Danger! Danger! July 27, 2015
Posted by nrhatch in Exercise & Fitness, Happiness, Health & Wellness, Humor.trackback
A few months ago, the Sierra Club sent me a link to 6 of America’s Most Dangerous Hiking Trails.
Reading the list did NOT make me want to strap on my hiking boots. Heat, cold, thin air, ice, bears, and snakes knocked all 6 hikes out of contention for a coveted spot on my Bucket List.
At least until I’m ready to kick the bucket.
I prefer to avoid falling rocks, unexpected blizzards, and encounters with wild and savage beasts while hiking.
Despite my survival instincts, I enjoy hiking to waterfalls and mountain tops.
As the path unfolds before me, I embrace movement, air, light, sound, and glorious vistas.
These days, most of our “hiking” (if you’re being charitable) takes place on the beach. Air, sunlight, splashing waves, turquoise seas ~> BLISS!
And nary a snake in sight!
Aah . . . that’s better!
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Spirit Lights The Way 
I agree, Nancy, it’s the perfect place for a “hike.”
A great place to unwind.
I never really understood the allure of danger and so-called ‘extreme sports’. Some say it’s all to do with ‘feeling alive’, but to me that rather suggests the presence of a problem. The feeling of adrenaline coursing through the nervous system is just another fix, but when you realise that nothing needs fixing, well . . .
Excellent point, Hariod. I expect it provides an “Ego Boost” (like fancy cars and flashy clothes).
How many would bother with extreme sports if (a) no one was watching and (b) they couldn’t brag about it to others later? 😛
I’d “hike” that beach any day… well, if it wasn’t too hot.. 😀 I prefer my beach hikes there in January and February!
Good Morning!
Morning, Pix! In the summer, we walk while wading in the waves before the sun gets busy baking the beach. 😎
I’ll leave those exciting but hazardous adventures to those people who relish a bit of danger. Lovely photos, Nancy. 🙂
Thanks, Sylvia. Me too!
We are told/sold to live life to the edge! I never thought of it as an addition .. But H may be spot on!
I don’t get it either … It would be more than enough to take in the vista, feel the breeze and taste the salt air 🙂
… And do a little yoga before the peeps appear!
We watched a show on Jet Packs the other night featuring people doing “stupid stunts” (e.g., leaping around tall buildings in a 28 second aerial ballet) while hoping to set a new world record. Some people want to claim their 15 seconds of fame.
I don’t think I have that gene. 😎
I used to feel that way about hiking. There always had to be the element of danger in it, and yes, it had a lot to do with my ego. And now, well, I must agree with you Nancy and Hariod. Now,it has more to do with the calmer aesthetics of the hike. Give me this any day, above danger.
I never sought “danger” on hikes, but I did desire “a reward” for my efforts ~ e.g., rushing streams, waterfalls, or a picnic basket!
Why ….?
On a clear day . . .
I can see for miles and miles . . .
Maybe when we have inner clarity, the need to see vast vistas via biking and hiking dissipates?
now that is profound Nancy 😎
Thanks, Val. I see some things clearly . . . some of the time (when a patch appears in the murky mist).
Like others I agree with you! The biggest draw, besides the lovely ocean, is the lack of snakes and bears. 🙂
AND . . . if a snake or bear does appear . . . you can see them lurking about and make a detour! No unpleasant surprises.
I was born with the “flat” gene. I like to walk on flat areas, preferably with sand and lapping water and the distant smell of coconut lotion on distant people.
Yes! I love the smell of coconut oil as I walk down to the water over fairly flat terrain. 😎
Haha telling us it’s dangerous to hike there is like telling us to go there, especially my husband. I would do it but be cautious, he just goes balls to the walk and goes for it! http://www.ourfoodieappetite.com/east-beach-farmers-market-norfolk-va/
Let us know how that works out for ya! 😉
Next Monday, August 3rd will be my 70th birthday. I have no “bucket list” I am in very good shape for a man my age, and would like to remain that way for as long as possible. I can enjoy life without endangering myself. I can even enjoy life while not doing a thing. I don’t think that means there’s something wrong with me.
Happy Birthday!
A walk on the beach would do me nicely, but not today… I can hardly see beyond the end of my garden the sky is so low with a thick mist, the kind that soaks right through to the bones, *shivers*
We have “low sky” here too . . . with rain pelting the windows. But the temps are still tropical so no reason to complain.
Hope your sun returns soon.
Yes!! Why not just enjoy rather than trying to prove something?
For some, life revolves around proving something to themselves and others. Since I no longer care much about what “they” think of me or my efforts, I only push myself when I’m convinced it would do me good ~> e.g., exercise, because our bodies crave moving and gentle stretches.
I admit I’ve been on a few hikes (and bike rides) I’ve rather not repeat! They probably aren’t all that bad for someone trained to do them, but I was grossly under trained for them, ha!
I am glad you survived to share the tales!
When I was in my 30’s and 40’s, I pushed myself to do more than I do these days, but I’ve always been pretty aware of my current limits and never cared much about pushing the envelope.
The hubby seems to think I can handle more than I think I can, ha!
That’s a compliment . . . of the precarious sort!
We have similar hiking trails 😎. But occasionally my hiking shoes want to see some rattles too. Little excitement…
Just know that if you start sharing photos of snakes (and their rattles) on your blog . . . I will head straight for the EXIT sign.
Ok…I think I’ll reconsider 🙂
The occasional snake shot is fascinating . . . but I want to avoid a daily diet of slithering reptiles.
I suspect many of your other visitors feel the same. 🙄
I don’t have to leave my house to see snakes, Nancy 😉 But I’m not an extreme sports person – hell, I’ve never even been game enough to go on those rides at the fair 😀
And you don’t have to leave your house . . . for snakes to see YOU! 🙄
I’m a fan of roller coasters and tilt-a-whirls, but in smaller doses than when in my teens and twenties.
I couldn’t agree more, beach hiking is perfect for us now!
We’re overdue for a beach walk due to unusual weather patterns the past few weeks ~ it’s been raining most mornings. I’m hoping the skies will clear for water aerobics today.
I like the idea of “hiking” on a beach! 🙂
One of my favorite places to be! 😎
*surprise* You don’t get sea-snakes? I’ve met quite a couple of those. Not to mention snakes that aren’t sea snakes but have taken it into their serpentine minds to have a dip.
I rather like the look of that stroll to the arch. Nice to climb on top of it, too.
I’ve seen snakes swimming in the Chesapeake Bay and in the lagoon behind our villa . . . but, thus far, none at the beach.
I have seen video of very poisonous sea snakes that kept me from wanting to get a Diving Certificate!
Yes, one gives sea snakes a very wide berth – they make the mamba look like an amateur!
I went to get you a link for the arch ~ it’s in Arches National Park in Utah:
http://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/nature/index.htm
I’m with you! My very best “hiking” is also on the beach! 🙂 What I do know for sure is that it is very good for my blood pressure! Nothing like it as far as I’m concerned!
We did a 40 minute walk this morning (racing ahead of the storm clouds) ~> as the barometric pressure rose, my blood pressure dropped!
The photos are fantastic. Love the heron on the beach particularly. Hiking for me now involves a walker, but I consider myself armed and dangerous. Watch out for your toes! But other than climbing mountains, I can do pretty much anything anyone else can do, just a whole lot slower.
Go you! Keep moving . . . it’s good for our physical, mental, emotional, and psychological well being.