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[mikazo]

I'm interested in hiking. I live in an area full of great places to hike, and yet I don't hike. This is due to a number of factors. One, I don't really know what I'm doing. Two, I don't have the equipment. But most importantly, I would have to get up early and drive a long way to a lot of the hiking spots. I don't like getting up early, traffic,

Comments

[schnee]

Perhaps there are Youtube videos, written HOWTOs and other sorts of primers on hiking as well? Although an actual class could be a good opportunity to meet new people.

How would you hurt yourself on congas? o.o

[mikazo]

How would you hurt yourself on congas? o.o

It's apparently quite easy to do. You're hitting the heads with your bare hands, which could lead to all kinds of repetitive strain injuries, tendonitis, joint problems, etc.. Sometimes people cut their hands on the rims.

This is why the right technique matters, but it apparently takes a while to get it down.

The drumset carries similar risk, since improper grip or not relaxing can cause hand and wrist issues. Sitting wrong can mess up your back. There are a lot of considerations like that.

[schnee]

Ah yes, that makes sense. Still, cutting your hands on the rims at least probably takes a bit of skill and (bad) luck itself!

[sabotlours]

You need to just get out there and start hiking. Learn the very basics about good boots. essential supplies, map reading, etc. and just get out there. Sure. You'll probably have some miserable experiences, but you learn and grow. I remember climbing Mt St Helens wearing corduroys. I was cold and wet by the time I got back to the car. Next year when I climbed Mt Adams I had water-wicking underwear and layers of nylon to keep me dry and at the right temperature. I had a much better time.

[mikazo]

That's a good point!

[hastka]

Assuming you have outdoorsy places like REI or something out there, those guys often host single-day intro courses, and there are always groups around who can help train newbies.

If you're talking about hiking like "walking on the dirt up and back down a well-marked trail someplace" then sure, just go and have some fun and build experience... but if you're talking about going to a remote place and doing a 12-hour trip with few landmarks, then probably best to get some backpacking training or something first. :)

[mikazo]

I've seen the REI courses and that's a good idea, though last I checked they didn't have any particular hiking courses available. They do have a first aid course that looks interesting, I would be willing to take that.

I'll probably just start on some easier local trails that don't require a lot of gear. The point is just to get outside more. Or barring that, I guess I could just get a pair of hiking shoes, feel a brief sense of accomplishment, and then chuck them in the closet never to be seen again.

[hastka]

Yeah, for sure it's easy enough to find a place that has some marked trails and reasonable terrain and just feel out how it goes. :)