We also have small flashlights, first aid kits and cheap Wal-Mart ponchos in case the weather changes. We usually wear long pants, even in the summer, for protection from sun, bugs, ticks, poison ivy, etc. I spent some years in Wyoming and Montana as a kid and was fortunate to take a lot of hikes up in the mountains with my family. Last fall my husband and I hiked around Oak Creek Canyon near Sedona, Arizona. We took our hiking sticks which came in handy for vaulting across stream beds and climbing up steep grades.
Knees can really take a pounding on hikes.
Our favorite hike was on a ridge that overlooked the Yellowstone River. We were able to watch ospreys flying to their nests on rocky outcrops below. This fall we re planning to hike the Grand Canyon. To help get into shape, I ve been walking up a lot of stairs at work. In my Mini Marathon walking group, I ve encountered people who are training for both the Mini and various hiking adventures.