Is it Spring yet? No, and in Ohio, its arrival is in question from March through June. Still, if you're looking for a "lovely" Valentine's Day activity, I say, dress for the weather and take a hike!
As many of you regular readers know, I'm an advocate of fresh air, even cold fresh air. Need an extra push to lace up your boots this February 14th? Here are my
TOP FIVE REASONS TO HIT THE TRAIL WITH YOUR SWEETIE
5-Hiking is a healthy alternative to eating chocolate.
4-Hiking is cheap. (However, if you tend to get lost easily you might want to invest in a good GPS unit.)
3-No such thing as a "bad hair day" on the trail. The windblown look is always acceptable, as is wearing a hat.
2-The trail is a good place for good conversation. Or good silence.
and the number one reason to hit the trail with someone you love...
1-What could possibly be more romantic than sitting on a fallen log, sharing a bag of GORP and a great view?!
In the interest of fair journalism, I should note that I have a vested interest in making a hiker out of you. See, my hiking book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland, http://www.menasharidge.com/60h_60m_clev... , was published last spring by Menasha Ridge Press. Naturally, I think it would make a fine Valentine's Day gift for anyone in the northern half of the state. Heck, buy it for yourself...
One of things readers really seem to like about the book is its easy-to-use format. (The publisher's doing, not mine.) Preceding each hike description is a "snapshot" of the hike, noting the trail length and difficulty, scenery, approximate hiking time, sun exposure, and nearby activities. Also, the hikes are categorized in the front of the book by various criteria-so, if you're looking for "hikes good for young children" or "hikes with waterfall views" or "trails allowing mountain bikes," you can find them quickly. OK, thus endeth the sales pitch.
"But I Don't Hike..."
At booksignings throughout the greater Cleveland/Akron/Canton area, I've met lots of wonderful people--and heard many of them say with longing in their voices, "I like to walk, but I'm not really a hiker..." And I say, SURE YOU ARE! You don't have to traverse the Appalachian Trail or even use a walking stick. You can be a hiker on a 1/2-mile trail, or even on your city's sidewalks. In my opinion, the only difference between a walk and a hike is your ATTITUDE: Walking is a means of transportation, while hiking is a means of exploration.
As many of you regular readers know, I'm an advocate of fresh air, even cold fresh air. Need an extra push to lace up your boots this February 14th? Here are my
TOP FIVE REASONS TO HIT THE TRAIL WITH YOUR SWEETIE
5-Hiking is a healthy alternative to eating chocolate.
4-Hiking is cheap. (However, if you tend to get lost easily you might want to invest in a good GPS unit.)
3-No such thing as a "bad hair day" on the trail. The windblown look is always acceptable, as is wearing a hat.
2-The trail is a good place for good conversation. Or good silence.
and the number one reason to hit the trail with someone you love...
1-What could possibly be more romantic than sitting on a fallen log, sharing a bag of GORP and a great view?!
In the interest of fair journalism, I should note that I have a vested interest in making a hiker out of you. See, my hiking book, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Cleveland, http://www.menasharidge.com/60h_60m_clev... , was published last spring by Menasha Ridge Press. Naturally, I think it would make a fine Valentine's Day gift for anyone in the northern half of the state. Heck, buy it for yourself...
One of things readers really seem to like about the book is its easy-to-use format. (The publisher's doing, not mine.) Preceding each hike description is a "snapshot" of the hike, noting the trail length and difficulty, scenery, approximate hiking time, sun exposure, and nearby activities. Also, the hikes are categorized in the front of the book by various criteria-so, if you're looking for "hikes good for young children" or "hikes with waterfall views" or "trails allowing mountain bikes," you can find them quickly. OK, thus endeth the sales pitch.
"But I Don't Hike..."
At booksignings throughout the greater Cleveland/Akron/Canton area, I've met lots of wonderful people--and heard many of them say with longing in their voices, "I like to walk, but I'm not really a hiker..." And I say, SURE YOU ARE! You don't have to traverse the Appalachian Trail or even use a walking stick. You can be a hiker on a 1/2-mile trail, or even on your city's sidewalks. In my opinion, the only difference between a walk and a hike is your ATTITUDE: Walking is a means of transportation, while hiking is a means of exploration.
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