Let's move forward and start to think about it not being so blah out. Let's start thinking about how nice it's going to be soon, how we're going to want to spend more time outside soon.
That being said, who wants to be cooped up in the gym on a gorgeous summer day? Not too many people that I have met! We don't want to lose all of those hard earned health benefits either, though...what is a poor soul to do?
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| Flowers from when I first moved to the Midwest |
I know! Get all exercisey while enjoying the outdoors! Yay!!! And the best part of outdoors exerciseyness? It can be so much fun that you don't even think about it. So much fun that the next day you wake up sore in spots you didn't know you could be sore, and you just smile!
Hmmm, now what are some outdoor exercisey things to do? You could go for a run, but unless you really enjoy running, that's not really a way to "enjoy" the wonderful summer weather. I know! Go hiking! You don't have to live in the wooded hills to go "hiking". You can go urban hiking, and hike around your town.
Yes!!! Bring your camera along, not your cell phone, walk and take pictures. Take a friend with you, hike around, explore your environment. Just spend the day wandering around!
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| Half Dome, Yosemite, CA |
That sounds like so much fun! If you are urban hiking, you don't even have to bring your lunch with you, you can try out that new bistro that you've been dying to try. Wandering around the city with a friend, or two, or three, with your camera ever at the ready, conversation flowing, you'll rack up those miles without realizing it. Just make sure that you wear good shoes, and sunscreen, skin cancer is no laughing matter, as a matter of fact you need to reapply ever so often, so bring it with you.
If you are going to be hiking in the wooded hills, there are some very important things to remember. Wear sunscreen, and bring it with you to reapply. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Since you are going to be out in the wilderness, you are also going to want to make sure that you are wearing an insect repellent, make sure that it repels ticks and chiggers, not just mosquitoes, since ticks spread Lyme disease.
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| Old Mining Equipment, Hunter's Valley, CA |
You aren't going to be able to just stop and grab an iced tea from the local food distributor if you are out and in the woods, so bring plenty of water, as well as a first aid kit. Actual wooded hills hiking takes a bit more planning. It is also a good idea to make sure that someone knows where you are going to be. If you don't want to call someone just to tell them that you are going on a hike, leave a note in your house somewhere prominent, say on the refrigerator, so that if something does happen, they know where to start looking for you. You should also dress in layers, or at least bring a long sleeve top and some long pants with you for emergencies. It is always amazing, and slightly startling, how much chillier it can be in the densely wooded areas.
If you have never hiked in the area you are going to, make sure that you have researched it as thoroughly as possible. You don't want to be hiking and wander upon a rattlesnake, or a bear, and not be prepared.
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| Stream, Oakhurst, CA |
Visit the American Hiking Society for more hiking tips and suggestions, as well as some first aid pointers.
I hope that this week, I have inspired you to step outside, both of your comfort zone and your home. Take some amazing pictures and share the beauty that is found in both the cities and the woods.
Until next week
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