Norway is a country with a passionate national tradition of mountain hiking. This means that accommodations have been made for people to traverse large swaths of mountain terrain on foot. Hikers can walk from cabin to cabin, where they will find international crowds to regale them with stories by the fire. Thanks to the DNT, the Norwegian Trekking Association, Norway offers a network of 20,000 kilometers of marked hiking trails, one of the largest in all of Europe. Some of these routes have been developed from local footpaths and older thoroughfares. Others have been developed to meet trekkers' needs. Either way, these trails serve to guide hikers while protecting animal and plant life by limiting the path of human traffic through Norway's incredible outdoor scenery.
Even in fog and rain, you will be able to see the next waymark on your path, a "T" written in red paint on rock walls and cairns. If you'd rather journey through the Norwegian natural wonders with more of a plan set out, the DNT and Norske Bygdeopplevelser, an event supplier, both organize great rambling tours.
The Adventure Road on the eastern side of the country is the trail you'll want to explore to experience the best of Norway's unique landscape. The Adventure Road offers over one hundred well-marked trails, showcasing the beauty of the fjords and the majesty of the mountains. The proper time to hike this trail is between May and October. The high season is in July and August. During this time, the mountains abound with cloudberries and blueberries, and the fjords grow rich with juicy plums, cherries, and apples. The late season is when you'll find a dramatic explosion of color. Green becomes orange and red, and an incredible hiking experience is made even more so.
The Adventure Road offers a variety of attractions along its trail. For instance, you'll certainly want to stop at the largest national park in Norway, Hardangervidda National Park, home to the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe. With many well-marked trails, this is a great place to explore alone or with a guide. Enjoy bathing or fishing in the rivers and lakes of the area, enjoy the many summits, like Hårteigen, Hardangerjøkulen, and Gaustatoppen, or watch a flock of several thousand wild reindeer run by you. For Fjords, you'll want to visit Nærøyfjord, voted the world's best preserved tourist destination by National Geographic magazine and granted a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Only 250 meters wide at its narrowest, Nærøyfjord is an immensely beautiful fjord that branches off Sognefjord. Between Flåm, Gudvangen, and Aurland, passenger boats run throughout the entire year. Another choice is to take your a kayak or inflatable speedboat through the waters of Nærøyfjord. If possible, try to plan your trip for May to enjoy the countless white and pink flowers that bloom during that time of year. If you're tired of hiking, consider experiencing the Flåmsbana or Flåm Railway, a fun train ride from deep in Aurlandsfjord to Myrdal, high in the mountains. Running throughout the year, one of the stops is the Kjosfossen waterfall, a place where you can hear Huldra's singing in the summer. Be sure to take a guide to hike around the stunning blue ice of glaciers like Hardangerjøkulen and Folgefonna. These areas offer challenging hikes that provide breathtaking and eye-opening images of natural spectacle. To see bears, roe deer, and elk, walk the trail through Vassfaret Park.
Whether you want to see serene fjords, astonishing mountain views, magical waterfalls, inspiring wild animals, lush plant life, or mind-blowing glaciers, Norway has it all!
Scott Amundson consistently writes compelling articles for popular blog THE ULTIMATE HIKING GUIDE, found at http://www.ultimatehikingguide.blogspot.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_Amundson
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
3 great ways that hiking improves your health
The health benefits of exercise have been so well documented that even the United States government has taken notice. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services compiled the known health benefits of exercise into its first (ever) Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. At the top of their list of recommended physical activities is-perhaps not surprisingly-walking.
Hiking Benefits
Walking and hiking benefits many health functions. Studies have shown that regular walking can:
Strengthen the cardiovascular system, decrease hypertension, and decrease cholesterol to reduce heart disease
Regulate blood sugar levels to prevent or improve diabetes
Prevent, or minimize, obesity to reduce such obesity-related conditions as Type II Diabetes and heart disease.
...and there's no appreciable difference between walking and hiking. Indeed, according to the American Hiking Society, "[t]aking a hike is merely taking a walk on a foot path, whether along a neighborhood trail or a mounting ridge. However, hiking in a natural setting will add to the pleasure of walking by offering the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors! (emphasis by the American Hiking Society)
But there are ways to increase hiking benefits to exceed those of walking. The answer lies in gradually increasing the distance, the intensity, and the weight bearing capacity of the hike.
Cross Training with Hiking
Unlike walking along the smooth surface of a treadmill or an in-door walking track, hiking on uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) engages muscles that are seldom used in other sports or exercises. For this reason, hiking benefits can include an excellent cross training workout that will help to improve overall physical and athletic performance.
To cross train with hiking, the ABC of Hiking website recommends that one:
- Start out slowly, walking just 1-3 miles twice a week over fairly even and consistent terrain. (During these beginning hikes, one should not include the weight of carrying a backpack).
- Over many weeks and months, slowly increase the distance until 9 miles can be walked with relative ease. As the mileage increases, the addition of a backpack will be mandatory in order to carry the necessary snacks and beverages. However, one should still strive to keep the weight of the backpack as light as possible.
