Is that a giraffe? When hikers encounter wild animals

 

Animals with young ones can be aggressive. Photo from nature-reserve.co.za.

It’s been a while since I was last here. Not because I didn’t have content or I am now bored with this space. I’ve been snowed under and do not carry that as a badge of honour. In fact, I despise not having time to do the things I love, such as hiking, and sharing this space with you. My love for nature is known, and one of the lessons I learnt from nature is always to embrace the season I am in.

Something I may not have shared before is that I respect nature and try as far as humanly possible not to disturb it. But I constantly find that the human being in me has a lot to unlearn. Without failure, I need to be more conscious of what I know and believe. I believe that much like I would not want anybody or anything intruding into my personal space, I should accord other living things the same respect when I enter their habitat.  

I love hiking in South Africa because on most trails, there’s always a surprise waiting. There is always something, whether it’s a hum of a flowing stream, a thunderous drop of a waterfall, or various bird calls. Sometimes you may be startled by a fleeing antelope, while a rustle of the leaves may be from one staring at you. While this may be a breathtaking experience for others, it may be intimidating for some who may not know how to respond.

Be responsible

As a hiker, your primary responsibility is to ensure minimal disturbance to wildlife, which is attained through actively protecting the environment from pollution, including noise pollution. You are also responsible for your personal safety, so you need to know the basics.

I am sharing this because I recently behaved irresponsibly and was lucky to escape unharmed.

Be prepared

I cannot overemphasise the need to research a trail you intend to hike. A colleague shared how scared they were when they encountered zebras on a hike. This was because they had no idea there were wild animals in the nature reserve. If you know there are animals, you may want to take your binoculars to view them, even at a distance. Also, stick to the designated trail and avoid walking where you might startle them or even step on the slithery ones.

Reduce the noise

Most people go hiking to unplug and get away from the noise. This tells you that nature is all about silence, meaning the inhabitants there will not appreciate noise either. So, ask yourself whether you need that speaker! While it is understandable that when walking as a group or a pair, you can’t be completely quiet, keeping it down is not only respectful towards the wildlife whose habitat you are visiting, but by so doing, you will be showing respect towards fellow hikers, too.

Keep your distance

The era of social media content means some hike in areas known to have small game, only for the content. I must admit I looked like one of those content creators recently, where it almost ‘ended in tears’ as they say.

I was with a friend who was baffled by the appearance of a giraffe in front of us. I must admit, I cannot get enough of the regal presence of these gentle giants. I cannot look at their strut and not be taken to the runway; their elegant strut and the deliberate sway just melt me. While my friend stood in awe, trying to determine whether the towering structure was real, I saw it and immediately took out my phone and started clicking. The excitement that enveloped me at the sight of this regal being made me forget the importance of admiring silently. At that moment, I forgot that while these beautiful animals are generally peaceful, I’ve seen them kick their attackers hard.

Before the charge...

My biggest mistake was telling my friend to get closer so I could capture her under that stupendous structure. Even as the giraffe started moving, the awestruck being in me didn’t sense any danger. As synchronicity would have it, a ranger was walking a few metres ahead of us. As he heard our excitement, he warned us to move away, as the gentle giant was now charging. Even as I ran, I felt that flight needed capturing. That led me to write this piece, hoping to give you some nuggets to stay safe around animals. This is just for you to understand that while most animals may not be dangerous, that may change once they feel attacked or sense what they perceive as danger.  

Giraffe

It only makes sense for me to start with the gentle giants since they are the reason I had to pen this.

You are likely to spot a giraffe nibbling on leaves at treetops; in that case, you can admire it at a distance without causing unnecessary noise. You may also be fortunate to see it strutting its stuff, more like a dancer in slow motion. However, remember that getting close for a picture moment may not be such a good idea. The advice from the ranger was that they do not like cameras. If you stand still, it may stare at you for a while to assess the safety. The advice is to stand still until they relax, then you can proceed quietly.

Zebra

The noise issue cannot be overemphasised because no one can predict how a startled animal may react. My experience with these striped beauties has been nothing but pleasant. And as I’m writing this, I am reminded of the many times I’ve clicked and clicked without considering how that may affect them. And I’m talking about back in the era of those cameras with bulky lenses (I am that person). The advice here is to look at any signs of irritability and avoid agitating them. If you need to, just do your thing and let them be.

