Go Hiking And Become A Lion Tracker

Wait, what? No, just kidding. No amount of hiking will make you a lion tracker, but when your hiking you can dream about tracking lions.

Of course in my area of the country, “lions” are cougars. If there is any tracking going on they will be tracking you, not the other way around.

The Last Hike

Actually, what I wanted to discuss was last weekend’s hike. It was so cold with snow all the way up the trail. The snow was soft so I didn’t need my Microspikes on the way up. However, I did use my Trekking poles which I usually don’t use going up hill.

The snow was deep as you got closer to the top and my toes were getting cold. Climbing over the rocks, my gloves got wet and then froze. It took me three hours to get to the top and usually only takes me 2 hrs 15 minutes on a good day.

Boots

I see people coming up the mountain when there is snow in their tennis shoes. Maybe they don’t care if they reach the top and just figure they will go as far as they can. That’s foolish in my opinion. Unless you’re a trail runner and then you are a different breed. I saw one with no water, no pack, no jacket. Just tights.

Get some boots!

Jackets and Umbrellas

Layers are the best, but at least wear a jacket. Two weeks ago I saw young man coming up the trail in his T-shirt. I asked him if he knew who Wim Hof was and I was sure he was a follower, but he didn’t know anything about the Ice Man.

You don’t need an umbrella, but I see people carrying them. One guy was ingenious. He devised a connection on his pack where he inserts the umbrella so he doesn’t have to hold it. I am not sure what might happen if he trips.

This Week’s Hike

Tomorrow morning is supposed to be cold and cloudy which could mean snow. You just never know. So be prepared people! It is hard to predict what a trail will be like until you are on it.

See you in the mountains!