It is the hiking season!

I know what you’re thinking. Does hiking have a season? Can’t one just put on their hiking boots and hit the trails whenever they feel like it? While one can do that, there are periods that are better suited for hiking than others. The most important consideration here being the weather pattern and the area you intend to explore.

Is there a hiking season?

Life generally is about preference and what makes us comfortable. Are you comfortable hiking when it’s too hot, cold, wet or dry? I know I am comfortable hiking from the beginning of autumn until mid or end of spring. This because I want to avoid extreme heat and thunderstorms. There are areas such as the Drakensberg, that I won’t hike in winter at all, and there are those such as Magoebaskloof, that I cannot attempt in summer.

So, my answer to the above question is each to their own. However, because this blog is meant to guide you so you can start hiking and enjoy it, I’m going to share information for different seasons of the year. The information shared applies regardless of whether you’re planning for a day, weekend or multiday hike. And if you are in South Africa, there are options to keep you moving throughout the year because with its various climatic regions and diverse landscapes, this country has a trail for every season.

Autumn

This is when I dust off my hiking boots and prepare to hit the trails, including multiday trails. As the leaves start falling off trees and the temperatures drop, hiking becomes even more enjoyable in many areas. This means you have chilly mornings, which make hiking enjoyable, and if you’re hiking in a place with rockpools and waterfalls, you still get to enjoy them before it gets too cold.

Winter

Winter is my favourite hiking season. For those who always ask about snakes, we all know that they hibernate in winter, so, now there’s no excuse. While the days are shorter, hiking in winter can be very pleasant as you will not be dealing with issues such as dehydration or exhaustion due to extreme heat. Just don’t make the mistake of bringing all your winter clothes to the trail. Once you start walking, you will forget it’s winter. Dress in layers, and preferably with a light jacket that you can easily remove as your body warms up. 

Spring

Hiking in spring must be the most rewarding as most areas have flowers in full bloom. If you’re in the Karoo and the Western Cape, hiking in spring means being greeted by carpets of beautiful flowers. I keep promising myself a spring hike in the Karoo, just for the flowers! It is still advisable to check the weather and have appropriate gear, including a light rain jacket in case of a drizzle. And enjoy the rockpools where available and it’s safe to swim.

Summer

Not my favourite time to hike, but it is still doable and enjoyable. My advice will be to start as early as possible, so you finish before the heat gets extreme. Wear a hat and have enough water. Check the weather for possible rain and always have a light rain jacket. And where there are rockpools, enjoy them. Just make sure it’s safe and that you can swim.

Enjoying the swim in summer: Photo by Otsile Kole

In conclusion

There are those who believe that with proper gear, weather should not be an issue. Personally, I wouldn’t risk being in nature where inclement weather is expected. And that is just me! South Africa offers trails for every season. Just understand the weather pattern of areas you intend exploring on foot and keep doing!

 

Td

Some trail etiquette

 

I must admit I’m one of those who get unsettled whenever there’s mention of law and order. Not to say that I’m a lawless being, just that I prefer ease and flow and therefore detest being stifled by rules. But where human beings coexist, there’s always potential for conflict, which therefore necessitates some form of control. I cringed typing that last word!

There are people who found themselves on hiking trails during the Covid-19 lockdowns since many public places were closed. While some took time to learn the basics, most did not. I hope what I’m going to share here will assist someone out there and maybe even ensure that next time I’m on a trail, I don’t have to pick up on other people’s litter – because that’s what considerate hikers do – or get irritated because people are disturbing my peace with loud music while I’m trying to feel the morning breeze on my cheeks.

Anyway, let me not scare you into believing that there will be rules and regulations you must adhere to or face a sanction of sorts. While most areas have rules, they are just there for your safety and for the protection of the property and the natural environment. What I’m writing about here is etiquette, which basically refers to polite behaviour or good manners among people - hikers in this instance. While some hiking trails are privately owned, hiking trails tend to be communal in their nature; I’m referring to their use, not ownership. This is not about rules and regulations; this is just advice on how hikers can be considerate and responsible on the trail. 

Noise 

I feel I need to start with this as it has become a serious thorn. I love music, all types of music. But I know that most people go hiking to escape the noise, to disconnect. I go hiking to leave the ‘normal’ world behind and to get lost in nature. I know and respect that for other people, music can be their companion for various reasons, which include putting them in a meditative state, which can happen even when hiking. That said, not everyone prefers music on the trail, so please be mindful of that. Remember also that there is wildlife and noise may agitate some animals. I don't think we want to experience their aggression. And it is their territory! I know of a story of a cyclist who had an encounter with a wildebeest. It was not nice!

