HIKING and CAMPING GROUPS

So in early December I was lucky enough to find and join a hiking group in Memphis Tennessee. The group is led by one amazing lady who each month makes a hiking and camping schedule. She is outstanding (and it isn’t me J ). The uses AllTrails and makes plans for hikes every Saturday and Sunday. For two weekends out of the month, the hikes are local ones, close to Memphis, TN. One weekend is set aside for camping, and one weekend is set aside for hikes that are farther away and likely would take whole day. These hikes might be in Arkansas, Mississippi, or Eastern Tennessee. While I can’t join everytime, I do so whenever possible. This is the same situation for all members of the group. We have a Facebook group where activities are posted on a monthly calendar. In addition to hiking and camping, we also assemble and get to for group dinners/celebrations. Tonight we are collecting for a bonfire!! YEAH.

This group is great because you always have someone to hike or camp with. If you single, perfect. However, if you married, maybe your partner doesn’t enjoy hiking and camping, so you can meet up with group- or maybe you just want to hang out with some friends and get space away. Whatever your reason, I have loved getting to know these folks in Memphis who enjoy the same activities as me.

Now, for my experience this past weekend which really shows why I love them. We don’t turn anyone way based on ability or skill level, including me, and as my knees get worse and I age… I’m not as good as I use to be. So, we were out hiking a moderate hike in T.O. Fuller State Park. I thought no big deal. However, there were some steep inclines with dubious footing, and some steep downhills. I don’t want to fall, so I’m going a bit slower. Without any hesitation a group member came back to give me a hand getting up the steeper ascent. He gave me a helping hand with even blinking. I realized that while I’m only 50, I might need some trekking poles. I am embarrassed to say, but they will keep me safe on the trails and hopefully enable me to keep up a bit better. Gosh, when I was 30, I’d go up those hills with a 40 lb backpack on. Times change. I will likely be embarrassed to use them, and haven’t before, but as my Dad would always say, “getting older is better than the alternative”.  You can get your trekking poles at the website below.

You should find a group in your area, or you should start a group! Happy Outdoors.