What life would you live if could live MORE Life with less Stuff? What would your life look like if you lived it with more purpose and intention? How would your life change if had less but loved everything that you owned?
Being More Intentional
Being more intentional with what you own offers so many benefits both physically and mentally. A smaller home means less maintenance, taxes, utilities and a smaller mortgage or rent payment. How much time do you spend taking care of the “inventory” in your home? Do you have a larger home or pay for storage to house everything? Do you worry about some of those items getting ruined while in storage? What is in those stored boxes?
When I sold most of what I owned it gave me a sense of freedom to be more intentional about how I wanted to live my life. I no longer had to work long hours to maintain a larger home. Living with less also gave me more time to work on projects that I want to take into retirement, spend more time with family and friends and explore new hobbies. I discovered the love of hiking!
Benefits of Hiking
Hiking has given me the benefit of great exercise, meet new friends (check out some local hiking groups or start your own) and of course try out some fabulous restaurants for brunch. Because we all know hiking burns calories and builds muscles, great food is a must!
Our group loves to eat after hitting the trails. Great food and mimosas help keep us refueled and hydrated. Check out some of my past hiking trips along with some restaurant reviews. https://fromwisleettoazdesertheat.com/
Trails, Sidewalk or Waterfront
“Hiking” can be found anywhere: a trail in the desert, a winding sidewalk in a through downtown square or simply a walk along the waterfront. Being able to take time and really see what is around us is so important. How much do we really pay attention to what goes on around us? We are all guilty of being too “busy”. Hiking will give you and excuse to get out and enjoy the trails around you.
If you are new to hiking be sure to look up reviews on the trail (all trails.com is a great resource) Those that have hiked the trail often leave comments based on their experience. Note the time of year. The weather will play a big part in how long the hike will take and what supplies you will need to complete the trail. Reviews are so valuable. Know before you go.
Trail Amenities
What amenities are available in the area? Are bathrooms, ranger stations and parking available at the trail head? If you have a dog you will want to know if they are welcome on the trail or not. Most trails require that dogs are leashed and be sure to know the heat index to keep your pet safe. Alltrails.com, Peakfinder.com and nationalparks.org are all great resources to get you started on a new adventure.
There is so much information on the internet. Be wise and knowledgeable before you go. Cost, available facilities and trail rating is all information that you will appreciate before you get to the trailhead. Often there is a fee so be sure to have cash in hand. The fee is usually minimal ($ 3.00 ) at county parks but a little more expensive at national parks (up to $30.00).
Senior Citizen Discount
Are you a senior citizen? One of the benefits of being a “Senior” is that they often have a discounted rate up to 50% off. Be sure to check out the park you are interested in before you go. Sometimes it is worth purchasing an annual pass if you plan to use the park more often.
Always, always, always plan for more water than you think you will need. It is always safer to have too much water than not enough. The Hot Shot Hike in Yarnell, AZ taught me this very valuable lesson. I never want to experience a water shortage on a hike ever again. I would rather water my plants with the extra water than to need more water on the trail. NOTE: Check out Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park honoring the fireman who lost their lives fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire.
Rangers are a great resource for trail conditions and needs. The temperatures and trail conditions are important to Know Before You Go!
What Do You Need?
What do you need before you hit the trails:
- Hiking Shoes (or a pair of tennis shoes with heavy souls) Currently I have a pair of Merrill and a pair of Keen in my closet.
- Hiking Pole or…. two (Your knees with thank you)
- Water/ Camel backpack (www.momgoescamping.com for suggested quantiles based on elevation, length etc.)
- Nuts, granola or something easy to transport
- Camera (so many great nature views and moments)
I personally use All Trails and Arizona Highway Magazine to find inspiration for new trails and a logbook to keep track and make notes on hikes I have taken.
What will be your trail of choice a Mountain or a Molehill? They both offer great adventures.
Grab a comfortable pair of shoes, a bottle of water and your camera and get started.
Which adventure will you start with… an easy, a moderate, or a difficult trail? Perhaps, it is not a trail at all, but something else that inspires you to live your best life now! Get out there and enjoy the adventure.
Leave a Reply