Beautiful as this ostrich is, once agitated, it can attack!

Fortunately, technology enables us to still enjoy music without disturbing other hikers and animals. My advice however would be where possible, try to use a single earbud as it is important for you to be aware of what’s going on in your surroundings. 

While trails are not meant to be no-talk zones, it would be nice for conversations not to be very loud. Some hikers can be so loud that it becomes annoying. Whether you're having a conversation with a fellow hiker or on your phone, please consider others and try to keep it down. And this is not to say don't talk to other hikers. We still greet, joke and encourage each other, but there's no need for too much noise.

Right of way

Yes, I said that. Who has the right of way on a trail? I know it may seem like common sense that you need to give way for faster hikers, but I have seen people literally blocking the path. And trails are narrow. While you will not find any written rule about keeping left and passing right on the trail, it is only polite and courteous to give way to someone walking faster than you. Lately there are many trail runners on the trail and yes, be kind enough to keep left and let them pass right. That has got nothing to do with you treating others as though they are better than you; it’s just plain good manners.

If you’ve ever walked uphill or had to reach a building floor via the stairs, you have an idea of what walking uphill can feel like. There’s a lot of huffing and puffing and the last thing anyone going up needs, is to have to yield to allow somebody descending to pass. I discourage anybody hiking with me to pause midway through a climb and I have learnt this the hard way. It is important to keep the momentum as even a momentary stop can throw you off. And all this explaining was meant to say it’s always better for those going downhill to give way to those going uphill because chances are by the time you meet them, they already feel like they are dying, so please, be kind. Those descending also have the advantage of being able to see where they’re going while those going uphill don’t have a clue. On the plus side, that courtesy will give your knees a much-needed rest. And if you’re both going uphill and one of you is slow, if the path allows, the slow one can move to the side to let the other hiker pass, otherwise wait for the path to widen. And if you’re coming from behind and you’re fast, you may ask nicely to be allowed to pass, if that is possible.

Psst! Always stay on the trail and avoid creating new pathways!

Leave nothing, but footsteps - John Muir

A hiker holding a bottle of water or sports drink unsettles me because I know that nine times out of ten, once that bottle is empty and a few kilometres have been covered, it’s going to feel so heavy that the only logical thing for them will be to throw it away, to the detriment of the environment. I have already mentioned picking up on other hikers' litter. Please remember that whatever you bring to the trail, you take back with you, at least until at the end of your hike where you’re likely to find rubbish bins. That is one of the many reasons hikers carry bags – so they carry whatever they need and stuff everything they’ve used in there. And whatever litter you see lying around, if you are a true nature lover, you will pick up. And by so doing, hopefully whoever is watching you will learn something!

 

This is unacceptable, not only in hiking trails. Our environment deserves better!

And then there are dogs!

I’ve never been bitten by a dog, and I don’t know anyone close to me who has been bitten by one. But I’m hell scared of the canines. There are dog-friendly trails and I wish those choosing to take their furry friends on hikes could be more considerate. I cannot describe the feeling of facing a dog, sharp teeth and all. Those are moments I forget even the most basic prayer. If you’re considering hiking with your dog, please be mindful that there may be hikers like me, who are so scared of dogs, and consider keeping your friend on a leash so we all enjoy the outdoors without palpitations.

In the end

A day spent in the outdoors should be about leaving the everyday sounds and absorbing the sounds of nature. While in nature, respect yourself, others and the environment. Let our presence not affect nature negatively as we each have a responsibility to protect it.

Td

 

 

How do you start hiking?

 

 

I’ve met people who feel they cannot hike because of one thing or another. Let’s get this out of the way. Hiking does not have a type; anyone can hike regardless of their size, body shape or height. I will admit that being short with a sizeable behind has posed its own challenges, but none that’s been insurmountable seeing that many years later, I’m still hiking. I will probably share some of those challenges in later posts, but what’s important here is for you to know a few things that you need for an enjoyable first hiking experience.

 

Why hike?

I’ve been asked why I keep going back to hiking and if I ever win prizes, so, let me share my reasons for hiking. I explore the outdoors to recharge my body and spirit. I disappear to the outdoors to switch off from the world of work and technology and to nurture my soul. I traverse undulating mountains and plains to reach beautiful places reachable only on foot. I go to the forests and mountains for the fresh air, for the sound of flowing water, for the sound of birds chirping and communicating with one another… for the breathtaking waterfalls! I can go on and on. And now I feel like asking,  is there a better prize? Me thinks not!

This has to count as one of the best rewards of hiking.

Where do you start?

