your demanding job, family and household duties. I get it.

Inundated with things that we have to do, it’s easy to put off optional activities – including taking better care of ourselves physically.

But if you (like me and many other older adults) want to enjoy bucket list adventures that include active travel and hiking in remote places, it’s time to start training!

Each year, starting January, I do an 8-week hike training program to get ready for upcoming Spring hikes – and beyond!

It’s really to get fit for outdoor adventures in any month after weeks of Winter hibernating and celebrating 🙂

Read on to learn how you can personalize your training, with our without my 8 week plan, to help you get ready for adventure at any age!

Continue reading How to Get Fit for Active Retirement – Your Bucket List Training Plan

Trail Etiquette – Do’s, Dont’s and My List of Peeves

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Going for a hike in a park or Nature Reserve could be a solitary pursuit or an activity you engage in with other people (as on a group hike).

I’ve listed below some basic Hiking Etiquette 101. You should follow these simple rules of the trail to keep from being stalked by Rangers and irritating others on the trail.

We are serious about defending our lawns…

I’ve also included some peeves that are my experienced-hiker version of “Get off my lawn!”

If these things annoy me they probably annoy other people too. Continue reading Trail Etiquette – Do’s, Dont’s and My List of Peeves

Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest

Most recently updated July 30th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 8.5 minutes

Umstead State Park has been my go-to hiking place for at least the past ten years. I hike in the forest, or with the forest as a starting place, at least twice per week.

Sometimes I hike on my own, sometimes as a hike leader for Raleigh Recreational Hikers or I’d Rather Walk meetups.

Park History

Umstead State Park has a long history: initially a wild hardwood-forested area inhabited with bison, bobcats and elk, it later became the site for indigenous peoples homes and trade, was part of a land grant for farms in 1774.

Finally, in 1934 – through a joint effort of Federal and State agencies – 5,000 acres were purchased to create a public recreation area.

The Civilian Conservation Corp and the Works Progress Administration helped with construction, and the park was open to the public in 1937.

There are so many reasons to love this park, it’s hard to fit them all into a single post. So I’ll just start with my Top 3.

Continue reading Top 3 Reasons William B. Umstead State Park is my Favorite Forest

Why Hiking is the Best Exercise for Non-Conformists and Introverts

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Hiking is exercise, but its also much more than that – it’s a great way for introverts to do something with people with out really having to interact too much.

Hiking is really a multi-tasking activity: you can burn calories, work on your fitness, hike for weight loss, get green exercise, and all of the health benefits of spending time in the sunshine.

Hiking is not like belonging to a sports league or a doing a sport like tennis where you really can’t play on your own.

You can do it whenever and where ever suits your personal interests and schedule.

And you only have to hike with a group if you really want to. And especially fun for non-conformists, you don’t ever have to wear a uniform.

There are hikers of all ages, sexes, nationalities, fitness levels and personalities – and they may all show up for the same group hike!

Sometimes hiking on your own can be very peaceful.

Solo hiking (hiking on your own) might be the best option for you – for a number of reasons.

Both solo hiking and group hiking come with their own set of challenges and benefits, so it really comes down to what works the best for you.

Continue reading Why Hiking is the Best Exercise for Non-Conformists and Introverts