Elder Hikers

Elder hikers?

When I first saw this term, I thought: "Come on. Just say it. Old people tottering down a trail."

Then I burst out laughing!

Why?

Because I got my AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) invitation in the mail several years ago. They send those to any American over the age of fifty.

So by definition, I AM an elder hiker!

And you know what??

I'm proud of it.

Proud of the strength in my legs, the spring in my step as I make my way up a mountain side or along a meandering stream, the wisdom I carry from all of the years of trail time, and the endless enthusiasm in my heart for all things outdoors and wild.

So I'm embracing that title: Elder Hiker. Yup, that's me!

But I'm also a realist.

My lower back hurts the day after a long hike.

My feet sometimes give me signals that they're not particularly happy with the weight of my pack and the length of my hikes.

I can always tell when I hit the double-digits on a hike: anything over 10 miles, and my knees begin to creak. And you really don't want to hear about my sore feet!

So what's an older hiker to do?

PLENTY!!

Here's the short list of considerations any female hiker approaching, or over, the age of 50 years should ponder:

5. -insert topic here- Let me know what's on your mind, and I'll add it! Use the contact form at the bottom of the page.

Here are some topics for either gender of mature hiker:

2. Gear evaluation: time to lighten up?

3. Year-round conditioning to maintain top trail form.

4. Taking your skills to the next level.

5. -insert topic here- What are you wondering about? Let me dig into it for you, and post it here!

Here's another website for those over fifty which you might find useful, on and off the trail. Check it out!

If you're ready to embrace elder hiking, send me an email. I'll give you the password to a special section of this website, just for hikers of a certain age. Let's celebrate our strength, wisdom, and accomplishments!

Elder hikers: elder, older, mature, or just plain awesome!! Here are more hiking tips to choose from.