Good And Not So Good Aspects Of Hiking

Hiking is an excellent activity and as we have mentioned numerous times here at Sudir Raju’s Blog, it can bring you great physical and mental benefits to you, your family, loved ones and even your pets if you choose to bring them along. On top of that, if you add the fact that living around the Washington, DC and Maryland area provides you with a unique opportunity to have some of our nation’s greatest park within reach, and you have a great mix of reasons to engage in this enriching activity.

However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t certain drawbacks or perhaps some aspects that require some extra consideration since they may be seen as counterpoints to the positive nature of hiking, camping and generally spending time in the outdoors. That is why today, we want to take a look at the good, the bad and the halfway in between when it comes to hiking. We want you to take an honest look at some of the clearest advantages while also consider some of the possible shortcomings you may experience while engaging in this wonderful and fulfilling activity.

A great physical activity

Hiking is an amazing physical activity. A long-hour hike is said to burn between 350 and 550 calories depending on the weight of your pack. On top of that, walking is an exercise that the body is able to naturally process and that strengthens your core, legs, back and pretty much every muscle you have on top of your lung capacity and overall endurance.

One of the greatest things about hiking is that there are no general standards stuck to it so you may take it as easy or as intense as you want it to be. The same route could be done slowly and at an easy pace while someone else may go all out and create a true challenge from what may seem like a simple hike.

The possibility of injury

As with all physical activity, the possibility for injury or hiking-derived illnesses is present, however, that is not meant to discourage you, but instead to motivate you to learn and understand about possible risks in order to avoid them. Slipping and falling is common, so it is important to workout, to have the right shoes and equipment and to watch the way you walk, remember you are going the distance and therefore you must watch yourself and take things easy. It is important that you have with you the right equipment with you in case you need first aid and that you always tell someone where you are going.

Fatigue and elevation sickness are also some health concerns you need to keep in mind, and preventing them is your responsibility. You need to know your own limits and not take lightly the symptoms you may experience if anything isn’t going right. Lightheadedness and nausea are good indicators that something is not right and you may be pushing yourself too hard.  

Reconnecting with nature

Hiking and camping are great ways to reconnect with our roots and go back to nature. Breathing the fresh air and hearing the sounds of nature are experiences that few activities other than hiking and camping can offer and that is the main reason they should be greatly appreciated. The time you spend outdoors is a great exercise for your mind and not just your body, the benefits that come from pulling yourself away from the stress of daily life and the city are immense and that is why this activity is so valuable. Learn to be out there, learn to survive and thrive in the outdoors and you will become the better person for it.

Image courtesy of Transguyjay at Flickr.com

Leaving family behind

All that closeness with nature does come at a prize and like any other activity that takes up your time; it pulls you away from other aspects of your life including your family. This is the main reason why we always recommend that you include your family and loved ones in your hobby, however, we understand that this isn’t always possible and that is why it is important to understand that saying goodbye can be hard sometimes. Depending on how serious you are about hiking, you may have to stay away for weeks or even months at a time.

The possibility to pick up a new hobby

As we have mentioned in our blog before, hiking leads to other activities that fit perfectly with your trips to the outdoors. Photography, geocaching, and journaling are some of the most common ones that come to mind and they are serious possibilities worth exploring. Hiking means having lots of time for your mind to wonder, so it is great to make it interesting by adding something else to do while you are at it.

The boredom and loneliness

The counterpoint to our last aspect to consider is the boredom that can come from spending hours walking.

Like we said before, you can keep your mind occupied by adding extra activities to your hike and using it as an opportunity to expand your hobbies and interests.

 

Tips For Getting Ready Your New RV For Camping Season

Although winter is not particularly known for being prime camping season, many RV shoppers firmly believe this is, in fact, the perfect time for shopping a rig —older and prior models get discounts, and newer versions of those models are arriving in the stores. If you happen to be lucky enough, you may as well find yourself at the end of the winter season with a whole new rig to get ready for camping season in Maryland. Regardless of whether you are an RV pro or simply an RV enthusiast, here are some tips for making the most out of your new camping rig and enjoying Maryland and the nice Mid-Atlantic weather.