 The striped beauties... from a distance

Wildebeest

I must confess, wildebeest tend to unsettle me, generally because of how they seem to love running with their heads down. While it is said that they typically don’t attack humans, they may when they are made to feel unsafe. They are also reported to be territorial, meaning they may perceive humans as trespassers.  I have an experience of a seemingly enraged bull at one hike. We couldn’t tell if there had been a prior incident, or the bright pink top that one hiker was wearing agitated him. We were almost held hostage as we were supposed to cross over to the other side, where it was. It took a while before he decided to leave, finally letting us continue our hike.

Photo from Kruger National Park website.

Antelopes

Maybe I should mention that wildebeest is considered an antelope, although I treated it separately due to its distinct features and behaviour. Antelopes come in different shapes and sizes. Most will dart away as soon as they spot humans. They are said to be shy, but many predators see them as their hearty meal. Human beings also hunt them in legalised and classified hunting areas. So, we must understand why they bolt away at the sight of humans. This also means there is a slim chance that you may get very close to them, but if you do, appreciate them quietly.

Regardless of where you encounter them, they are quick to dart off.

The ostrich

This is the largest bird in the world, and they are unmistakably tall, curious and intimidating, mainly due to their build and sprinting capabilities. Information from the International Fund for Animal Welfare suggests that ostriches are an integral part of the ecosystem as they control the rodent populations and spread the seeds of the many plants they eat. However, it is essential to note that these birds can be bold, inquisitive, and defensive, making them dangerous. While they do not fly, they can run very fast, and apparently, their kicks can be lethal, even capable of killing a lion or human being with a single blow. They are reportedly even more dangerous when protecting their nests or babies. The key here is to stay out of their way at all costs, and if they happen to be close, avoid doing anything that may evoke a reaction from them.

The fastest runner of the bird species. Photo from A-Z Animals website

I did not include all animals you may encounter, but the rule is the same. Also, please do not try to feed wild animals.

In the end

We are blessed to have hiking spots that allow us to come close to wild animals; that is a privilege. Let each encounter be a reminder of the importance of preserving the beauty of nature for more generations to come. Let us also remember that in the same way we are protective of our children, so are animals of their offspring. Animals will do whatever it takes to protect their nests and young ones from perceived danger.  When you understand animal behaviour, regardless of whether your encounter involves the evasive antelope, the nervous wildebeest, the striped beauties or the regal and tallest of the mammals, you will appreciate each moment fully while staying safe.

Remember: It is their habitat. You’re just an uninvited visitor! Give them some respect!

Td

 

Making friends one trail at a time

 

Introduction

Have you ever encountered an advert for a hike that you’ve wished to explore but found yourself in trepidation because of the possibility of being with strangers for several days? The prospect of hiking with strangers may not be appealing initially, but it may be an adventure full of shared stories and camaraderie, including newfound friendships that may outlive the expedition.

My hiking journey began when people still hiked to connect with nature and not for content. As a result, save for those organised mass walks, I almost always found myself without a group to hike with. This means I often found myself among strangers or, at most, knowing only one person in the group. Each adventure with a new group saw me making a friend or more.

Is it safe to hike with strangers?

We live in a world where we cannot tell a friend from a foe. Serial killers may be disguised as hikers or e-hail drivers. This is enough to discourage you from going anywhere without known company. But that would mean you stop living, right? I love my space and surrounding myself with those who resonate with my energy. However, being confined to a familiar circle may rob me of a refreshing way to connect with nature and humanity. I’ve experienced connecting with unfamiliar people many a time. And this includes meeting strangers at an airport en route to China for a grueling multiday hike. That was more than 15 years ago, and I still have a friend I made from that encounter. I’m not suggesting that you look for strangers to hike with. You may join a hiking club where you’ll meet new people or decide to join an advertised hiking. You’ll never know where that may lead you, literally and figuratively.

I met all of them at OR Tambo International Airport - April 2009

Connecting with strangers on a hike

I’m not sure about other sports, but I know people tend to connect easily in hiking and running, most of the time due to shared struggles. And when you find yourself stuck with strangers in a kombi for several hours, you don't have a choice but to blend in, especially if there are several days of hiking in a mountain range ahead of you.  When a hike to the highest peak in the country gets rough, you alternate between inspiring each other and appreciating breathtaking views. 

