What I am outlining is only our opinion, and I am sure others have different ideas; if so, I would like to hear them. We climb slow and steady and rest often. My wife is 70 and I am 78, so we hike at a pace that is comfortable for us. We do not attempt any hikes that we feel are beyond our ability, and if we reach a point that looks too difficult for us, we stop, eat lunch, return to the car, then find a spot by some river and sit and read. This years hikes have been in the 3-6 mile range with moderate difficulty. We do not hike on weekends or when it is raining or 90 degrees, and we try to be on the trail by 6:30 am when it is cooler.
WE HIKE PREPARED because we have seen and heard of too many instances where hikers have been injured or lost because they did not have the proper equipment.
First and foremost, make sure you are healthy enough to make the climb. My wife works out at least three times a week while I walk at least two miles. We do this year round. This is a good cardio workout. You are strengthening your legs and building stamina. Your legs and knees should be able to take the walking over rocks and tree roots going up and especially coming down.
Know where you are going, the length of the trail, and the elevation gain. Get a description of the trail. The AMC guide book is excellent and has saved us from taking on trails that are too difficult for us. Bring a map, preferably the NH & Maine White Mountains waterproof trail map. It includes the appalachian trail, mileage between points, the National Forest, 4000 footers, winter trails, and camping areas. It is put out by mapadventures. Take a compass and know how to read it. Many rely on a cell phone for an emergency, but in many areas there is no coverage, so we also take a whistle. It is better than yelling and can be heard from some distance.
Footwear is very important because you need something to support your ankles. Must have a good tread to grip on the rocks and ledges you will encounter. We have seen people hiking in low sneakers, sandals, and street shoes, which is just plain stupid. They are the ones that slip and end up needing help.
You need to have the proper clothing. Remember you can always remove something if you get too hot. If the weather looks the least bit like rain, we take a light weight rain jacket (even a poncho will suffice). An extra pair of sox is always in our pack plus an extra t-shirt. If you anticipate stream crossings, of which there are usually a few, take a cheap pair of croks so you are not getting your boots wet. Hiking in wet boots and sox will result in blisters and the little time it takes to change shoes is well worth it.
Wear a backpack that is comfortable and will hold extra clothes, first aid kit, and food, and water for a day hike. Depending on the time of year and the hike you are planning, a hooded sweatshirt would be in order. Shorts or long pants is up to you except the more exposed skin makes more fodder for the mosquitoes and horseflies. A hat for the sun or bandana will keep the sweat out of you eyes and come in handy if you have to clean a scrape. Always bring a first aid kit, with alcohol, bandages, an antibiotic and bug spray.
Food, for day hikes we take a couple of sandwiches, bananas, and trail mix, water with electrolytes and we are good to go.
I will be posting information and pictures of our hikes in the next blog.
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