As Sudir Raju has mentioned before, every outdoor activity demands preparations and dispositions. If you want to spare yourself the traditional campground frustration, acknowledge your rig prior to recklessly hopping into your new vehicle with no insights on it and before hitting the road. Save a day to get familiar with your RV —and if possible go to the nearest driveway and have it go through the paces. This, of course, includes knowing how to manipulate the refrigeration, the air conditioning, pulling the canopy out, etc. If the RV you just purchased (or are planning on purchasing) was initially winterized, the de-winterization process gives you the chance to get more familiar with the black tank and the vehicle’s water system. And yes: it’s definitely a good idea to keep that owner’s manual at hand just in case. If you come across something you don’t definitely understand, run a short Google search and join an RV forum —there are dozens!—, or a Facebook group. You will certainly find plenty of voices of advice.

Go shopping

Many RV pros would assert without hesitation that stocking a whole new rig is definitely no big deal. After all, you’ve been through it many times, right? However, reality dictates otherwise —surprisingly, stocking an RV rig is not as basic or simple as moving objects and items from one vehicle to another. Since RV layout and storage spaces can differ from one another, you may be prompted to reconsider how and what you’re gonna be stocking. If you happen to be an RV enthusiast and a total newbie, resort to the aforementioned Facebook groups and forums and learn from experienced RV campers and drivers by finding a basic stocking checklist online.

Once you get a hold of a sample stocking checklist, try to find out how you can adapt it to your need and the features of your new rig. As you load and stock items into the vehicle, consider including additional space and storage solutions to make the most of the space you’re gonna be using.

Fix what needs to be fixed

As you go through your new rig and stock your vehicle, you also may come across several things in need of repair. Make a list of these items and vehicle features and take care of them before you embark yourself on the adventure. If you purchased a new RV, and while stocking it you find manufacturing defects or flaws, resort to your vehicle’s warranty prior to hitting the roads as well. If you purchased a used vehicle, instead, you may be forced to take care of these flaws by yourself; however, most of them can easily be taken care of. Go to YouTube and find whether someone else has had the same problem. He or she will certainly provide you with a solution.

With that said, and knowing upfront and beforehand that there’s nothing like kicking off the camping season with a whole new rig, Maryland is ready for you. Here are some other tips for an affordable RV trip.

Maryland and its neighbors possess several of the country’s most coveted campgrounds, like the Jellystone Park in Williamsport, for example. In fact, finding a location is the least complicated issue when it comes to going camping. Now that we’ve covered some tips for getting a proper camping rig, it is time to bust the most common myths around this traditional and enjoyable activity. An RV trip can be as cheap or inexpensive as you want it to be depending on the decisions you make and the choices you take along the way. Is it possible to get a camping getaway on a tight budget? Definitely, it is.

Campground savings

Choosing the right campground prior to hitting the roads is the best way to make the most out of your budget. Maryland’s state and national parks can cost less per night compared to their private campground counterparts. Nonetheless, always strive to take a look at the whole package when making this call. If you come across a more expensive option that offers other features and amenities such as recreational opportunities or food that you and your family can use, then it might be worth those extra dollars.

Besides, since the idea of having an RV is going from one place to another, consider spending time between private and national campgrounds.

Image courtesy of Tim Wright at Unsplash.com

Manage your meals properly

Food is the most expensive travel expense, but it shouldn’t prevent you from having a good time. When you carry your own kitchen with you, there’s no reason not to make the most out of it and use it as much as you want. When going camping, the main goal is to eat at least two home-prepared meals per day. Since you’re going to be spending the day exploring, hiking or trekking, pack a picnic to take with your —a bag of snacks and trail mix will keep those calories high for the extra activity you will be doing.

