A big hello to you from two weeks into the New Year.

Lots to share with you this month, so let's get to it.

ENJOY WINTER CONDITIONS

Here’s everything you need to get yourself out the door and into the snow, based on decades of my snowshoeing seasons.

It also links to advanced tips for current snowshoers!

Snowshoeing tips for beginners and beyond

Not ready to snowshoe, or don’t have enough snow?

I happen to have all of my winter hiking tips collected on one page, so you can hike safely in the cold, whether on dirt or ice or snow.

Winter hiking tips

HIKE THE HILL

Its purpose: To put hikers in front of congressional and federal agency leaders to make our voices heard in decisions about land use.

This is the 29th year of Hike the Hill. Please consider attending either virtually or in person.

February 9-11 Virtual Issue Briefings

March 1-5 In-Person Hike the Hill

This link brings you to the schedule and registration page:

Hike The Hill 2026 Info

HIKER RESCUE

I have a lot of "facts" rolling around in my head about quicksand, based on movies and stories from my youth. Maybe you do, too?

But here are some quicksand facts I did not know:

A person totally submerged in quicksand and then dying a horrible death is a myth, because sinking past your waist is unlikely.

However, your legs will be stuck and you will need (a lot of) help to get out.

And yes, the more you struggle, the more tired and discouraged you will become.

Also, quicksand is sneaky. You don't see it, and then suddenly, you're in it.

Read about the quicksand hiker rescue here:

Quick! I'm sinking!

REVISITING AN INSPIRING HIKER

Here she is in an AARP interview, with some tips on how to conquer your goals - hiking or otherwise.

And the photos of her on the trail?

So inspiring!

AARP interview with oldest woman to hike AT

ROBOTIC TRAIL CREW COMING SOON?

That puts pressure on all of us to do what we can to clear blowdowns, stop cutting switchbacks to control trail erosion, report impassable conditions on our favorite trails, you know the drill.

But here’s something that I should have seen coming: using robots to check out trail conditions. I’d love to know what you think about this idea (still in its infancy).

Here are the details from a PhD researcher in Robotics at West Virginia University:

Robots On The Trail?

Thanks!

I hope your January trails bring solitude, serenity and a big thermos of your favorite hot beverage.

And if you have a moment, let me know what you want to read about on Hiking For Her, and how your 2026 hiking season is shaping up.

Emails about hiking are way more fun than the other emails in my inbox ;)

Diane a.k.a. Happy 2026 Hiker

diane@hiking-for-her.com

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