Workout Wanderlust: Open Trail Spaces Connect Us
Fresh air, exercise, and nature can cure a lot. The ways in which the outdoors — specifically time spent on trails — bring us together and revive our sense of interconnectedness are both literal and metaphorical.
Trails are, in essence, a collaboration between humans and nature designed to bring us together. They remind us that “We The People” can share the same space and admire “America the Beautiful” respectfully, even if we’re headed in different directions.
Generally speaking, people on the trail are courteous. They step aside to make room, connect with a smile and eye contact, and often engage in friendly small talk and share tips. You know… like life before smartphones and social media discord.
People are not on the trail to scroll content that fuels disdain for those with different views. Instead, this setting expands our world and reminds us what we have in common.
There’s beauty in choosing how you want to traverse the trail: hike, bike, run, paddle, limp, snowshoe. The point is you’re out exercising and experiencing the world, at a speed you enjoy.
Here in my Workout Wanderlust column, I’ll share stories, snapshots, adventures, and reflections on trail experiences near and far. My goal isn’t merely to entertain you, but to inspire you to get out and find environmental escapades of your own. Life lessons from the great “school of the outdoors” are aplenty.
However, before we take one step on the trail, let’s first talk safety and etiquette.
Trail Safety & Etiquette Essentials
- Know before you go. Research your destination. Familiarize yourself with length, difficulty, terrain, recent reviews and hazards. And check the weather.
- Be prepared. Trail map, water, sunblock, hat, bug spray, charged phone, band-aids, tissue and baggie for bathroom breaks, headlamp/ flashlight, warm layers. Camelbak-style backpacks or hiking fanny packs help keep it together and organized.
- Tell someone where you’re going.
- Pay attention to your surroundings. You’d be surprised how easy it is to get into the groove and miss your trail markers. Or worse, step on a snake as you stare at your phone.
- Err on the side of caution — with remaining daylight, unknown water depth and wildlife.
- Leave no trace. No toilet paper, food trash, gum, clothing or half-smoked anything.
- Potty breaks. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to go. Safely find a spot at least 20-30 feet off the trail. Use a sealable bag to store used T.P. then toss in the trash on your way out. Cover poop with dirt, leaves, etc. when possible.
- My favorite resources: AllTrails app for hiking and running, TrailForks app for biking, and FloridaPaddlingTrails.com for kayaking and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding).
In the next issue of EverythingBrevard: Working my way through hiking peaks in each state.
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Instagram: @Workout.Wanderlust
Instagram: @GoodVibrations321
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