I'd Rather Walk

View from the Bottom of the World – Back from Patagonia

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s already been a full week since I made the 30+ hour return trip back home from my multi-day hiking and camping trip in Patagonia, at Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park.

I had the advantage of making the trip with the wonderful people at G Adventures – and they handled all of the details and the heavy lifting. All I had to do was show up with the right gear, and in good enough shape to make the trek.

Returning to Puerto Natales from Torres del Paine National Park.

NOTE: I finally completed the whole trip report, with advice on what to pack, difficulty level, etc. See the full story here.

Continue reading View from the Bottom of the World – Back from Patagonia

Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success

Most recently updated July 7th, 2023

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Everyone should do some research before trying a new physical activity – and prepping for a hike is no different.

For asthmatics, failing to prepare properly for a hike can have results ranging from mildly unpleasant to catastrophic.

Be prepared, but don’t be so nervous that you don’t go out at all – walking is a natural exercise for us.

Most of us have been doing it since we were very young.

That said, in all of my posts I’m only speaking from my own experiences dealing with lifelong chronic severe asthma, including exercise induced asthma.

I’ve come up with methods, including modifying my diet and taking vitamins, that enable me to be very physically active in spite of it – maybe they will work for you, too. Continue reading Hiking With Asthma! A 3-Step Plan for Success

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

Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own

Most recently updated January 18th, 2022

Estimated Reading Time: 4.3 minutes

When I first began hiking as a hobby, I was working at a fulltime tech job, was a single mom of a toddler with few babysitters available, and my closest family was 1500 miles away.

Of necessity, most of my activities (outside of work) included the company of my Mini-Me, and hiking was no exception.

Hiking at Hanging Rock State Park with Peanut!

My daughter loved the adventure, seeing new things, and being an intrepid explorer with her Mama!

We explored local parks and greenways, both on foot and on bikes and rollerblades.

Then, when she was old enough, we were able to visit a lot of State Parks, and go on longer unpaved trails with more varied terrain.

Continue reading Simple Ways to Start Hiking – With Kids or On Your Own