But most importantly: keep track of your expenses! The aforementioned tips mean nothing if you don’t keep track of the expenses. You want to know precisely what you spend your budget on and avoid possible money problems in the middle of your trip.

Where To Try Cross Country Skiing In Maryland: The Perfect Place For Beginners

Maryland, as mentioned in previous articles by Sudir Raju, is a state full of breathtaking elements, ranging from incredible places to explore a sheer array of outdoor activities to participate in. Be that as it may, irrespective of whether you are a local or from a non-mid-Atlantic state, Maryland and its neighbors offer individuals a myriad of opportunities to have a great time outside their homes.

Given the nature of the mid-Atlantic weather, it is known that winter season tends to be somewhat intense, and hence the wide variety of winter sports and activities people can do: skiing, cross-country skiing, skating, snowboarding, etc. Nonetheless, when it comes to finding a funny yet doable winter activity one of the greatest winter exercises in Maryland is the aforementioned cross-country skiing. This enjoyable activity serves as the most perfect scenario for exploring and discovering new areas in Maryland and its surroundings given the variety of parks and open areas. Besides, it is a top exercise and you will be able to test your endurance in case you happen to be a fitness enthusiast. Since, as mentioned above, each winter comes with a no less than considerable amount of snow, there are plenty of options to hit the closes snowy trail an try this activity. Therefore, below you will find several places where you can try this out or even find lessons and proper equipment rental for a unforgettable cross-country skiing in the state.

First and foremost, and prior to mentioning what places you can visit in order to try cross country skiing, it is important to mention that there are basically two different types of this activity. One is often commonly referred to as classic skiing whereas the other one is known as skate skiing. Of course, it is not necessary to mention that the latter resembles skating. Even though skate skiing happens to be much faster than its counterpart, it does require a greater physical effort, deeper knowledge, specialized equipment and depends a lot upon terrain conditions as the trails must be specifically tailored for this activity.

The classic skiing activity is normally done moving the skies in parallel motion one after the another. It is, of course, much easier than the traditional stake skiing and less demanding in terms of physical condition and effort; however, it is definitely much slower and you will be traveling at rather slow pace in comparison. Although many individuals prefer to do the classic skiing on tailored trials (moving across two slots that are set on the ground), it is perfectly possible to carry out this type of winter activity on what is often dubbed as semi-tailored or groomed trails, even in light of the absence of any tailored trail at all.

Every time you step outside the trail, the sport or the activity receives another name: backcountry skiing, which is another version of the classic cross-country skiing and happens to be even more physically demanding. Those who prefer this version require skis that are specifically tailored for this type of skiing.

Now that you are aware of the types of winter cross-country activities you can do in Maryland, here are some of the places people go to to try this out:

Herrington Manor State Park

This park is located right outside Oakland and covers more than 350 acres. The park, as mentioned above, is an area where both amateurs and enthusiasts, as well as experienced skiers can visit. The park offers rentals and includes a wide variety of trails to explore during winter season. Just make sure to go prepared enough in order to avoid any possible setback.

Image courtesy of Timo Newton-Syms at Flickr.com

Savage River Lodge

This another popular area in Maryland to practice cross country skiing. This 700-acre property includes more than 15 miles of different trails which vary in difficulty. Just like the previous area, this place also offers equipment rental and lessons for those who are not familiar with the activity. Given the fact that this area is somewhat large, it is also recommendable to make your family or loved ones aware of your whereabouts just in case.

Wisp Resort

Wisp Resort happens to be one of Maryland’s most popular destination for those who are fond of any sort of outdoor activities. During winter season, aside from tubing, downhill skiing and ice skating, the resort offers a wide variety of cross country skiing opportunities. The resort includes a 40-kilometer trail full of both flat and steep terrains and different types of areas, making this place particularly coveted by both amateurs and cross country skiing enthusiasts fond of wooded areas, snowy trails, forests, etc. The place also has equipment rentals and offers lessons in case you have not tried this exercise before but are seeking out to try it out.

