Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-07-27

thing. To my mind it consists of pro-
polling the body forward with the least
effort and with as much pleasure to
yourself and wour companions as pos,
sible. The foot should be projected
with the toe straight forward, for II
one toes out, even to the slightest de-
gree. 1t will shorten every stride at
least an inch. In view of this fact,
thorities drill their officers and soldiers
to stand and walk with toes out. It's
a wrong position for the foot from
the viewpoint of both physiology and
pedestrianism.
Another point to be observed Is the
carriage of the body. The trunk should
be bent slightly forward at such an angle
that only the taking OF step prevents the
body from falling. In this way the
trunk becomes propeliing force Tor,
ward. The arms should swing freely and
not be held too close in to the body. On
a long hike 1t will be found excellent
help. when one begins to tire. to raise
the arms to a considerable elevation.
much in the same manner as that or
Splinter when finishing race.
Breathing is also an important factor.
Breathing rhythmically-that is breathe
in for 30 many strides and exhale for the
same number. This direction Is very I'M
portant il one desires to last out on a
long hike.
Tread lightly Think Of the earth as
being a large ball which You are spin
ming by the movement Of your feet. 1t
is astonishing how easily. impercepdbly
and pleasurably the miles slip by ii you
hold such ideas as these concerning the
hikes you take on old Mother Earth.
amy one following these directions for
proper walking can greatly add to the
longest distance which he ever thought
himself capable Of taking at any one hike.
If one is feeling rather done up
at the close of long hike. and for any
reason time becomes such an object that
it becomes necessary to eat while walk
ing. chocolate and oranges form bully
meal Oranges. by the way. have very
stimulating effect. That's the reason why
marathon runners consume them in such
quantities while in competition Choco-
late. of course. is almost solid nutriment.
IF you plan any extended tramp. be
careful Of the shoes you wear. Ili-chosen
shoes are responsible for more fatigue
than the exerton of walking itself. Light.
comfortable broad-toed shoes. with fairly
thick stockings. are the things.
Don't take pedometer if the instru-
ment causes you to subordinate the true
purpose of the walk to an anxiety to
make a certain number of miles in a GER
tain number of hours. I have found that
the two most delightful periods for walk
ing are early in the morning and In the
hours around and including the twilight.
There is something particularly fine
about twilight walking. especially il you
have already covered number of miles
and have gotten into the swing OF the
movement The half light effaces the de-
tails Of the road and you have delight
full sensat ton of great speed
Zone of the best walks for those who
can give day or more to the tramp is
that from Washington to Rockville. dis
lance of sixteen miles. Or one can stay
all night at Rockville and return the next
day.
Alexandria to Occoquan makes an
other good walk, though it's q mile or
two longer than that to Rockville There
is no hotel at Occoquan aside from that
maintained by the city of Washington
for it's invited guests but there are board
ing houses that will put the wayfarer up
for the night From Occoquan to Fred
ericksburg is hike Of day or day
and a half through historic scenery which
every pedestrian hereabouts should make
at least once. However, just at this time
of year the road isn't in the best possible
shape
THE Washington to Leesburg walk is
one to grow enthusiastic over. The
route may be either from Chain bridge
or from Falls Church, though I myself
know only the Falls Church one. Four
teen miles from Falls Church is quaint
little Drainesville, with an oldfashioned