Hikers care

Sometimes all you need to give is your time or share your talent/knowledge/gift. (Photo: Courtesy of Mongane)

Word on the social media streets has it that since the end of August, the ‘bars’ have been opened. The Christmas decorations at different shopping malls also remind us that not only are the ‘bars’ opened, but it’s also time to open our hearts and give to those in need. It is the season of giving. As synchronicity would have it, this past Friday, I watched a movie  after a long time. Ordinary angels is a movie about an alcoholic woman who goes all out to assist a recently widowed father of two, with a child needing a liver transplant. One of those heart wrenching movies that you cannot finish without reaching for tissues. I love small kids and both happy and sad movies tend to pull my heartstrings, so yes, I reached for the tissue box several times.  The star fish story which underpinned the storyline, was a reminder that no act of kindness is insignificant.

Walking for a cause. (Photo courtesy of Agrieneth Masule)

On Saturday I joined a group of volunteers from a local church to package food for the needy. Being part of a community seeking to make a difference, no matter how small, is always fulfilling. I’m sharing all of these because as I was busy either packaging or weighing stuff in that hall, I remembered that movie. And in my world, there are no coincidences, only synchronicities. These synchronous events reminded me of a community of hikers and how they tend to gather to do good. And this saw me abandoning the piece that I was ready to post, for this one. It felt opportune for me to highlight some of the good deeds of hikers and hopefully inspire you, as a beginner hiker,  to not only immerse yourself in nature, but also to be conscious of the needs of others and maybe save one star fish in the process.

The hikers' angel - Masego Molosiwa aka Mmamane

Ditsamaanaga Hiking Club in Mahikeng has, for several years, been hosting events to assist the less fortunate. These ranged from spending a day at a children’s home feeding, entertaining and reading to kids, collecting and donating school stationery, sanitary pads and school shoes. It will be remiss of me to write about hikers caring or Ditsamaanaga’s charity projects without mentioning an angel, Masego Molosiwa, lovingly known as Mmamane to all hikers - may her soul continue to rest in peace.

Remembering Mmamane

I met Masego when, as a group of new hikers, we organised a walk from what was then Mmabatho Palms Hotel to the Ramatlabama border post (about 24 km one way). Upon learning that I was from Lehurutshe, she called me Malome, meaning uncle, as she was a niece to Bahurutshe. I also started calling her Motlogolo. She was brave enough to join a group of gym enthusiast, hikers and one or two runners when she was straight from the coach. This was the beginning of a journey of many hiking and camping trips with tons of laughter around the campfire. This was also an introduction to one of the ordinary angels roaming this Earth. She had a big heart and tears for life. She cried for those who suffered and cried even more when something good came together. Her altruism was the genesis of the Ditsamaanaga charity drives, which continue annually in her memory. Please note that this is not a tribute to Motlogolo. Her big heart deserves more than this simple mention.

And then there’s Mongane

The gentle giant with a big heart.

How can I forget Ephraim Nakedi, a gentle giant who has always been a great help to many hikers. I know not many people know that name as he is Mongane to hikers and Malome Tau on stage where he sings and performs traditional dance. Hikers generally assist each other but not all will have the heart to assist someone who forgets the difference between the left and right leg when crossing rivers or streams. My early hiking days were characterised by a fear of heights and all things water. Mongane has always been there to lend a hand whenever needed. He’s pulled me up big and scary boulders and held my hand when my legs stiffened where I had to cross a stream. Many hikers have stories to tell about this selfless human being whose hiking life was cut short by a shooting incident which saw his leg being amputated. Despite his misfortune, he continues to spread kindness. He collects shoes, sanitary pads and soccer kits for schools at his home village, Madikwe as well as Mabeleapodi where he currently lives. Additionally, he teaches young kids drumming and poetry. 

And dynamite in a small package

Not deterred by the remaining 242 km.

What I love about hiking is the community circle keeps getting bigger. In 2022, I decided to join the Desert Bushwalk in neighbouring Botswana, after a sabbatical of several years. This, in memory of Motlogolo as she was part of the group that paticipated in the maiden Desert Bushwalk in 2014. We were the only non-Botswana nationals participating at the walk that today attracts participants from many SADC countries. During the walk, I met an enthusiastic young lady, Agrieneth, who chatted excitedly like we’ve been friends since forever, easing the torture of the sand in the process. I loved her effervescence, and we kept in touch. I was to learn that her small body housed a huge heart committed to easing the burdens of those less fortunate. As a teacher from a single-parent household, she could relate to the struggles of many children and out of her concern, Motlaletsi Charity Club was born. Over the past 10 years, the club assisted 10 secondary and seven primary schools with donations such as school shoes, basic toiletries and stationery. Three years ago, she started an annual 252 km walk campaign to raise sanitary pads for schoolgirls. The 8-day walk aims to provide 252 sanitary pads to each girl since it is estimated that a girl needs about 252 sanitary pads a year. This year alone, Motlaletsi Charity Club managed to raise over 60 000 sanitary pads through the walk.

Helping one school girl at a time.

Inspiration  

Hikers don’t only hike, they care a lot and there are many more stories to demonstrate this. There are people who got inspired to hike because they saw others doing it. And hiking doesn’t only afford us a chance to walk wide and vast terrains, but it also reminds us that we are one with nature and all creation. This means we must take care of the environment and everything on earth, especially human beings in need. I hope your hiking journey opens your heart as wide as the distances you cover so you can touch as many souls as possible. I hope you’re inspired to be part of a caring hiking community so you too can contribute to saving more than just one star fish, one step at a time!

