Why we hike….

That is why we hike.

I started hiking in the Irish mountains when I was 12 and was hooked from day one, fast forward a quarter of a century later and I still love it.

For me its about getting out in the outdoors and not how much miles I pull off.

I was out with a newbie buddy last week and he was suffering from mileage fever big time.

10) I'm a better tour guide for friends, the more I get out.
9) It justifies all the cool gear I have.
8) I often harvest berries as I hike.
7) Sometimes I meet interesting people.
6) It makes my dog happy.
5) I come up with better technical solutions in my professional work while hiking than while sitting at a desk.
4) The exercise is good for me.
3) It is a meaningfully, bonding experience as a couple and as a family.
2) I appreciate the scenic beauty of the outdoors.
1) It clears my head.

In no particular order…

1. nature
2. camaraderie
3. keep in shape
4. physical and mental relaxation
5. gear buying :)

Because my bike has a flat tire and I'm too lazy to fix it.

Learned to walk. Putting that skill to good use. It just seems so natural. I've always been a walker.

No one has mentioned weight loss yet? Then I'll mention weight loss. Well, and just generally getting in better shape in the way the I prefer to do it.

It clears my mind. I feel recharged after any hike, be it 1/10 mile nature loop to whatever.

I get to eat great food:

I get to forage:

Frolic in wildflowers:

That is pretty much it ;-)

Because the best fishing spots don't have roads near them… come to think of it… the best fishing spots don't even have trails near them! :)

I love David's post…

And I would add that it's the best quality time I get with my wife ever.

Plus the fishing and scenery. And exercise

Because you know, nature and stuff…

1) I am bipedal-walking is efficient and takes me to rarely seen environs.
2) Hiking is adventurous – adventure raises my excitement for life.
3) Hiking/backpacking is arduous – hard work promotes fitness and self esteem.
4) Hiking requires skills, planning, and adaptability – these help me in my day to day life.
5) Hiking is humbling – this keeps me grounded and makes me contemplate.

Hiking/backpacking has given me more joy, fond memories, and taught me more about myself and the complex world I live in than any other activity of my life. Hiking is my bliss.

Hoot. That is a great answer!

Pretty much all the above…oh and mainly,'cause when I don't I get grumpy :-(

Because I can
Because I love that I can wander through the forests and over the mountains for an extended period of time with everything I need carried on my back
Because I love the outdoors
Because I love getting to places and seeing things that not everyone else gets to see
Because I love the Tranquiity
Because I need to escape everyday hustle n bustle of life
Because I enjoy the exercise and physical exertion
Because I love the feeling of reaching a summit and thinking.."WOW"
Because I love to wake up as the early sun rises and be surrounded by stunning creations of mother nature
Because I enjoy being outside in all types of weather
Because it doesn't cost me much for a night out, a weekend, a week or longer
Because I can do it and enjoy it

It also allows me to run from my problems.

Because it's there, and it's fun.

Plus most of that other stuff, too.

To reconnect with the four-leggeds,
And leave behind the four-wheeled.

Being out in nature
Photography
Getting away from people
Time to really think

Why do I hike?

Because I really like it!

Last week… I need to get out more…