Several years ago, me, the wife and our two kids attended an organized night hike at a nearby arboretum. The kids were only in their single digit years but were no stranger to hiking. Most of their trekking miles were gained via state park trails and exploring the woods and meadows near our home.
Missouri isn't called the "Trail State" for nothing. Trails abound all across the Show Me State, but especially in the Ozarks of southern Missouri.
If you’re a hiker, you've already set yourself apart from the hoards of people that never leave the parking lot. But even among those who love to cover miles of trail there is a lot of diversity of style. Do you fit into one of these hiker sub-groups, or maybe you are a "species" we have yet to meet?
Maneuvering along a hiking trail and "in the zone" with the natural surroundings can be quickly interrupted by a small piece of trash left by humans.
When possible, one thing that hikers and adventure trekkers like to do on hikes is to incorporate interesting routes with scenic points where you can stop-and-stare. Hikes let you soak in and experience the scenes, country and waterways that you'd never see unless you walked there and looked. The great news is that America is still home of the brave and land of the many spectacular views. National parks, state and local parks, other public lands and some designated national scenic waterways can help you find solitude and memorable scenery.
If you're a gear junkie like me, you know that rummaging through your daypack is part of the game. Although, a bit of organization of gear, including the dedication of specific pockets or pouches per item, helps maintain a pleasant relationship with your trusty ol' daypack.
As the creature approached, folks moved to the side of the trail to give him plenty of space. Just the sight of the famous creature, although its existence not proven, caused hikers to chatter up and down the trail. He walked tall and carried a big stick — small log actually that he used as a hiking staff. As the legendary beast walked by me, I gathered the courage to hold my place on the trail. We stared into each other's eyes and we both waited for the other to make the first move.
The walking staff is one of mankind's oldest and simplest devices to help them walk or hike. People have used these long wooden shafts for thousands of years.
When you’re 