Spring Locker Article Published - Don't Forget the Goat and Hiking Prep

A few months ago, a friend encouraged me to write about what I know and love. I know and love hiking and how to go off trail (but, not too far and how to be really prepared). Its one of my passions. The integration with nature, the sounds, the smells, the quiet (unless mother nature is being extremely active). I endeavor to have no impact on the space im entering. I do not leave anything behind but foot prints.

Please be mindful about any waste you may leave; even food waste. Its not natural for those natural space more than likely. It may turn the flora and fauna into hideous creatures; just joking. However, it may make animals more prone to approach humans or seek trash. Always try to pack out what you pack in. Or read the guidelines on how to leave less of trace (digging holes and such for #1 and #2).

In my next round of hiking, Ill be integrating my zero waste efforts into my hike and 10 essentials routine. I am excited to bring along my reusable snack and sandwich bags and my snack cups.

I believe in the 10 Essentials (REI 10 Essentials) and Leave No Trace (Check me out).

A few months later, I submitted my write up to a start up website named, SpringLocker. They recently published the writing.

Check out my article that was posted on SpringLocker

- SpringLocker

"After scrambling up a couple thousand feet on the face of a mountain, supposedly following a cairn path (those temple looking piles of rocks that are supposed to tell you where to go), hand over hand, foot over foot, kind of precariously sideways and I tapped out; turning us back.

We were completely off trail, unsure of the how much longer to the glacier (the goat), no other hikers were around and I was the only one carrying emergency gear. As we attempted to climb down the face, we stood over various peaks to find the best way; often turning back to go find another route.

Finally, after about an hour, we decided to go straight down the face and hope for the best. Our scramble was not on the real trail and we had gone “goat”.

To go off trail is to “goat”; as in follow a random trail that only a goat could do. I’ll admit it happens a lot while on a hike with me; I get wrapped up in my mind, in the scenery or in a conversation. Because this does happen, I try to have a plan and be prepared for any adventure (and make sure someone else is taking pictures; I always forget). I check, consider and manage resource info on weather, climate, the physical and mental preparedness of my hikers, the distance, availability of water, length, altitude, popularity, my own physical and mental preparedness and a multitude of other resources.

It took me years to figure out the right combination of gear to have on hand, plus many hours spent on the trail, researching, testing, investing and returning. It may not sound too carefree, but I forget about everything once I am trail; hence the “goating”.

When I do “Goat”, these resources are my backup plan; its strategic planning for my hiking and enjoyment in life."

I goat all the time. I just goated on a recent hike to the 3 Sisters Waterfalls (I HIke San Diego Description)in San Diego. Just a tiny, wee bit.

In order to get out on the trail, gotta do some prep:

In preparation for my hikes, especially those over 10+miles, I pack the 10 essentials and also prepare physically. Hiking requires lots of glutes, quads and hammies. Carrying a big pack requires work on the back, biceps and abs.

I ll hit up the outside or a gym space and perform a few rounds and mixes of the following:

stair master

running and long walks

back specific weight training exercises (row, lat pull downs)

dumb bell step ups

biceps (curls, hammers)

squats

stretches

I also try to hit up a few local trails to break in the legs or new shoes or any other gear. Broken in hiking shoes and 2 layers of socks (liner and hiking socks) are life savers for me. My feet get me everywhere, so I ensure they are comfortable for the entire journey. There have been times when I have been painfully aware of my feet for 6+ hours. Those journeys were learning experiences on proper foot wear!!!