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.

 

Some Of The Best Biking Routes You Have To Visit In Washington, DC

Washington, DC is a city that offers a unique experience when it comes to enjoying the outdoors and exercising alongside nature in one of its many parks and green getaways. Those of us living in DC or in the nearby areas should consider ourselves lucky and blessed for having such opportunity and that is why today here at Sudir Raju’s blog we want to talk about another way of enjoying the outdoors, and that is by biking.

Biking is very special in Washington, DC not only because of the many routes and trails available to enthusiasts of the sport but also because amongst the many advantages offered to cyclist here, there is a very popular bike rental service, Capital Bike Share. Having a bike in DC simply makes sense. You can bypass traffic, exercise and truly enjoy the things the city has to offer.

In today’s article, we want to tell you about some of the best choices at your disposal when it comes to choosing a route that matches your skill level, the time you can allocate to riding your bike and your equipment capability. All of this while at the same you are able to enjoy the scenery and feel safe as you ride some of the best routes available in Washington, DC.

Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath

This is an impressive 184-mile ride that follows the Potomac River through an unpaved road that will force you to choose your tires wisely. This trail offers sites for you to camp, get water and socialize with other fellow travelers if you are inclined to do so. Around Fletcher’s Cove you can find canoe rentals if you want to hit the river for a while and relax. The C&O Canal Towpath is a total adventure you can undertake and enjoy as much of it as you really want.

Mt. Vernon Trail

Leading all the way up to Mt Vernon, this paved road will take you through 18 miles of asphalt and well-kept trails. The great thing about the Mt. Vernon path is that it actually intersects with a few other roads and trails of varying difficulty levels and lengths that you can also enjoy. These go all over Virginia and the nearby territories. Most of the trail is quite flat, so this is perfect for those who want to avoid hills and more difficult terrain.

Sligo Creek Trail

This is another greatly paved trail that spans over 10 miles. It takes its name from the nearby Sligo Creek and it is considered one of the most scenic trails around the DC area. During rush hour, you can expect a lot of cars on the points where the trail intersects major roads, however, the path is well-kept and signaled so you won’t have any difficulties navigating it. Here you can find a helpful map so you can plan your trip and be prepared beforehand.

Image courtesy of Nur Andi Ravsanjani Gusma at Pexels.com

Hains Point

Hains Point is a little bit different from the rest of the trails of our list today. The loop is a lot shorter than the rest of our entries clocking just over 3 miles. This can present you with a whole new set of challenges as you attempt to beat your own time around the East Potomac Park. The views are peaceful and plentiful and you can really make this a meaningful workout if you chose to do so.

Capital Crescent

If you want to see the northern parts of DC and venture into Maryland, then you have to hit the Capital Crescent Trail. This paved path runs from Georgetown to Bethesda and it turns into gravel once it hits Silver Springs. This area is very beautiful and you have to enjoy it if you haven’t seen it before, it will offer you a great opportunity to ride and exercise.

Washington and Old Dominion Trail

This is a very popular trail used by many commuters coming from Virginia and nearby towns. Falls Church and Reston are some of the towns that the trail passes by, so this is a great way to visit if you want to leave your car at home. On the weekends you will find many people who decides to hit the trail and spend the afternoon pedaling away.

Fort Circle Trail

Fort Circle Trail is the only trail in DC that allows mountain biking, which means that in here you can find areas that are specially suited for the sport and with the right amount of difficult for enthusiasts of the sport. If you want to truly connect with nature, this 8-mile trail is the place to be, as you will probably find more local wildlife than actual people. This trail is an amazing experience, but be careful with the terrain as it may be treacherous and difficult to navigate if you are not experienced.

* Featured Image courtesy of Darcy Lawrey at Pexels.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

The Best Way To Enjoy The Outdoors In Maryland And DC

Living the in the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC area can afford you with a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Here in Sudir Raju’s we have talked about all the great hiking adventures you can enjoy within driving distance if you live in the tri-state area, the parks you can visit and the actual trails you may walk. The capital region is notorious for having literally hundreds of miles of scenic trails and parks, in which people of all walks of life and skill levels are able to enjoy the outdoors, sightsee and exercise. One of the best things about these activities is that the great majority of them are free and thanks to our amazing National Park Service, you have facilities available to you that are safe, clean, adequate for all of your needs and perfectly maintained. Spring is just around the corner and summer not far behind, which means that is the perfect time to get prepared, get your gear and plan your next adventure either by yourself, or accompanied by your loved ones.

Biking

Biking is a great activity to get into in Washington, DC. You can buy a bicycle that could simply set you back a couple hundred dollars or rent one easily to see if biking is truly your thing before committing to the purchase. The Capital Crescent Trail goes all the way from Georgetown to Silver Spring and it’s a great starting point for those who are new to biking, as long as they take on the 11 miles going southbound. Going in the opposite direction does require more stamina. If you want breathtaking views and something a little bit longer, give the Mount Vernon Trail a try and enjoy the 18 miles of flat and mostly car-free roads that are maintained by the National Park Service and thus provide you with bathrooms, picnic tables and stops to top off your water bottles.  

Parks and Picnics

Visiting a park and having a picnic is a great way to spend some time in the outdoors with the whole family, or maybe even with just that special someone. Washington, DC and the Maryland area offers a lot of great places to do so. If you want to have a picnic that is worthy of royalty, you can check out Hillwood Estate enjoy the spectacular gardens and not have to worry about bringing anything along since they will lend you a blanket and even sell all kinds of picnic fare. If you prefer a place where you can have some wine, then the Chrysalis Vineyards are for you. They have picnic areas, grills, tables and some of the most beautiful landscapes you can find around town. Just remember you cannot bring your own alcohol here if you want to drink.

Image courtesy of Samad Ismayilov at Pexels.com

Kayaking and boating

Kayaking and boating are very popular activities in Washington, DC and this is in part because there are many great places to do it and because there are many organizations that promote the activity by organizing day trips and excursions to many of the top spots around the area. Potomac Paddlesports is a great example of a place that offers classes, trips, and offers guides that will help you literally navigate the waters of the Potomac on the 10-mile stretch that is especially suited for these types of activities. Paddleboarding is also very popular in Washington, DC and there are a few companies that can provide you with equipment rentals, as well as with the training you need to get out there and enjoy yourself.

Places of interest to visit

One of the best things about Washington, DC is that there are so many things to see and that many of those places of interest are located in the outdoors. If you want to learn and experience some of our nation’s history then you can check out one of the many monuments and stroll down the National Mall, check out the sculpture gardens of the Hirshhorn Museum, visit the National Gallery of Art and even do some running or biking around the many attractions available. Rock Creek Park is a location you cannot miss since it offers a great feel of the outdoors, but without having to leave the city. The park is a nice location for families with children since many of their programs are directed towards the youngest members of the family.

Hiking

Hiking has been the main topic of most of our articles and that is because this is one of the best activities to do around Washington, DC. Not only are there many different choices for you to pick from, but also they are well maintained and diverse enough like to welcome the very beginners and challenge the most daring. Trails can be easy enough for you to finish within an hour and bring along every member of the family, and at the same time, you could actually walk quite a bit of the Appalachian Trail without having to leave home.

* Featured Image courtesy of Pixabay at Pexels.com