Next time you’re hiking and see a stranger struggling, ask if they need help or just offer a word of motivation. And when a stranger tells you you’re only 1 km away when you know there’s still 5 km or more, just smile. They’re just trying to motivate you.  You may even converse, and you'll never know what may come from that. Networking is not only for golfers; hikers form meaningful networks too. We don’t need hole 19.

Lasting memories...lasting friendships - Mafadi 2015

Trust

During the abovementioned excursion in China, not only did I hike with strangers, save for the friend who convinced me to join the trip, but we were also guided by locals, most of whom didn’t know a word of English. This is one of those hiking trips I took at the height of my fear of heights. There was a day we had to hike a part of the Great Wall that was damaged and without walls in parts. I opted to take an alternative route, guided by a Chinese sherpa I had just met, while the whole group took the wall route. With my fear of heights and water, I often had to depend on strangers to help me cross water or deal with a scary climb. Trust is at the top of the lessons I learnt through hiking. I have been reminded that, regardless of our backgrounds, we are capable of showing up for each other where there is a need.

At the height of my fear of heights, I wouldn't dare risk walking here. (Photo from Shutterstock)

Remember

Meeting strangers or starting a hiking trip with strangers may introduce you to a new world and provide a new lens through which to view the world. We all have unique experiences that we get to share and enrich each other’s perspectives. But it is still essential to be cautious; start by ensuring that the group you’re joining or the hike's organiser is reputable. Even if you are an impulsive being like me, just do your homework before lacing up your boots and stepping into the unknown.

At the end

Hiking is not only about exploring landscapes and traversing divergent terrains; it is also about exploring not only your thoughts, but also the thoughts of those in your company. It is about shared stories, struggles, laughter, and the feeling of belonging, even if it’s only for a few hours or days. I hope some strangers you meet on the trails become lasting connections; even if they don’t, I hope they leave you with beautiful memories. One hiking trail at a time; one step at a time!

 

Td

 

Are you up for a cool adventure?

I have already declared that my hiking season begins in autumn. This is because the season brings with it cooler weather, which makes hiking more pleasant. Although the days become shorter, if like me, you don’t enjoy hiking in the heat or rain, then this is the best time to dust your boots, lace up, and hit the trails. In autumn, nature seems to brag as the leaves of most trees change their colours, and most start falling, making a carpet of multicoloured leaves on the ground.

In a few days, autumn will make way for winter, my favourite season for hiking.  We get to experience mild temperatures, crisp air, and clear skies, which make for a pleasant hiking experience. And dare I say, the two seasons not only make for the best hiking experience; they also provide lessons to human beings about embracing life’s changes. By watching how trees allow their leaves to fall off with ease, human beings can learn the art of letting go and not holding on to what no longer works. Nature teaches us to embrace our brokenness and to take time off to heal when necessary as we wait for our total transformation.

The joys of winter hikes

Many popular hiking trails get crowded in summer. Being notorious for my preference of intimate hikes, each time I see a large group of hikers, I cringe. And that does not suggest that I don’t love people. I am a lover of all things human, anti-social maybe. But the biggest reason is that I go to nature to connect and experience some quiet moments, something impossible with a large group. And because many people don’t prefer hiking in winter, if you share my preference for a quieter connection with nature, then you’ll be in for a treat as trails are normally less crowded. And for those who cringe at the thought of snakes, in winter, they hibernate, and you can enjoy your hike without worrying about the chance of encountering a slithering friend on your way.

Gear up for winter hikes

I’m not a runner, but I rub shoulders with runners because imitating them prepares me for hiking. Each time I’m part of a race, I tend to decide who is a true runner and who is just there for fitness, through their dress. Regardless of the weather, runners wear shorts and vests, while the rest of us wear long leggings and light jackets that later go to our waists. I guess that’s because runners know that once they run, it gets hot. I know I may be wrong, but that’s my uneducated assessment.