The easiest place to start is at a place near you if you’re lucky enough to live where there are hiking trails nearby. Otherwise, it’s best to join a hiking group or club. However, do your homework before joining clubs. It’s important to know if there is support for newbies. You don’t want to find yourself huffing and puffing alone with no one to give you support or worse, getting lost while everyone is gone; these things happen. I did not start with a hiking club. In fact, my introduction to hiking was during a girls’ weekend away in the Drakensberg. My interest was piqued by a short trail within the resort, and while the real bug was to bite much later, I still owe the interest to that trip, which ironically, almost saw me have a big fall as I slipped, thanks to the wrong takkies I had.

How do you prepare?

Maybe the most important thing to research is the trail you intend hiking – something I wish I was told before. My first real hike was a multi-day trek which also included camping for the first time. Can we talk about that? Maybe next time when we discuss camping.  This was an introduction to hiking for many people and while many went on to explore more trails and even summit some of the world’s prominent summits, many were put off by the experience.

What do you need to know?

·       Start with a short, easy day hike. You can add more kilometres as your fitness improves. I will have a write-up on some easy trails and I hope to cover as many areas as possible.

·       You don’t wear new hiking boots to a hike. You need to wear them in for a while before. You can even wear them to work or to the shops for a while before taking them for a serious ride. I know one or two people who were lucky enough to test drive their new hiking boots on a hike; I’d rather you don’t test your luck!

·       Your beautiful sneakers may not be ideal for a trail. I’m tempted to discourage you from even wearing gym takkies, but I have seen people traverse very seriously rugged terrain with those, so, I guess on this one, it’s each to their own. But my advice would be, if you’re comfortable with takkies, opt for trail running takkies as they have some traction. I prefer a hiking boot for ankle support. 

·       Wear comfortable clothing and avoid jeans. Generally, you need clothes that allow you to have freedom of movement and tight jeans seldom do. In fact, a friend’s jeans got ripped during a hike, causing her inner thighs to chafe. That led to her asking a guide to watch over her while she took a nap as she could no longer bear the friction. Don’t ask if she still hikes, please! Anyway, more about clothing in later posts. Here, it’s just about the basics.

·       Choose a well-marked trail and ask for a trail map if it’s available.

·   Always carry a headlamp or torch in your bag just in case life happens! I promise to share some experiences where a torch came handy on a day hike.

Trail markings may be painted on trees and rocks. The footprint is the most common trail marking in South Africa.

In the end

Hiking, like many activities, may not be for everyone. But that is just a matter of personal preference, and not because hikers are a special breed. Well, they are in their own way, but anyone can be part of that special breed. Just try to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and voilá, you'll be well on your way to what can be your best hiking journey.   

As a short person, you may need to stretch yourself more to go over boulders and other obstacles and maybe even need a push or pull, or both. But that is part of the adventure. Tall people also must bend and squeeze themselves to fit into some spaces but at the end of the day, we all make it anyway. Because it’s all about putting one foot in front of another and taking it one step at a time! 

 

Td

Making walking a habit

 

I take it you’re here because you are interested in hiking or you’re already hiking and feel you can do with a tip or two. However, I thought I should just add some motivation on why you should consider making walking a part of your life, or even a habit. After all, hiking is walking, right? Both hiking and walking involve putting one foot in front of the other, with the difference being the terrain. What turns a walk into a hike is the terrain which can be rugged, having ascents and descents and generally out in the forest and not within a residential area. I will not go into whether walking in a flat forest is a walk or a hike. My advice is for those who will be traversing some rugged terrain, which tends to take one’s breath literally and figuratively, to start by getting into a habit of walking. Many people who went hiking once and swore never to torture themselves like that ever again, did so because they went straight from the couch to a hiking trail. Start walking today; you won’t even need to thank me. You enjoying hitting the trail is all the gratitude I need from you.

 

Why walk?

We have all been told that all forms of exercise or body movement have health benefits. And many of us spend most of our days sitting, either at a work desk or behind the wheel. This sedentary lifestyle is the cause of many of our health problems. Being a rural girl, I always think of how my mother, may her beautiful soul continue to rest in peace, rarely had health issues when we still had fields which were ploughed annually. This because she walked the long distance to the fields, where she continued to exert herself physically. As young kids, we also walked to the fields; we walked a distance to fetch water; we walked to collect wood in the forest, and we walked a hell of a distance to the local secondary school, others to the primary school. There were very few chubby kids when I grew up, at least in my village.

