Hiking Will Knock You Off Your Feet!

It had to happen eventually. That moment that we all try our hardest to avoid. One moment you're walking along enjoying the creek and watching your dog enjoy the creek. The next moment you're on the ground, staring at the sky through a cloud of pain.. How did you get there? Why is everyone huddled around and looking at you? And what is that thing poking you in the back?

This weekend's hike was supposed to be easy-peasy. Momma Cloudy was in town for Independence Day and she had told me how much she wanted to come hiking with Hubs and I. So Papa Cloudy, Momma Cloudy, Hubs, Sprocket, Cocoa, Buster (Papa Cloudy's furbaby), Dolly (Momma Cloudy's furbaby), and I went off to Patapsco. In case you were counting: yes, that is one dog per person. Since we've had some record breaking heat we thought that an easy hike to the river, followed by swimming, would be delightful. All was going according to plan until we got out of the car, and then it turned into a crap-shoot.

I've hiked Cascade Trails often enough. You'd think I'd know my way around, wouldn't you? Apparently I was incorrect thinking that all the little trails off the road led to the trail head. That was my first mistake. Having too much pride to admit that I'd made a mistake was my second mistake.We hiked along the creek because I just knew that it had to lead us to the trail around the bend.. or maybe it'll be just around the next bend.. You get the picture. I had promised Momma Cloudy that we would be going on an easy hike, but so far it was proving to be rather difficult. Trees were down across the stream, debris had collected into piles that we had to maneuver around. The next thing I know, I'm sprawled out across the creek -- water filling my shoes, a rock sticking into my lower back, and a little dazed from the pain.

I was lucky not to have seriously injured myself. Well, maybe luck didn't have as much to do with it: I was prepared for a hike. Hubs and I have our Flash 18 Packs that we take on all our hikes. Often this is because we are carrying our food and water, first aid kit, dog gear, towels, etc. This time it was purely from a weight loss perspective. I knew we wouldn't be on the trail long, but I filled up my Platypus Water Bladder anyway to give my pack some weight.

I was also carrying a water bottle for Momma Cloudy, a Gulpy for the dogs, and a few other things. 

By the way, I love my Gulpy. It's so convenient for the dogs because it stores the water and bowl together, no muss no fuss.

Why did I carry all this? Because carrying the weight burns more calories. Caloric considerations aside though, it probably definitely saved my upper back and head from some serious injury.

I was also wearing my hiking boots. I mention this because hiking boots are designed to protect your ankles from twists, scrapes, and the like. Wearing my boots on this short hike prevented me from twisting or breaking my ankle when I fell. I'm glad I did, because even with the protection of my boots, my ankle was a little sore.

You never know what you're going to encounter when hiking (even on trails you know) and being prepared for as many situations as you can be will save your life (or your back and ankles). So to summarize - packs save backs, boots save foots (and ankles) =D

Even though I fell and am still feeling the effects of that fall, it was a great hike! What hike isn't great? Ok.. aside from that poor hiker who broke his leg then had to save his rescuer.

I'll leave you with some pictures from our hike =]

Buster and Dolly 

 Buster and Poppa Cloudy

Dolly and Momma Cloudy 

Patapsco River

I had to blow this picture up so you could see it, so please excuse the image quality. We saw another deer!

Right after the doe came a little fawn, but she was too quick for me to catch on camera!

If you haven't had a chance to yet, head on over to Facebook and like my page! I post interesting articles, volunteer opportunities, and other fun things in addition to blog updates!

Thank you so much for visiting My Journey from High Heels to Hiking Boots! I'd love to hear from you in the comments section! You can like me on Facebook and follow me by email at the top of the left hand navigation bar by simply entering your email address. Happy Trails!