Just because it’s cold, doesn’t mean you need your thickest jacket. That will be very uncomfortable. Many of us learned that the hard way. The first thing you need to learn as a beginner hiker is that in winter, you dress in layers. As much as you do not want to be too cold, you don’t want to deal with an unnecessarily heavy load. Consider the following:

• A moisture-wicking base layer (not cotton)
• A fleece or hoodie for insulation
• A lightweight, windproof jacket
• Comfortable hiking pants or leggings
• A beanie and light gloves for cold starts

Wear the right shoes/boots

We already know that your shoes can determine your experience of the trail. In autumn, the ground is often damp and covered in fallen leaves. The same goes for winter where you’re likely to experience frost in the early mornings and all that may be slippery. This is where you need footwear with good traction and ankle support. Sturdy trail shoes or hiking boots will do you a lot of good. You may also add gaiters for the frost and wet grass.

In your bag

The weather may be nice and cool, but you must still be prepared and remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the winter sun :

• Water (at least 1.5L)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Snacks (biltong, trail mix, fruit)
• A map or GPS
• First aid kit (always)
• Headlamp or flashlight (just in case your hike takes longer than expected)

Finally

Hiking is not just an exercise; it’s an opportunity to leave the screens and the noise and reconnect with nature. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors sans the intense summer sun and rain. So, lace up your boots, pack a snack, and step into the crisp air and never forget the hiking etiquette. Don’t let the freezing temperature tempt you to start late as the days are short. Enjoy the subtle crunch of frosted grass and leaves under your boots, still careful not to slip. Take beautiful photos and soak in the views, one step at a time. 

Td

 

 

Sometimes things go wrong

 

Things going wrong is a part of life, and it doesn’t always point to poor planning. Sometimes, things will just go wrong. In hiking, this may take the form of a sudden change in weather, getting lost, or even an injury. And sometimes, everything that can go wrong just go wrong. And when it is a weekend hike, good decision-making is crucial as you must find a way to survive!

Please bear with me if this sounds like a high school composition titled ‘A Journey by Bus’. I just need to share what my hiking buddies and I experienced recently. While you may not experience this in your hiking journey, I hope my sharing will make you realise that even when things go south, they don’t always spell complete and utter disaster!

Where to?

It had been a while since my last weekend hike, and I was ecstatic. The company was good. It was a mix of hikers I have seen recently (as in a year or more ago) and those I had not hiked with in a long time. For many of us, it was a reunion of sorts, and we were looking forward to catching up. The Mpumalanga Province, with its rolling hills and beautiful waterfalls, was beckoning and a perfect fit for a hikers’ reunion.

 

Time

When you travel as a group, especially with common transport, the issue of time always becomes a factor. Our group was made of people from Pretoria/Johannesburg and Rustenburg/Mafikeng, with transport from Johannesburg. My place was the meeting place for those from outside the province and around Pretoria. Surprisingly, almost everybody arrived on time, only for transport to be delayed due to traffic congestion from the South.  

Transport

I’m not much of a fan of group travel, especially during hiking trips. I‘ve had one too many unpleasant experiences that put me off, though I still find myself doing it. Maybe it's because I’m always amused at how adults suddenly turn into their teenage selves in such settings. The adults in the kombi did not disappoint. All their titles gave way to happy teens, sharing jokes and chatting gaily until the mood was almost dampened by the traffic officer who decided to question the authenticity of the license plate, wasting more than 30 minutes of travel.

And then there was a trailer

Traveling late tends to be unnerving, especially because reaching most hiking trails involves driving on gravel roads. We had barely left the Gauteng Province when the bright orange sun bid us goodbye as it settled in the West, meaning the rest of our journey was after sunset. And there we were, in the dark, with about 10 km of gravel road still ahead of us, when suddenly there was a funny sound. Another funny sound followed just before the kombi came to a halt. A wheel from the trailer had gone off, breaking stuff in the process. This required some decision-making and teamwork. And dare I say, the team didn’t do too bad.

The dirty house

Hiking accommodation is always basic, and usually there is no electricity. Although there were no kitchen utensils, our base camp accommodation had electricity and hot water. That, in this world, is luxury. The excitement of the ‘luxury’ was quickly wiped off as switching on the lights revealed a filthy and almost spooky house with spiderwebs and dirt all over. We don’t always expect luxury, but the least we expect is cleanliness. It is easy for hikers to get agitated and dejected when they encounter such a situation. And some were – rightfully so. And when you still have three nights at a place, you can make the most of the situation or spend the most miserable long weekend far from home. Hikers know best!

Hikers are used to sharing rooms and bunk beds. The least they ask for is cleanliness.

Within no time, we stopped talking about what the host should or should not have done, and we tried to make the place liveable as it would be our home for that long weekend.

