Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
try. Use your brain to avoid problems, and if you do encounter one, first use your
brain to try to correct the situation. Only use your cell phone, if it works, in true
emergencies. If it doesn't work down low in a valley, try hiking to a high point
where you might get reception.
Hiking with Children
Hiking with children isn't a matter of how many miles you can cover or how
much elevation gain you make in a day; it's about seeing and experiencing nature
through their eyes.
Kids like to explore and have fun. They like to stop and point out bugs and
plants, look under rocks, jump in puddles, and throw sticks. If you're taking a tod-
dler or young child on a hike, start with a trail that you're familiar with. Trails that
have interesting things for kids, like piles of leaves to play in or a small stream to
wade through during the summer, will make the hike much more enjoyable for
them and will keep them from getting bored.
You can keep your child's attention if you have a strategy before starting on the
trail. Using games is not only an effective way to keep a child's attention, it's also
a great way to teach him or her about nature. Quiz children on the names of plants
and animals. Pick up a family-friendly outdoor hobby like Geocaching
(www.geocaching.com) or Letterboxing (www.atlasquest.com), both of which
combine the outdoors, clue-solving, and treasure hunting. If your children are old
enough, let them carry their own daypack filled with snacks and water. So that
you are sure to go at their pace and not yours, let them lead the way. Playing fol-
low the leader works particularly well when you have a group of children. Have
each child take a turn at being the leader.
With children, a lot of clothing is key. The only thing predictable about weather
is that it will change. Especially in mountainous areas, weather can change dra-
matically in a very short time. Always bring extra clothing for children, regardless
of the season. In the winter, have your children wear wool socks, and warm layers
such as long underwear, a fleece jacket and hat, wool mittens, and good rain gear.
It's not a bad idea to have these along in late fall and early spring as well. Good
footwear is also important. A sturdy pair of high top tennis shoes or lightweight
hiking boots are the best bet for little ones. If you're hiking in the summer near a
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