Tag: hiking

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Most people associate the first day of summer with the 3-day Memorial weekend. But technically this year, on June 20, 2020, the northern hemisphere will officially begin the first day of summer. Staying light longer, the sun will finally reach the furthest northern point in the sky. The summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. After the summer solstice, the days will begin to lose light.

Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice

Different cultures have a wide range of traditions to welcome the summer. Unfortunately, due to recent health mandates, social distancing, and stay at home guidelines, many festivals and celebrations are canceled this year. But do not let all the restrictions keep you from celebrating the summer solstice.

  • Go Hiking: Numerous parks are open to the public. Yes, social distancing still applies to the trails, but you still can enjoy the great outdoors. Hike a new trail. Spend an extra hour outdoors. Hiking is good for the entire family. Even young children can enjoy easy trails. Of course, don’t forget your dog.
  • Go for a Walk: A simple walk around the block can be refreshing. Walk to your local park. The playground equipment may still be inaccessible. But enjoy the different paths throughout the park. If you are working, go for a short walk on your lunch break.
  • Enjoy Nature: Take a leisurely stroll in your local park to enjoy nature. Take along binoculars and a camera to capture your view. If you are allowed, pick wildflowers, collect rocks, and other nature items to use for craft projects later.
  • Meditate or Pray: Sitting outside in nature is the perfect time to reflect. Give yourself time to meditate or pray.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Taking a moment out of your day to simply watch the sunrise or set, gives you a chance to relax and destress.
  • Cook a Feast: Okay, a simple BBQ or a picnic will do the trick. But cooking a meal and enjoying the celebration as a family is a great way to honor the changing season.
  • Host a Bonfire: If you haven’t used your fire pit this year yet, the summer solstice is the perfect day to start. Build a small fire, watch the sunset, and marvel at the stars. Oh, and don’t forget the chocolatey, marshmallow goodness of S’mores.
  • Celebrate Virtual: Due to restrictions, many popular sites, including Stonehenge, are celebrating the summer solstice online. Watch the sunrise or set, listen to music, or watch an event.

Regardless of the way you celebrate the solstice, enjoy the summer day. Summer goes by quickly. Soon, the cold weather will return.

Hiking in Winter With Your Dog

Do you usually hike with your favorite four-legged companion? Has the winter weather made you leave your best hiking partner at home? Changing weather does not mean your dog has to stay home from your next hike. With a little planning, your dog can hit the open trails with you.

Tips for Hiking With Your Dog in the Winter

As a responsible dog owner, you are fully aware of your pet’s hiking limits. Hiking in the snow and cold requires additional care for your dog’s safety. Consider the following tips to help your dog stay healthy and happy during winter hikes.

  • Be Warm: Some dog breeds love the snow. Others may need some extra protective gear to help maintain warmth and protect against hypothermia. Dog coats, booties, and paw protectors may be part of your dog’s new hiking routine. Coats help your dog stay warm and dry. Booties or paw protectors are essential to protect your dog’s paws from the elements. If your dog does not wear paw protectors, consider using a paw protection wax. The wax is easy to apply and helps keep your dog’s paws safe from the natural elements.
  • Know Your Trail: Winter can add other hazardous conditions to hiking. Sticking to familiar trails can keep you and your dog safe.
  • Dog Permitted Trails: Remember to only hike trails that allow dogs. Rules and guidelines may change in winter months. Checking ahead is essential.
  • Keep Your Dog Close: Dogs love to run and explore. During the winter months, your dog may wander off too far. Lakes, streams, and rivers may not be fully frozen. Your dog slipping through the ice can be highly dangerous and sometimes deadly. Keeping your dog close is critical. The chances of hypothermia and other injuries could happen quickly.
  • Food and Water: Like you, your dog will need proper hydration and nourishment during the hike. Snowy covered trails mean extra work for your dog. If your dog starts to slow down or stops, he may need a food and water break. Dehydration, hypothermia, and exhaustion are highly dangerous for your pet. Learn to read your pet’s signs to know when to take a trail break.
  • Emergency Kit: Pack a first aid kit for your dog. Keep extra blankets in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The blankets can help keep your pet warm and dry.
  • Mobile Device: Always carry a cell phone with you for emergencies.  Use your phone to check on the weather. A forecast can change quickly, wintry weather can be dangerous for you and your dog. When hiking away from home, program local numbers for pet emergencies.

Winter does not automatically require you and your dog to stay indoors. With a little pre-planning, you and your faithful hiking companion will be out on the trails in no time.

 

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Celebrating Sweetest Day on a Budget

Did you know today, October 19th is Sweetest Day? Did you plan ahead? Are you scrambling to find the perfect date within your budget? Celebrating Sweetest Day does not require a lot of money. In fact, with a little creativity and planning, many activities can be free or cost very little. 