The trail

Mpumalanga is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, and when you set out to hike, you almost look forward to being rewarded with one of those. Our hike was to include walking through some plantations and crossing streams using wooden bridges. So, we were naturally excited at the prospect of lunching by a beautiful waterfall. We love well-marked trails, and this one didn’t disappoint with the white and yellow footprints strategically placed on rocks and trees. This worked well until we came to what seemed to be a danger tape. It was confusing because there was no indication from the beginning of the trail that there would be issues ahead. And we decided to go past the tape. Our decision was based on our belief that the tape may have been for trail runners as there were markings indicating a trail running race at some point.  

This bridge was hanging by a thread.

While some wooden bridges were somehow stable, some were crying for maintenance. And yet we continued. Then there it was! The bridge in front of us was slanted and screaming unsafe! Hikers, being adventurous by nature, saw the slanted bridge as an adrenalin moment, testing their boots’ grip. And did we come across more unsettling issues along the way? These included coming across a bridge that was completely broken and getting into the water to cross the stream, having established that the water level would be safe. I have a complicated relationship with bodies of water, so you cannot imagine what this did to me.

This screams danger!

A few hours later, after reaching another completely broken wooden bridge, the team decided to hike back. That included crossing the water and the slanted bridge again, where one hiker lost her eyeglasses (what else could go wrong?). This would have been enough to spoil the weekend mood completely. That was not to be. Hikers found a way to have a great afternoon despite the failed hike. In the process, we enlisted the help of one of the workers to take us to the waterfall the next day. And boy, did we have the best time at the waterfall. All the teens came to play freely, with everybody leaving the place soaking wet! All gratitude to breathable hiking gear!  

In the end

What was supposed to be a disastrous hiking weekend became a beautiful weekend of laughter and much love shared. With everything that could go wrong, having gone wrong, we still came back having had the best time. I cannot advise you to go over broken bridges, but when a hiking trip goes south, it is up to you to make it what you want. One step at a time, putting one foot in front of the other!

And then there was water!

NB! I informed the booking company about our displeasure. I’m convinced the trail should probably be closed for maintenance. Why they accepted our booking is still a mystery, but I hope they will not subject more people to that experience!

Td

Having a supportive tribe

 

A tribe that plays together...

This past Saturday, I joined the work athletics team for a practice run. Yes, run, although it is more of a shuffle in my world! Anyway, the team was supposed to start at 05:00, and I had my alarm set to be there on time. And when the alarm went off, I didn’t press snooze; I pressed stop and turned, ready to continue with my sleep, as I felt too tired to punish myself like that. I couldn’t sleep and decided to wake up anyway. As I was preparing myself, I started seeing updates from members and got the fuel I needed to do this!

Sometimes showing up is the only choice

I had a doctor’s appointment that day, so I  needed a change of clothes. Since time was not on my side, I had to do everything in a rush. And each time I had to leave, I realised I had forgotten something. This happened so often that I wondered if it was even worth it. The last straw was when I tripped and fell! Need I mention how falling unsettles me, given my fragile structure now? Instead of seeing that as a sign that maybe it was time for a rain check, the rebel in me was more determined to show up. When I arrived at the venue, I got unnerved as it was still a tad dark, and while there were cars, no one was in sight. I knew long-distance runners had a different route but expected to find the short-distance tribe. I felt a bit dejected as I reflected on how everything seemed to go wrong before I left. And then I had a light bulb moment! I was being delayed so I could arrive when it was not too dark since I would be alone! Coincidence? Synchronicity? In my world, it will be the latter. Anyway… that’s not what I’m writing about!

A little support goes a long way

Over the years, I have participated in several marathons as a walker and have always been in awe of the different teams running as a group, mostly singing while I’m gasping for air (shuffling, not running). I learned later that those groups are called buses. And it is those buses that ensure that all members finish the race! I also noticed that there would be normal water stops, but there would also be some special stops provided for specific team members only, with the attendants there cheering members on. The camaraderie and the support have always been a marvel to watch. Only this past weekend did I get a glimpse of how the foundation of such a support structure is laid. It takes commitment and sacrifice from members who choose not to train and support their fellow runners during their training. It takes members who choose to attend a marathon they are not taking part in to support their team members. It takes runners who finish running short distances and wait at the finish line to cheer their team members running long distances. It is stuff like this that tends to pull at my heartstrings.