Td

Are you a senior beginner hiker?

 

My friends and I rocking this hiking thing.

I cannot begin to describe the trepidation with which I approached this topic.  I have, for several years, had this resistance towards accepting that being on the wrong side of 40 makes you an older hiker in a way. I used to cringe every time I saw exercises for over 40s and so on. I wondered what made them think that just because a person is over 40, they suddenly become fragile and therefore needing special care or special exercises. Isn’t this age thing just a number as they say? And what happened to ‘you are as young or old as you feel’?

The simple answer here is this age business has a way of creeping in gradually and before you know it, what you used to do with ease suddenly becomes a serious mission. Seemingly out of nowhere, standing up or stretching your legs send your joints on some crackling chorus or firecracker show. I started observing these changes in my 40s. I was never a fast hiker and that's probably because I prefer absorbing nature, smelling each moment. I was so fit that there were trails I referred to as quickies. Anyway, some of those 'quickie' trails are now showing me flames, as they say, and I keep gritting my teeth as younger ones whizz past me (it’s been more than a decade since I was in my forties). And it’s beginning to seem like most people on the trail look younger than me; I don’t know if my eyes are also failing me.

I used to look at ‘older’ hikers, especially on backpacking trips, and say, that would be me in a few years. I still want to hike even beyond the age of 70, God willing, and I look forward to that. With all the firecrackers and many other issues raising their ugly heads, I’m still determined to be that grey-haired older citizen on hiking trails for years to come. I may not be able to carry my multiday backpack due to other issues, but if these legs can carry me, I will still be on those hiking trails. I just need to be extra cautious to avoid breaking anything, knowing that they no longer manufacture spare parts for my model. If you do not want to carry a big backpack, there is an option of slackpacking which you can explore to enjoy multiday hikes.

Maybe age is really just a number!

Before I get carried away, this is about you, as a ‘senior’ person wanting to begin hiking and not being sure whether you’ll make it. If you can still walk, you can start hiking. You need to get used to walking and get information on what you need for hiking to make your journey easier. Even if you never experience a multiday or backpacking hike, you will still reap the benefits of hiking.  Please remember that this will be your journey and yours alone. While you may have to hike with other people, don’t be pressured to take longer or more difficult hikes when you’re not ready. Listen to your body and do this hiking thing your body’s way.

Benefits of hiking for seniors

·       Anyone, seniors included, can benefit from any form of exercise, and hiking is a low-impact exercise, making it more suited for seniors.

·       Ageing comes with the risk of osteoporosis and weight-bearing exercises are recommended for the prevention thereof. Hiking is regarded as a weight-bearing exercise, meaning, you will not only be improving your physical health, but your bones will also thank you.

·       Human beings are social beings and since hiking is a social activity, you will not only get to enjoy nature, but you will meet all kinds of people and what a mood booster that is! 

·       Being in the outdoors means more exposure to vitamin D, which our bodies require.

·       Being active reduces the risks of developing old-age issues such as high blood pressure, heart and circulation diseases among others. However, as a precaution, please check with your doctor, especially if you have chronic diseases.

 

Senior hikers on a break.

Challenges that senior hikers may experience

It would be remiss of me to just paint a rosy picture of hiking as a senior. There will be challenges, with the first one being your fitness level. As indicated above, regular walks can assist you gain the fitness you need to start hiking and to maintain your hiking journey. 

Flexibility

There is nothing like sore and tight muscles to put you off any form of exercise. The elixir for this is regular stretching. Most hikers, regardless of age, seem not to think much of stretching, regardless of the distance they hike. Stretching should be an important part of your life, especially if you exercise. I prefer stretching immediately after a walk or hike and whenever I skimp on that, my muscles and joints become so unhappy. As a senior, you cannot afford not to stretch since you’re dealing with less stretchy ligaments, worn joints such as knees and hips, and possibly your spine too. You can also take yoga and pilates classes to improve your flexibility. You can even stretch when you take breaks on your hike

Balance

As we age, there’s a degree to which our balance can weaken, due to several reasons. Some causes may need medical attention while some may only need exercise. My advice here is to hike with two hiking poles. Not only will these help with balance, they are also a good support for the joints. In addition, they help strengthen your upper body as you walk. Keep your body strong through other forms of exercise too.

And sometimes senior hikers connect with their younger, playful  selves.

Quick tips for seniors

 

·       Aim to walk as much as you can in between your planned hikes.

·       Don’t carry too much weight, especially as a beginner hiker.

·       Stay hydrated to avoid fatigue and cramps.

·       Do a lot of strength exercises, especially for the legs, back and core. If you don’t go to the gym, let YouTube be your ally.

·       Use hiking poles. Using these is not a sign of weakness or ageing. As indicated above, they have many benefits.

·       As youngsters say, stay in your lane. And this means do you! Hike at a pace that’s comfortable for you. This may mean hooking up with hikers who are not into flying through trails if that's not for you. 

 At the end

Nothing should stop you from beginning your hiking journey, age included. Even if you have health issues, your doctor can give you advice on the best way to start your journey. I am slower than I've ever been in hiking and I try to be careful not to break anything since my model doesn't have spares. And I stop often just to smell the moment and absorb the beauty around me. You can do this! One step at a time!

Did this help? Please post your comment and share this with others so we make the circle bigger!

Td