December 2020: A Note From Diane

Here in the northern hemisphere, short days and long cold nights plus the holiday season & pandemic make it a challenging time to slip away to enjoy and explore the trails that look so different this time of year.

This little newsletter shares some tips and hints on how to do winter hiking safely and in utmost comfort.

It’s also time for another unique giveaway! And lots more.

Here we go…

WINTER HIKING PREPARATION

But it’s more than that: it’s a source of reliable hiking information. Case in point to go along with our topic: Winter Hiking Tips From Backcountry

I like this one: To heat up your boots before you head for the trailhead, microwave uncooked grain/rice inside your hiking socks. Tuck the toasty bundles into the boots as you travel (assuming you’re not wearing the boots, right?) so heat radiates throughout your boots.

To which I would add my own toe-y warmth tips: How To Have Warm Feet For Winter Hiking

HFH GIVEAWAY

It’s called a Unightie, and you can win one of your very own this month if you have a U.S. or Canadian mailing address.

Hiking For Her Giveaway Details

BOOK REVIEW FOR YOU TO VIEW

Cyndee G. in Kansas City MO was the winner!

Wondering what the secret sauce (seasoning pun, groan) is in the book? View my review:

Walk, Hike, Saunter Book Review

REI RAISES THE BAR

You would expect climate and sustainability initiatives, but here’s something different: attention to DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) concerns.

You can read the details in this pdf:

REI Product Standards PDF

They also want to cut their carbon footprint in half (or more) by 2030, and you can read about how they intend to do it in their blog: REI Carbon Footprint Reduction

DON’T MISS YOUR 2021 FREEBIES

• January 18 • April 17 • August 4 • August 25 • September 25 • November 11

If you’re planning some multiday U.S. adventures, take a look at the America the Beautiful pass to cover your entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, national forest and grasslands, for up to 4 adults in your vehicle!

Veterans and senior citizens can purchase the pass at a discount.

Read my article for tips on how to use it to the utmost:

Why A National Parks Pass Makes Sense For Hikers

ADORNED, OR UNADORNED?

This article from the CBC explains the growing phenomenon of decorating hiking trails, and I mean really decorating them. See what you think!

Trail Decorations?

HIKING RESOLUTIONS

I’ve decided on only one: to get more serious about hauling out the trash and detritus I find at backcountry campsites.

This resolution was inspired by women in our Over Forty Hiking community. They shared tips (with photos) to put together a lightweight “trash kit”.

I hope you’ll join me in resolving to not only Leave No Trace, but to Pack Out Unsightly Traces.

Full disclosure: I just made up that acronym (POUT) and while it’s not my finest work, you know what I mean :)

DECEMBER WISHES

Heck, I'm going to shower you anyway! You never know ;)

Thanks for being a hiker. The Earth needs our gentle, loving touch now more than ever, "pout"ing included.

Happy Trails to you today and into the New Year,

Diane a.k.a. Happy Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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