In hiking, a selfie moment can sometimes be all the cheering you need (Photo courtesy of Keo wa Aforika)

A little appreciation for the helpers

This led me back to a moment back in 2015 when a friend was injured during a weekend hike. This injury happened on the first day of a two-day hike, and she was not about to abandon such a serious mission just to be x-rayed and put on a moon boot. As is the culture of hikers, everyone did their bit to ensure she was comfortable. Everything except convincing her that it was not a good idea not to be checked immediately, especially given that she was at an age where spare parts were scarce. Among the helpers was one big-hearted soul (may her soul continue to rest in peace) who was a lover and a cheerleader of note. My experience over the weekend made me appreciate her again. It was her nature to make sure everyone was okay.  She opted not to hike on the second day to take care of the injured hiker. Some hikers offered to stay with them. When the rest of the group left that morning, she was cheering us on, almost crying as she wished us well and reminded us how much she loved us all. After her passing, a video of this moment was circulated widely across social media platforms. I’m only realising now how big her role was. She was not just that person who enjoyed traveling with hikers while she was not going to hike. Not only did she keep the fireside busy with her humour, but she also ensured hikers were fed!

Members of my tribe can be creative with their photos (Photo courtesy of Tony Sibanda)

Being held

I have received a lot of support in my hiking journey. I have mentioned that this started as a wobbly journey due to my fear of heights and bodies of water. And yet, through the support of fellow hikers who had to hold me or even carry my bag, I could overcome most of those fears. When watching the Comrades Marathon, one witnesses strength, resilience and character. The selflessness I have seen with runners carrying each other to the finish line says much about this tribe. I have realised that running needs mental strength, as does hiking. You are as good as your physical, mental and emotional fitness during a hike. It is, therefore, important to attend to those. In addition to your fitness, your tribe will determine how you experience a hike. Your support to others will determine how they experience a hike. 

 At 5 200m altitude! I thought I was going to die. 

Sometimes hiking can be torture

I don’t think my body ever experienced torture like it did when I hiked the Anchascocha trail in Peru. For anyone who wants to know when I’m doing Kilimanjaro, I’m not sure. With my weak lungs and my struggle with altitude in Peru, I may just have to accept that it is not for me. And I’m saying this, knowing very well that there is absolutely nothing wrong in changing my view at some point. Anyway, I feel I could have done with better support on this hike, but I cannot forget how two guys had to drag me to the Rainbow Mountain. I remember at 20 meters, one of the guys saying to me, you can go back if you want. I was done; but I looked at him and asked, are you mad? Dealing with altitude needs serious fitness; but even fit hikers can struggle with that. A supportive tribe is still key, but being physically fit and mentally ready to deal with altitude is vital. 

 

The view is always worth the rough climb.

Being with the tribe

I will be going on a weekend hike soon after two or more years of absence, not out of choice. Life happens, and I have learned not to force anything. Again, in my world, everything happens for a reason. I am looking forward to reconnecting with nature. I am looking forward to watching the stars (elements allowing) by the fireside and sharing some hilarious stories shared only around the fire. I’m looking forward to hearing wild animals calling at night. And while I’m looking forward to all these, I am looking forward to sharing space and food with my tribe and the support that goes with that. That support can be someone walking with you when you cannot keep up with the group's pace. Someone encouraging you when you start questioning the wisdom of subjecting yourself to rough terrains when you could have joined a choir. You may, at some point, question your decision to leave your comfortable bed to be tortured in the bush. Believe me, it is normal. We do that, and as soon as we finish the trail, the first question becomes, when and where are we hiking next?

You may be the one that has to switch on the geyser.

At the end

I hope in your journey, you will be made to feel like you belong to a tribe. And here, I’m not referring to belonging to a specific group. Being a hiker makes you part of a bigger hiking tribe. And the support you will receive will not be limited to those you know. I hope you, too, will open your heart and make other hikers feel part of a tribe. And while at that, may we never forget what we owe to nature and our environment. Let’s respect nature and keep our environment clean. Let's preserve it for future generations. One step at a time!

Td

Each to their own… or not?

