Hiking: Having Fun During Coronavirus
We all need a break from Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some time away from the TV, turn off all the electronic devices, and relax in nature.
Relaxation IS necessary for staying healthy. The benefits of unwinding are: slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, slowing your breathing rate, improving digestion, maintaining normal blood sugar levels, reducing activity of stress hormones, increasing blood flow to major muscles, reducing muscle tension and chronic pain, improving concentration and mood, improving sleep quality, lowering fatigue, reducing anger and frustration, and boosting confidence to handle problems (Mayo Clinic Stress Management).
1) Choose the right trail for you - Look for trails near your home as long distance travel may contribute to the spread of Coronavirus/COVID-19. Are the trails wide enough to stay 6 feet (2 meters) apart? If not, are the trails "one-way" only and where does it start and finish? What amenities will be open and/or available: bathrooms (and cleaned after use), concession stands, etc.?
If you don't hike regularly, find a trail that's shorter than what you'd walk on a paved path. A good place to look is: https://www.alltrails.com/. Don't forget to check for elevation changes. An elevation increase of 1,000 feet (305 meters) can add an extra hour.
2) Look at the map - How will you get back to your car? Is there an area to rest for a picnic? Is it a loop or a backtrack? Are there restrooms and are they open? Are there destinations to see and obstacles/crowds to avoid?
3) When to go - Hiking is very popular. Especially during the pandemic. Think about going during off-hours. On weekends, try visiting earlier or later than usual. Maybe have dinner and a walk on weekdays. Be flexible.
4) Will it rain? - Check the weather for the location you'll be hiking. It's an easy mistake. It's beautiful at your home when you leave. But, it's rainy just a few miles away in a higher elevation.
5) Uh oh... - Reception is bad and phone batteries die quickly. So, make sure someone knows you're out having fun. It's can be a simple text message before you leave. And let them know you'll text them when you're done.
6) Pack appropriately - Are you in a remote area or an urban park near services? Some things to consider bringing: food, water, sunscreen, map, extra clothing, waterproof matches, flashlight, first aid, emergency shelter. Look for any safety notices about gear and animals.
There are also extra supplies these days to include: masks, hand sanitizer with 60%+ alcohol, un-shared eating utensils, and cleaning products.
7) Shoes - Wear good shoes and synthetic/wool socks. Have bandages for blisters in your first aid kit. You don't want sore feet on a hike
8) Nature fashion - Wear layers of synthetic clothing for comfort. Too hot? Take off a layer. Too cold? Add a layer. Did it rain or get too wet crossing a stream? Synthetics dry pretty quickly.
9) Too much stuff - There's a lot of stuff listed above. Bulk items may be cheaper at the big-box stores. But, you'll want to splurge on travel sized everything.
10) Take it easy - You're hiking to enjoy yourself, your family, and nature. Take a pace you and other members can maintain for the entire duration of the trail.
11) Keep nature beautiful - Let's maintain the trails, keep the water clean, protect wildlife, prevent fires, connect children to nature, and minimize human impact. Follow the rules of the park and learn more at: https://lnt.org/
Hiking with Kids
1) Have fun - You want happy memories outdoors with the ones you love. And that may require some extra patience and flexibility with the plans. Make it interesting and exciting. Teach them how to use a compass, sing a song about the birds, tell them an interesting fact about a plant, explain hiking etiquette, play a scavenger hunt game or other activity.
2) Take it easier - Find trails as close to home as possible. More time spent in a car increases chances of restlessness and irritability. Allow plenty of time, a short hike, and interesting things to look at. And let them explore whatever they find on the way. If there's a bug or a stick that caught their attention, indulge in it with them even if it's mundane.
3) Kid's Choice - Allow the kid's to be part of the planning and decision making. Which trails should we take? Should we picnic here or there? What should animals or landmark should we look for on the hike? Here's a map; guide us to the end.
4) Hungry? - Make frequent breaks for water and high energy snacks. If excited, they may not notice their thirst and/or hunger until there's a meltdown.
5) Kid's clothes - Layer them just like you. But, pay attention to their body temperature. You may be overheating carrying them up a hill, but they are cold from inactivity on your back. If you have multiple kids or runners, put them in bright shirts so they can be spotted easily.
6) Safety - Put a whistle on their zipper. Before every hike, ask them "How do you find mom and dad?" and train them to respond with "blow the whistle 3 times." "Finding mom and dad" is better than saying "when you're lost" because it's not always obvious to children that they are lost. But, they do understand not seeing you. If they are old enough to carry their own backpack, have them carry their own food, water, and jackets. It's lighter on your back and gives them supplies if there's an unfortunate situation.
Review with the kids any hazards they may encounter. How they are expected to behave if they encounter warning signs, stinging bugs, cliffs and safety barriers, water safety, animal encounters, and harmful plants. Don't forget Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautions like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet (2 meters away) from others, avoid petting dogs, etc.
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
2) Take it easier - Find trails as close to home as possible. More time spent in a car increases chances of restlessness and irritability. Allow plenty of time, a short hike, and interesting things to look at. And let them explore whatever they find on the way. If there's a bug or a stick that caught their attention, indulge in it with them even if it's mundane.
3) Kid's Choice - Allow the kid's to be part of the planning and decision making. Which trails should we take? Should we picnic here or there? What should animals or landmark should we look for on the hike? Here's a map; guide us to the end.
4) Hungry? - Make frequent breaks for water and high energy snacks. If excited, they may not notice their thirst and/or hunger until there's a meltdown.
5) Kid's clothes - Layer them just like you. But, pay attention to their body temperature. You may be overheating carrying them up a hill, but they are cold from inactivity on your back. If you have multiple kids or runners, put them in bright shirts so they can be spotted easily.
6) Safety - Put a whistle on their zipper. Before every hike, ask them "How do you find mom and dad?" and train them to respond with "blow the whistle 3 times." "Finding mom and dad" is better than saying "when you're lost" because it's not always obvious to children that they are lost. But, they do understand not seeing you. If they are old enough to carry their own backpack, have them carry their own food, water, and jackets. It's lighter on your back and gives them supplies if there's an unfortunate situation.
Review with the kids any hazards they may encounter. How they are expected to behave if they encounter warning signs, stinging bugs, cliffs and safety barriers, water safety, animal encounters, and harmful plants. Don't forget Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautions like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet (2 meters away) from others, avoid petting dogs, etc.
DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!
And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!
Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.
Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
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