Low-Cost Ideas for Sweetest Day

  • Picnic: Pack a lunch and head out to your local park for a picnic. If the weather is too cold, have a picnic inside. When eating indoors, you can also have candles and music to set the mood. 
  • Go for a Walk: Autumn brings bright colored leaves, harvest, pumpkins, and more. Get outdoors, go for a walk to view the changing colors. Head out to the nearest pumpkin patch or apple orchard. Enjoy the day together. Hold hands. Drink warm cider. Buy a pumpkin for Halloween. 
  • Go Hiking: Hit your favorite trail. Do not forget to bring your dog along. Hiking is a great way to spend time together. Being outdoors is beneficial to your physical and mental health. Your dog will be happy to be part of the celebration. 
  • Be a Local Tourist: Check out your local tourists’ sites. When was the last time you went to the hometown art gallery, museum, historical landmark, brewery tour, apple orchard, cider mill, or other tourist destination? Spend time exploring your town.
  • Make a Card: Remember getting a note with the words, do you like me? Check yes or no. Get creative. Make a Sweetest Day card. Write a poem or include a special memory. 
  • Make a PlayList: Put all of the songs that are special to your relationship on a playlist. 
  • Make a YouTube Video: Okay, it’s not what you think. Video the place you first met, your first kiss, your wedding location, or other memorable locales. Take the video pieces and create a documentary about the two of you. 
  • Make a Meal Together: Cook together to make the perfect meal or dessert. 
  • Movie Night: Cuddle on the couch, make popcorn, and binge-watch your favorite movie series. 
  • Unplug for the Day: Turn your phone to vibrate, step away from your computer, and just spend the day together.

Self-Care Ideas for August

What is self-care? School schedules, work, home, and other commitments keep you busy. Setting aside time for you may seem impossible. Engaging in small self-care moments is a necessity for your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Practicing self-care is good for your overall health.

Do you need some ideas for self-care? Consider the following for August.

  • Keep a journal to express your feelings, goals, or recap of your daily routine.
  • Read a book.
  • Listen to music, sing along loudly to your favorite song.
  • Exercise, join a gym, go for a walk, or try yoga.
  • Paint or engage in other forms of crafting.
  • Skip being on social media for a day or a week.
  • Have a spa day. (At home or professional, spend an entire day pampering yourself).
  • Spend time in nature.
  • Take a relaxing bubble bath or a hot shower.
  • Take an afternoon nap.
  • Cook your favorite meal or dessert.
  • Write a letter to a friend or relative.
  • Watch the sunset or sunrise.
  • Spend an afternoon at the library or bookstore.
  • Learn a new hobby.
  • Take the afternoon off to go to the movies.
  • Buy yourself a new outfit. (Yes, thrift store finds count).
  • Go on a day trip.
  • Try meditation, prayer, or listening to nature sounds.
  • Go hiking with your dog.
  • Relax with Netflix and popcorn.
  • Write 5 reasons why you are grateful. (Feel free to write more than 5).
  • Take steps to stop comparing yourself to others. Your journey is yours alone.
  • Call an old friend.
  • Learn to say to tell people no.

Self-care takes practice. Learn to set aside a little time each day or week to care for you.

October Photo Challenge Prompts

Enjoying the fall scenery, October is the perfect time to be outdoors. Grab your camera or mobile device to photograph your finds.

Consider these 31 October Photo Challenge Prompts:

  1. Selfie (always start the month with a selfie)
  2. Low angle
  3. View out your window
  4. Cider
  5. Apple orchard
  6. Pumpkin or apple bread
  7. Motion
  8. Caramel
  9. Candy corn or Halloween candy
  10. Black and white
  11. Sunset or Sunrise (or both)
  12. Single leaf
  13. Autumn colors
  14. Pumpkin patch
  15. Moon
  16. Cinnamon sticks or spices
  17. Favorite Halloween movie
  18. Hobby
  19. Old barns or abandoned space
  20. Nature
  21. Something orange
  22. Forgotten/Creepy/Spooky
  23. Jack O’Lanterns
  24. Vampires, skeletons, or ghosts
  25. Something large or small
  26. Favorite fall snack
  27. Personal inspiration
  28. Shadows
  29. Halloween decorations
  30. Halloween outfit or costume
  31. Trick-or-Treat

When the month is over, print your pictures. Make a scrapbook. Write small stories. Enjoy the adventure.

Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Are you planning a camping trip? Do you plan to take your dog with you? Hitting the open road with your beloved companion is a great way to spend your vacation or weekend getaway.

Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Planning ahead is the best way to have a fun and safe camping trip. Before you head out on your next adventure, consider the following tips for camping with your dog.