 

I must confess I wanted to post this before the end of February, as I promised to write two posts a month. Then I had to remember my advice. The past few weeks have been hectic as I became a grandma at the end of January. This left less time to do most things, including writing – and I’m not complaining. And that is just how life goes. Occasionally, we are reminded that we are not in charge and that it’s okay to slow down when necessary. Anyway… here we go!

My attempt at healthy living started with joining an aerobics club a few years back. Except for the high-impact exercises, which included step, we did a bit of weight training and toning. It was beautiful, and I enjoyed that. My body, even though it was much heavier when I started, did a good job of carrying me at the time.

I was later introduced to other forms of exercise and even joined hiking. I then realised that no amount of jumping up and down at the gym would prepare me for what the mountains have in store for me. Hiking requires stamina, and walking uphill on varying terrain plus long distances demands strong cardiovascular endurance. I needed more. I  needed to walk more to build my endurance for long distances and develop my cardiovascular strength. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned hiker , you cannot afford to slack on your fitness. I learned that the hard way!

Walking is an effective exercise that's also gentle on your knees.

My friend and I once pulled a very costly stunt. We decided to join a hiking trip to Monk’s Cowl, in the Drakensberg - straight from our coaches. Our guide, having taken us to another trail in the berg, trusted our fitness and told us, “You girls have what it takes!” Boy, did we have a rude awakening! We arrived last at the camp, and the guide was kind enough to let us know that, throughout his guiding career, he’s never had anyone reach that camp after sunset. Ouch!  And that was not the only time we were last. We (the same friend and I) once registered for a half marathon (walking) at a night race, and we were so behind that we had to be escorted. By the way, these are stories often shared around the fire during a hike.

And we continue to explore divergent terrains, this time armed with the requisite fitness.

Anyway, this piece is not about hiking fitness but rather about whether people should stick to one sport (for lack of a better word). I’ve made myself a messenger here because I’ve heard people questioning why some people run, cycle, hike, and swim, among others. My question is, why limit yourself? Okay, I do not run! I do not have knees for running, and since I’m also aware that there may be no spare parts for my model, I try not to do anything that may require replacing some of my body parts. So, you can imagine how much I cringe each time I see people running on trails.

A fellow hiker says human beings are not made for running. And that’s him justifying why he would never run in his life. And another fellow hiker feels running on a trail is just madness. And he doesn’t understand why some people think hikers are mad for leaving their homes to torture themselves in the mountains, exposing themselves to a lot of danger in the process. In the same way, other people don’t understand why people would just chase the wind for so many kilometres. That it doesn’t make sense to you doesn’t make it stupid. You find someone questioning why you hike, yet they walk for hours trying to get a small white ball into a hole. I can go on and on. And people pay a lot of money to watch some of those seemingly ‘stupid’ sports.

So, should golfers not hike, or runners not play golf? I think we all have different tastes and limits. My experience is runners are used to speed; they get bored on hiking trails. They just want to get to the end, while for me, hiking is about taking it easy and making time to absorb nature and smell each moment. Would I have the patience to hold a stick and practice a swing to hit a small ball, hoping it will land in a hole or somewhere closer? Nope! And I have nothing against those who do that. In the same way that I do not have issues with people who cycle. I know my bum, well-cushioned as it is, doesn’t like repetitive movements, so no saddle for me! But for those whose bums are happy with the saddle, knock yourselves out!

I admire those who do triathlons. I admire runners, and I know my teammates (I just joined a work athletics club) look forward to me graduating from walking to running Comrades marathon. I may attend the Comrades marathon at some point but only to support them!

At the end

We are diverse, and so are our choices. We choose what works and makes us happy. I am all for ease and happiness. If it delights me, I will give it my all. If it feels like punishment, it’s not sustainable. Choose your poison and find a mix of what makes your hiking better. One step at a time.

Td

Hiking with a baby

 

I never thought I would write about this, let alone contemplate hiking with a baby. I guess that’s because the hiking bug bit when my ‘laat lammetjie’ was still a baby. Hiking with her was not an idea at the time, as I was still trying to find my way around the activity. She was not spared though. Recently, at a marathon, I heard one lady complaining about how unforgiving Hennops trail was. I smiled, remembering how my baby braved that trail when she was only 9. That was her maiden hike, and she was to do several more before she decided in her teens that hiking was not her poison.

We traversed several local trails before she made her choice.