* Featured Image courtesy of Aaron Hawkins at Flickr.com

The Most Important Tools Of The Trade In The World Of Hiking

If you decide to talk about gear, be sure that if you ask twenty different people you will receive twenty different “absolutely ultimate” packing lists with items they will swear by, and that you couldn’t be without while hiking. Needless to say, everyone has a way of doing things and while some hikers are over packers a carry enough gear to be ready for any contingency, you also have people on the other side of the isle who can pack enough to survive out there for days in a fanny pack, and still have room for snacks. The truth of the matter is, you want to find a comfort in between those two types of people, and in order to do that, you must understand your gear and the reasoning behind choosing it. In our particular case living around the Maryland and Washington, DC area, we have to consider aspects, like the weather and the current season of the year.

Our beautiful Mid-Atlantic States offer us a unique opportunity to see the outdoors all year-round in all kinds of weather and also to enjoy parks that have activities for everyone interested in light runs through the woods, all the way to a week-long camping trip. During the summer you can venture out and take day trips wearing shorts and sneakers, or jog through the woods as part of your morning exercise routine. If you are more dedicated than that, then you can walk a part of the Appalachian Trail or camp out at one of our amazing national parks in early winter. Anything you want we have it, so today in Sudir Raju’s blog we want to help you choose the gear you need to enjoy the outdoors wisely and make sure you are prepared for anything that the wilderness may throw at you.

Footwear

This is, in my opinion, the most important piece of gear any hiker can have. Your footwear is what is going to make the biggest difference in your hike, so make sure that you have the right shoes for the job and that they are of quality. There is no such thing as a pair of shoes that are good for everything, however, there are choices that are more versatile than others under certain terrain conditions, weather settings and even foot shape. Make sure you have a professional guide you through your purchase. In the Washington, DC area you can visit Arc’teryx if you want to find friendly staff, professional advice and a great selection of shoes for all of your needs.

Image courtesy of Pixabay at Pexels.com

Backpack

If the shoes are important, then your backpack comes a very close second. The pack you carry on your hikes depends mostly on the length of your adventure. You could have a large pack to carry everything you will need for a few days, but also take with you a daypack that you can use to carry the essentials if you are just going to leave your camp for a few hours. Casual Adventure Outfitters is a great little shop located in Arlington, VA where you can find a great selection of backpacks, but mainly where you can get someone to help size it for you and tell you exactly how it should feel on your back so you can make the right choice.

Clothing

Clothing once again depends a lot on the weather and the terrain you will be crossing. It is important to cover your skin as much as you can during the summer to avoid sunburn and mosquito bites. Normally you wear cotton in the daily basis because it breathes easy and is light, however it is not the best type of clothing if you are going to wear it for more than a day and you want it to keep you dry. Special clothing can be found in a big store like Patagonia for example, a place that has been doing this for many years and has a selection big enough to meet the needs of just about every outdoor sportsman who visits.

Map and Compass

Even if you know the routes, you should have a current map and a working compass on you at all times to avoid getting lost. Trails are usually well marked and it is advisable that you stay on the trails, however, it is possible that you have to divert from the main road due to the weather, dangerous animals present in the trail or even an injury.

Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Even in cold weather you can sustain sunburn easily and damage your eyes from sun glare. Sunglasses make it easier for you to rest your eyes as you walk and they protect you from UV light. Sunscreen is a must for every outdoor activity you do, due to the risk of skin cancer and many other complications linked to direct exposure.

Another place we highly recommend for you to visit in you are looking for gear and to get prepared for your next hike is REI in Washington, DC. This large chain can be found all over the world and their products are of the best quality.

* Featured Image courtesy of Tirachard Kumtanom at Pexels.com