What to do when things go wrong: I'm Lost!

In a perfect world, hiking would be easy, navigation would be simple and no one would ever run into problems on the trail. But anyone who has ever spent any time outdoors knows that isn't the case.

No matter how many trips you've taken in the past or how much planning and research you do ahead of time, there will always be the chance you accidentally make a wrong turn, head off the trail and get lost.

Should you find yourself lost on the trail, the solution is simple; S.T.O.P

S - Stop
T - Think
O - Observe
P - Plan

To find out exactly what this means pay attention to this video. The details may just get you out of trouble one day.


What To Do If You Get Lost While Hill Walking from Simply Hike on Vimeo.

One day.. One day I'll Hike the AT

Since I got into hiking and the outdoors I've seen a lot of pictures and read a great number of fantastic places from around the globe.  One place that I always keep coming back to is the Appalachian Trail. Running between Georgia and Maine, the AT is about 2,200 miles long and goes through 14 different states.

I don't see myself doing a thru-hike of the trail any time soon, but it's always nice to see what I may have in store.  And thanks to this video we've got a chance to travel the Appalachian Trail without leaving home.

Pokemon GO: Good or Bad?

The debate has raged - well, not exactly raged so much as existed - since the launch of Pokemon Go. Is it good for the outdoor community? Is it good in general? What's a Pokemon and why are those kids on my lawn?

Luckily you've come to the Portly Hiker today where you'll get answers.

As the game launched yesterday here in Canada I downloaded, strapped on my shoes and headed out for some adventure, for purely scientific reasons of course.  So after spending the morning catching Pokemon I am fully prepared to give you the definitive answer to the question "Is Pokemon Go a good thing?".  And the answer...

A New Type of Bathing Hikers Can Get Behind

The Japanese, the same people that North Americans can thank for karaoke, anime, can now be thanked for bringing us forest bathing.

No, forest bathing isn't stripping down and jumping in a stream or rubbing yourself down with leaves in the middle of the woods. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is the idea of visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation and breathing in substances secreted by the plants and trees. By doing so, people generally find themselves more calm and relaxed, less stress an demonstrating great physical and mental health.

I'm Still Here!

I feel a little sad that I haven't been as active on the blog lately as I would've liked, but sometimes life gets in the way of all the fun that is hiking, and going outside, and writing about it. Things have changed over the last couple of weeks on a personal level and I haven't been able to pay attention and provide content like I wanted. I've started a new job and all is great personally; time is just tough.

But don't worry dear reader, I haven't forgot about you.  I'll have some new content up at some point Thursday with regular updates from that point on.

Thanks for sticking with me, I'm confident there will be some great things ahead.

-PH

Make Your Hikes Tick Safe

One of the greatest things about hiking is interacting and becoming a part of nature.  Seeing animals, flowers, bugs, and plants all within the same stretch of trail is something that makes hiking special. But what about the nature that can actually cause you harm? The biggest issue for outdoor enthusiasts of late is ticks.

Ticks are known for transmitting Lyme disease, which presents a myriad of symptoms, and makes daily life painful and exhausting.

There are over 40 different types of ticks, but luckily for humans only a few can transmit Lyme.

But do you know how to plan, prepare and protect against tick bites?  Here are a few tips on doing the best you can to prevent tick bites when you're on the trail and once you get home.

Valley of Fire State Park: Heaven Near Sin City

One of my favourite vacation destinations is Las Vegas. It has everything you could want. World class food, one-of-a-kind shows, lavish accommodations at a reasonable price, lots of drinks, second-to-none people watching and the occasional casino.

It's easy to get caught up in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip, with it's bright lights and themed mega-resorts. People often forget that Las Vegas is in the middle of the Mojave Desert and about an hour away from the hustle and bustle of the Strip is Valley of Fire State Park. This gem offers day hiking and camping plus naturescapes that are unmatched and a multitude of different plants and animals.

Valley of Fire is a little slice of virtue in the shadow of Sin City.

Happy Independence Day

To my readers in the United States, have a safe and happy 4th of July. As a Canadian who lives near the border I know we like to share this holiday with you, as our country's birthday falls on July 1.  It makes for a fantastic long weekend around these parts.

Enjoy your holiday and use your time to enjoy your family, your friends, and the beauty that is your country.

149 Years Young

To my fellow Canadians out there, I'd like to wish you a Happy Canada Day. I hope you've got the day off and you use it to go out and enjoy the nature of our great country.

Remember, day-use admission to all National Parks and Historic Sites is free on July 1 to celebrate our wonderful nation! Many locations will have Canada Day festivities for guest. Go out and explore and kick off the long weekend right.