I have always seen runners pushing their babies in their strollers and I never thought much of that. That was until last year when I was told I was going to be a granny. Each time I attended a marathon, I pictured myself with that stroller (I'm a walker). And now that he is here, I can’t wait to take him on his first hike! Yes, we'll do marathons, but after spending some time in nature.

Benefits

Hiking is exercise and exercise is always beneficial. So, who said just because you have a baby you cannot hike? Let both of you get some fresh air and bond in a different environment. Introduce the baby to nature so the love and appreciation of the outdoors can be ingrained. Our planet can do with more people who love and appreciate it. I know that having a newborn baby can be both physically and emotionally draining, but if you’re up to it, taking a stroll at a park or next to a body of water with your little one may be therapeutic. And I know that as Africans, we have a period where the baby should not be moving around to protect them from energies. So, I’m not suggesting you take your baby on a hike in the first month.

Safety first

Having had one too many falling episodes at hikes, I never thought I would one day wish to hike with a baby. Thankfully, while I still experience knee pain occasionally, my legs are strong enough to carry me; now they must carry me with my precious cargo. So yes, I’m preparing my body and mind for a little adventure with my new love. I also know that I will need to identify a very short and gentle trail so that both of us can fully enjoy the experience; no rugged terrains yet! A botanical garden will be a great start. If you have access to a botanical garden or a nearby park, that may be your option to introduce the little one to nature. I will share what I found as we continue exploring.

Baby carrier

Unlike running or walking, I don’t have the option of taking a stroller with me. I'm not even sure if they make them for rugged terrain, so for now, I'll stick with carrying the baby. I have carried a 65 kg bag on my back, but carrying a baby is a completely different kettle of fish. I know I am going to need a comfortable baby carrier. Fortunately, I have carried many babies on my back and dare I say, I carry a structure that makes the task very easy! And I do not believe in carrying a baby in front. I need my view and the use of my hands and, I have been taught that carrying a baby on the back shields them from bad energies. And I’m not going into the how!

I generally use a cloth to carry a baby on my back, but I know it will not be an option when I hike. Just as I need a balanced backpack, I need a balanced carrier. I need something comfortable for both of us so the little one can be snuggled in comfortably. It must have proper back support, padded shoulder straps and a supportive waist belt. For the little one, I need something that will support the neck and head. My search revealed some carriers with hoodies, which is a plus, as the baby will need to be shielded from the sun. Not that you should skip getting a hat for them. I will be going shopping, and I will test the different carriers, including the backpack carrier. Watch the space!

This you can only use once the child can sit on their own and with a good neck control.  (Photo from Outdoor warehouse page)

Be prepared

Just like you must prepare for your hike, you must be extra prepared when taking a baby to a hike. There are things you may be able to survive without, but the last thing you need is an uncomfortable baby crying throughout your trip. Of course, the first thing is to know the trail and how easy it will be for you to navigate it with your precious cargo. As indicated, shorter and easier trails will be your best bet until both of you are more comfortable with being on a trail together. Please check the weather and if there is a chance of rain, take that rain check!

Slow down and take breaks

I still enjoy hiking slowly to connect with nature so I don’t have to make special time for tree-hugging. When walking with other people, this is often impossible as some people want to finish quickly, or are keen to get to that waterfall or whatever awaits along the trail. I’m looking forward to enjoying the journey with my new love. And while nature is always king, I know he will be king too. He will determine how many breaks we take, and I will be ready to listen to his cues. I guess the parents, aunt, and uncle must be prepared to be part of the hike because I will need someone to carry his other essentials. And I promise you, they are going to have fun!

 One day, we'll hold hands on a trail...

Enjoy!

This piece is for all moms, dads, and grannies who may be new to hiking or are seasoned hikers who thought the arrival of a new one meant a total break from hiking. Hiking is still possible, albeit not without challenges. While you don’t need to conquer the Drakensberg with your baby, you can still enjoy nature with your little one. Just make sure you protect them from the sun and bugs and that you are fit to carry them on a hike. And remember that you will need extra clothing and a changing mat. Since I still have to explore this, I will share more as the journey continues. In the meantime, just take it one step at a time and make beautiful memories.

Don’t forget:

Camera!

A first-aid kit

Sunscreen, hat and bug spray

Baby food/milk etc.

Water and snacks

Nappies and wipes

Small blanket – for those breaks and picnicking

We can do this! One step at a time...!

 

Td