Hiking Class at REI

I took some notes at Julie Kilgore's lecture.


I learned a lot about our area and what is available and one thing that makes the hiking on the Wasatch Front so unique. We have three wilderness areas in the county. Mt. Olympus, Twin Peaks, and Lone Peak. Very cool. Whatever your interest, Julie said Salt Lake county has hikes for family, friends, adventure, nature and history.
I learned how to figure pace from an old formula created by the 1960's Appalachian Mountain Club. A moderate pace is calculated as follows: 2 mph + 1/2 - hr. for each 1000 feet gain of elevation.


Hiking Trail Etiquette
1. Stay on the trail.
2. Downhill yields to uphill.
3. Bikers always yield to hikers - but don't count on it. :-)
4. Don't pick flowers.
5. Pack it in, pack it out - and more.
6. Use Mother Nature's restroom - 200 feet from water.
7. Adhere to dog restriction areas and leash laws.
8. Silence cell phones.
9. Enjoy the day and other outdoor enthusiasts.


She also talked about the Ten E's and what she adds to this list. One of my favorites was duct tape which she carries wrapped on a stick. Some extra caribeneers, hand wipes, trekking poles, toilet tissue with a baggie to pack it out!
What to watch for in the wilderness: poison ivy, rattle snakes (be still and they will go away), animals (keep your distance) and weather.


Some favorite books: Hiking the Wasatch, John Veranth; Best Easy Day Hikes, Falcon Guide; Lady in the Ore Bucket, Charles Keller.


She suggested many nice "fall hikes" in all the difficulty ranges. Now I just need to ......


"Make a date with nature"