I think I am addicted… (part 2)

For part one of this story you can click below. 

https://virily.com/travel/i-think-i-am-addicted-part-1/

Now for the rest! 

In part one of this story, I said I thought I was addicted to hiking. This statement is true, I am addicted to hiking. I really love it. 

You never know what you’ll find in nature. This is an old stove pipe from an old school. The new school was about a quarter of a mile away. 

LaJenna inspired me to write about the benefits of hiking. Here are some benefits, along with the rest of this trips photos. 

This Live Oak Tree did not make it during our wildfires in 2007. 

Did you know that hiking increases fitness. With just one hour of hiking you can burn 500 calories, and this is on flat land. Hike up a hill and this increases a lot depending on the grade. 

I much prefer hiking over going to a gym. You don’t have some pesky trainer telling you what to do. You can chart your own course, whether you decide on a afternoon hike, or a weekend in the woods. 

A closer look at that tree. The plaque tells about the fire. 

Hiking tones your whole body. Gluts, quads, and hamstrings. Put on a pack and the upper body is worked out as well. 

One more look at that tree. You can see how huge it was by the fence post. 

I am a type one diabetic. Hiking helps control blood sugar and can even can prevent type two diabetes. I don’t worry about high sugar levels when I hike. In fact,  I have to make sure I take glucose tablets with me, as my sugar levels can go down very fast. Depending on the hike. This proves its great for diabetes. 

The shadows are starting to get very long, but boy it is great light for photos. This just shows a pretty outcropping of boulders, and an old fence. 

Hiking can help control cholesterol, and blood pressure. This reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. 

Another giant Live Oak Tree, this one made it and is still alive. 

Hiking heals. Some research suggests that the physical benefits of hiking extend far beyond cardiovascular health, and may even help cancer patients recover. A study published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine  found that long distance hiking trips may improve the antioxidant capacity, which helps fight off disease, in the blood of cancer patients. Another study showed that breast cancer survivors who exercised regularly — many in the form of hiking — believed that physical activity complemented their recovery from cancer treatment.

New and old.. Can you see the old tree in the back? It was massive, but no longer living. Replacing it is a new Live Oak. 

  Research shows that spending time outdoors increases attention spans and creative problem-solving skills by as much as 50 percent. The authors of the study also point out that the results may have as much to do with unplugging from technology as they do spending time outside. Researchers from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education also found that walking gets the creative juices flowing far more than sitting.

This may be why after about 30 minutes of hiking I just have to get my camera out and take pictures. 

Hiking strengthens your core.  

Signs signs everywhere signs… These signs warn hikers to not get off trail. 

I have a problem with my balance, research shows that hiking will improve your balance. I do see difference. Trekking poles help with this as well. Also by digging into the ground and propelling yourself forward pushes your upper body muscles to work harder and gives you a stronger cardio workout.

Do you see the face? 

Closer..

Boost your mood. “Research shows that hiking has a positive impact on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety,” says Gregory A. Miller, PhD, president of the American Hiking Society. “Being in nature is ingrained in our DNA, and we sometimes forget that.”

A short, local hike is best for beginners. Gradually work up to trails with hills or uneven terrain.

I started by walking around our city parks. Now I can hike all day long with breaks of course. 

You might want to give it a try, but beware. It is habit forming…

I hope you liked our little hike on the Pacific Crest Trail near Campo California. 

Have a great day, and get out and enjoy some nature!!