Experts tell us that through making time to walk, we stand a good chance of improving both our mental and physical health. Havard Health credits walking as beneficial for reducing weight, curbing cravings for sweet things and chocolate, reducing the risk of breast cancer, easing joint pain, and boosting immune function. Did they say chocolate cravings? Yes, they did, and since we grab those when we feel down, I guess, since walking or any form of exercise can boost your mood, it then makes sense that you won’t reach for that bar of chocolate or whatever sweet thing you are craving. I know many people who say, ‘I wish I could exercise, but you know I have knee issues.’ Well, there is a condition called osteoarthritis somewhere in my body, but it hasn’t stopped me from exercising and hiking. And I believe that is how that is kept in check. Safe for some minor pain when I must tackle a steep descent or do lunges, most of the time, I forget about that condition.  

How do you start?

Well, I felt silly writing that question because walking is supposed to be natural. How silly is it really to be planning to walk? Anyway, reality is life as it is now keeps us seated most of the time and we therefore should make those plans to get moving. All you need is a pair of proper walking shoes or any pair that you can walk comfortably in. You can just start in the neighbourhood; identify a place that’s safe and invite a friend or two to join you for the camaraderie and for safety. A walking partner can also be an accountability partner, making sure that you stick to the goals you’ve both set.

Some ideas to get you going

•     Start walking in your immediate area; increase the distance and pace as you get comfortable.
•   Commit to few days a week until you can take it out to the bush (more on that in later posts).
•     If there’s a park in your area, that’s a good place to enjoy the scenery while moving that body.
•     If it’s possible to walk to a place, don’t drive – walk!
•     Try to park a tad further from where you’re going so you can walk.
•     Use the stairs, or if you’re going many floors up, get in the habit of walking the last two floors;     do the same when going down.
•      While you may want to increase your speed, if your goal is to hike, you must aim for         distance as hiking trails generally require endurance.

Safety when walking

It would be irresponsible of me to encourage anybody to take up walking without mentioning safety issues. While we cannot always think about what can go wrong, we can’t not plan for our own safety. Safety here includes avoiding injury, but we need to remember that not withstanding its beauty, our country is not the safest of places.

Things to consider for your own safety:

• Warm up your body before walking to avoid injury  – this can be in the form of starting your walk slowly and increasing the pace as your body warms up.
• Make sure the shoes you’re wearing are proper for walking.
• Wear a wide brim hat or cap and apply sunscreen if walking during the day – even when it’s cloudy.
• Aim to walk when there’s still light. If that is not possible, try to walk in well-lit areas.
• If you walk when it’s a bit dark, try to wear something bright and where possible, wear a reflective vest or arm band.
• Where possible, avoid walking alone; there is safety in numbers. 

I hope you are encouraged to make walking a habit as this will enable you to enjoy your hikes. And the hiking business is all about putting one foot in front of another, regardless of whether you are ascending or descending. 

The road may be long. The mountain may be high. All you need is to take that first step! Happy walking!

Td

 

Is this you?

 

I love hiking, but hey, I don’t think I can manage; I’m scared of snakes and creepy crawlies; I don’t think I can afford the expensive gear. Does this sound like you? Thought so! Relax! I’m here to give you tips on how to start your hiking journey with ease. I will share what I wish I knew when I began this journey. This includes picking the right trail, gear, staying safe, hiking responsibly, and more!

I’m Tidimalo, and in case you’re wondering what my claim to fame is, I’m no hiking expert; I'm just an avid hiker. The hiking bug bit me a few years back and yes, I fell so much in love with being in nature; I fell in love with being surrounded by mountains and trees, and recognising my connection with everything in my smallness. So much that I always say, I seem to think and agree with my feet before consulting the head. I will share my hiking hit and miss moments and hopefully equip you, so you fare much better than I did in my early hiking days. Not that you will completely get it right. I still have some of those and as they say, for as long as we breathe, the learning continues!

You can never be too old, too fat or too unfit to start hiking. My hiking journey started much later in life, in my late thirties, to be exact.  So, all you need is a little spark of interest and a willingness to learn more and prepare your body, mind and soul for the healing that comes with being in nature.  And be warned that once the hiking bug bites, there’s no turning back. You’ll find yourself always asking about the next hike, regardless of how much you hated hiking while on the trail. Yes, there is that love/hate relationship and it’s real.

Being in the outdoors is such an amazing experience with benefits for both your body and soul, at least from my experience. And my intent with this is to hopefully ease the burden of beginner hikers and anyone who may need a tip or two about spending time in nature.

There are things that can make or break your hiking experience. These include seemingly small things such as your physical and emotional state, what you’re wearing, your shoes, the weather, and so on. I look forward to journeying with you so you can enjoy the wild in serenity, taking things one step at a time!

Td