Wikipedia Mountain Inn

In my post Bear Mountain Inn, I posted a change to the Wikipedia page named Bear Mountain Hudson Highlands.  If you remember, the edit was made to the page's Events section. So far so good know one has edited the page.

Raising Money for the Semper Fi Fund

In a previous post I mentioned the need for nutrition while training for a triathlon (Twelve Foods To Eat For a Triathlon). The reason I am training for the New York City Triathlon on August third, is that I belong to the Semper Fi Fund Team and am raising money for the Foundations. About the foundation and best be explained here,

The Semper Fi Fund was created by a group of Marine Corps spouses nine years ago, and those same women run the Fund today alongside other spouses from all services branches, retired service members, all of whom intimately know the needs of our military families. We have been by our injured and ill service members' sides from day one, helping them as they navigate lengthy recoveries and rejoin their communities (Semper FI Fund). 

The Semper Fi Fund has helped me recover from injuries,  to show support and thanks, I have decided to raise money and participate on there team. I have included a website where you can donate or pass along to friends and family (NYC TRI ) , or come out to the finish line ( 72^nd Street Transverse mid-park) to support the Marines.

 

Hiking News

Every sport has a news section or website that keeps the public informed. News Discovery has a site where you can receive up to date news about hiking. In this particular link ( http://news.discovery.com/adventure/survival/top-10-survival-tips-every-hiker-should-know-131107.htm ), they have an interesting article about survival tips that every hiker should know.


The list includes everything from what to wear, what to do when you  encounter wild animals, what type of equipment to use and even discusses weather. If your looking for a site that has a wealth information, I would recommend using New Discovery.

Bear Mountian In Video

In earlier post about hiking Bear Mountain, I shared a few photos to give you a better idea of what the trails look like. In the video that is provided shows two people hiking the white and blue trails that leads up to the observation tower on top of Bear Mountain. The video will also give you a better sense of depth to the trail.

If you noticed in the short film the women hiker is using what looks like ski poles, these poles act as a type of  walking stick. The poles are much liter and easier to handle. The poles will also give you better balance, taking some  weight off your back while you go up and down the mountain will help. At the end of the video you will notice the hikers are inside the observation tower located on top of Bear Mountain. Here  you have will have a 360 degree view of the park.

Safety First

Safety, Safety, Safety can not be expressed enough when it comes to hiking. I listed a few tips before you head out on your hike to avoid potential injury or death.

1. Plan your rout.
2. Tell a Friend or Park ranger what area you will be hiking.
3. Carry a first aid kit.
4. Always have plenty of water.
5. Know where shelter is on your rout.

These small but important issues before you begin any hike should always be addressed. Your  planning should encompass all aspects of your trip. These steps are just a few important ones that I like to think about before my adventures. Stay safe.

Millbrook Mountain

For the 4th of July celebration I will be heading out to Millbrook Mountain located near Kerhonkson, New York. According to All Trails web site the hike is roughly two and a half hours away, with a distance of 4.7 mile loop (http://alltrails.com/trail/us/new-york/millbrook-mountain). One of the more attractive points in this particular hike for me is that Lake Minnewaska is along the trail, which means you can swim after a long hike. But if swimming is not what you had in mind the views alone are spectacular. Once complete this hike I will take more pictures to show the full feel of the trail.

Using Good Form While Hiking

When hiking, you should use good form and technics in order to prevent injury. When hiking people have a tendency to lean forward when walking uphill and lean backward when walking downhill. By doing so you will put a lot of strain on your back. Some useful techniques to remember while you’re hiking the trail is to have good posture and form. Be as upright as possible while on mild or moderate hills. With a steep decline you may require to lean ever so slightly, but be aware of how much weight is on your heels, which could cause your feet to slip out from under you. While walking up an incline, push upward and forward with your toes, while pumping your arms like a piston to propel your momentum upwards. For hiking downhill, relax your knees a little bit to allow them to absorb some of the impact.

If you have some stairs or a hill in your area, I’d suggest practicing before you go on a long hike. Don’t load your pack, but instead put just a little weight to get the feeling. Also wearing your hiking boots while practicing is also good idea since they are your foot wear of choice on the trail.