Research

Prior to going to a campground or park area, research the location. Knowing the rules and restrictions will help make your vacation fun and relaxing. Simply go online and check out the locations web site for up to date information.

Hiking

If you plan on going hiking as part of your camping experience, being prepared is the best way to ensure a successful day.

  • Lightweight Packs: Larger dog breeds may carry lightweight packs. The small packs are perfect for smaller items.
  • Collapsible Containers: Water bottles and food dishes that collapse helps save room when hiking.
  • Reflective Collar: Attach flashy lights, bells, LED collar, or use reflective collars to help spot your dog when the sun goes down.

Documents

Many pet-friendly establishments welcome your furry companion as long as you have proper documentation. Place your dog’s current records in an envelope for safe keeping. If you do not have the information on hand, copies of licenses and vaccination information may easily be obtained at your vet’s office or county facility.

When picking up the documents, take the time to ask your vet about proper tick and mosquito prevention. Generally, a pill or application is part of routine checkups. Depending on your vacation destination, the preventative measures may help keep your dog happy and healthy.

Pack Supplies

Just like other areas of your vacation planning, your pet should have a checklist of supplies to bring. As a pet owner, you know exactly the types of items your dog needs. Some of the needed supplies may include:

  • Leash: Keeping your pet with you at all times is a must. A secure leash and collar are critical for your dog’s well-being. At a campsite, you may be able to attach a longer leash for a dog run area.
  • Water and Food Containers: Collapsible containers work well for a campsite. Keep water readily available for your pet. When placing dog food outdoors, keeps in mind, wild animals may be close. Removing the food after your dog eats will help keep your area safe.
  • Emergency Pet Kit: Pack an emergency kit for your dog. Purchase one or ask your vet about the items you should bring for emergency situations.
  • Pickup Bags: Keeping camp areas clean is critical. Use pickup bags to clean up after your dog. Dispose of the contents in the proper locations.
  • Bed: Nights in a tent may be cooler. Having a bed or blanket in the tent with you helps keep your pet warm.

 If you have never been camping with your dog, start slowly. Consider taking day trips. Spending an entire day walking, hiking and exploring nature is a valuable experience for you and your dog.  

 

Unplug: The Benefits of Being Outdoors

In today’s technological world, everyone spends time plugged in. Playing video games, working online, computer use, or checking mobile devices, the use of modern technology is the norm. In many cases, work or school requires the widespread use of devices to succeed.

Have you ever thought about the long term effects on your overall well-being? Sitting at the desk or being immobile for long periods of time has both physical and mental consequences. Consider taking the time each day to unplug and go outdoors.

Benefits of Being Outdoors

When the weather permits, spending time outdoors is essential to your health. Even a short 20-minute walk has numerous benefits for you and your loved ones. In order to get the most out of your walk, you should leave your devices to home. Don’t panic; always carry a cell phone for real emergencies. Consider placing the phone on vibrate for the duration of your walk.

  1. Increase Natural Vitamin D Intake

Short periods of time in the sun allows the natural intake of Vitamin D. Helping your body function properly, Vitamin D helps maintain a healthy, strong immune system.

  1. Improve Sleep

Being outdoors can actually help improve sleep patterns. Exposing your body to sunlight helps regulate your internal body clock. Allowing your body to welcome rest at night, you will be able to regulate your sleep patterns.

  1. Exercise

Being outdoors gets your body moving. A walk around the block, trip to your local park, walk through a public garden or hiking a nearby trail helps keep your body fit.

  1. Reduces Stress

Being outdoors allows your body to relax. At times, daily schedules are hectic. Little league, dance classes, business meetings, school and family commitments may quickly become overwhelming. Going outdoors helps restore your mental clarity. In nature, you will relax and enjoy your surroundings. Reducing your stress levels helps promote both physical and mental well-being.

  1. Learning Experience

Being outdoors is a great way to increase your knowledge about the natural world and your local environment. If you are walking or hiking with your children, introducing flowers, birds, insects and other natural wonders will increase curiosity for further learning. Children who are curious about nature will explore subjects further.

  • When walking with your children, use the time for quality interaction. Ask your children open ended questions.
  • Introduce your children to wildlife
  • Remind your children the importance of respecting nature. For example, picking up an insect may cause the creature to bite. Or being off the path may create a dangerous situation.
  • Create a photo journal of animals, flowers, and other forms of wildlife
  • Create a keepsake box for special finds. Remember to follow all rules for hiking in parks and other public areas.

Upon returning home, ask your child questions about the walk. Consider writing down the response for younger children. Older children may write or draw their own favorite park moment. Keep the responses for future memory keepsake. Simple walks may turn into a lifetime of memories.