- When one can easily hike for 9 miles, the weight of the backpack should be steadily increased until it reaches approximately 22 pounds, comprised of added foods/drinks and equipment. One should then hike with this weighted backpack until 9 miles can be comfortably achieved.
- Once this distance and weight of the backpack are achieved, one can then practice hiking on more challenging terrains such as the vertical plains of uphill and downhill walking. (As with other aspects of cross training with hiking, one should gradually increase the size and frequency of the hills hiked.)
- With patience and practice, an individual should eventually be able to safely carry 25 to 30 percent of his or her weight in the backpack while hiking.
By using these tips, hiking benefits can effectively and significantly exceed those of walking while providing one with the soothing sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
For more information about hiking benefits visit http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cara_Zolinsky
Hiking Benefits
Walking and hiking benefits many health functions. Studies have shown that regular walking can:
Strengthen the cardiovascular system, decrease hypertension, and decrease cholesterol to reduce heart disease
Regulate blood sugar levels to prevent or improve diabetes
Prevent, or minimize, obesity to reduce such obesity-related conditions as Type II Diabetes and heart disease.
...and there's no appreciable difference between walking and hiking. Indeed, according to the American Hiking Society, "[t]aking a hike is merely taking a walk on a foot path, whether along a neighborhood trail or a mounting ridge. However, hiking in a natural setting will add to the pleasure of walking by offering the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors! (emphasis by the American Hiking Society)
But there are ways to increase hiking benefits to exceed those of walking. The answer lies in gradually increasing the distance, the intensity, and the weight bearing capacity of the hike.
Cross Training with Hiking
Unlike walking along the smooth surface of a treadmill or an in-door walking track, hiking on uneven terrain (uphill and downhill) engages muscles that are seldom used in other sports or exercises. For this reason, hiking benefits can include an excellent cross training workout that will help to improve overall physical and athletic performance.
To cross train with hiking, the ABC of Hiking website recommends that one:
- Start out slowly, walking just 1-3 miles twice a week over fairly even and consistent terrain. (During these beginning hikes, one should not include the weight of carrying a backpack).
- Over many weeks and months, slowly increase the distance until 9 miles can be walked with relative ease. As the mileage increases, the addition of a backpack will be mandatory in order to carry the necessary snacks and beverages. However, one should still strive to keep the weight of the backpack as light as possible.
- When one can easily hike for 9 miles, the weight of the backpack should be steadily increased until it reaches approximately 22 pounds, comprised of added foods/drinks and equipment. One should then hike with this weighted backpack until 9 miles can be comfortably achieved.
- Once this distance and weight of the backpack are achieved, one can then practice hiking on more challenging terrains such as the vertical plains of uphill and downhill walking. (As with other aspects of cross training with hiking, one should gradually increase the size and frequency of the hills hiked.)
- With patience and practice, an individual should eventually be able to safely carry 25 to 30 percent of his or her weight in the backpack while hiking.
By using these tips, hiking benefits can effectively and significantly exceed those of walking while providing one with the soothing sights, sounds, and smells of nature.
For more information about hiking benefits visit http://www.ultrafitnessdynamics.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cara_Zolinsky
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
5 Brilliant Ideas For Your Rambling and hiking exploits
I recently participated in a two day charity hike which unfortunately was a bit more difficult than I had gambled on. During the two days, 200 other hikers and I struggled up 24 peaks in England's Lake District. I think only 30 of us finished an I spent the next couple of weeks wishing I hadn't finished and gone down to the pub like the other hikers. What made the hike more enjoyable was that several companies supplied the participants with top quality hiking gifts were used then and still are. They were a gifts that I will not be throwing away anytime soon and sincerely hope I will have them for a while. Following is a list of the gifts we all received that could work perfectly for your next promotion.
4 Pairs of Thick Socks: One company ensured with had four pairs of thick embroidered socks for the hike. If you have never gone on a long mountain hike before you may wonder why we needed so many. We wore two socks on each foot to prevent blisters. These socks were a much needed and used inexpensive gift.
Headlamps: We started each day and ended each evening in the dark. Headlamps offered us a means of hiking without the need to carry a flashlight. The headlamps on the market that I have seen offer a nice large print area for your logo and details.
First Aid Kits: There are many on the market. The kit we were supplied with was quite small but it had all the essential bandages, small knife, pliers and a whistle. Luckily, we did not need to use ours so I still have it at home today to take on my next hike.
Water Bottles: It is important to stay hydrated when you are walking for so many miles. A couple of companies gave us one liter plastic sports bottles which I still have today. The winning bottle, however, was actually a plastic bag with a straw. The bag fit nicely into our backpacks and the long straw attached to one of the straps so that you could drink the water without needing to stop and open your pack. The bag had a very large print area for personalization.
Compass: Before being allowed to participate in the two day event, we all had to participate in and pass a compass reading course. At the end of the course, we were allowed to keep the top quality compasses we were using to learn. They were printed with one of the sponsor's logos and I will keep it for years. Each time I use it, I will see the logo of the company that gave it to me. The answer to your question is yes, I have used their services since receiving their nice gift.
Now I would like to invite you to visit my promotional gifts website. The site is packed with a large range of executive gifts including those mentioned in this article. Dan Toombs is Managing Director of CompuGift Limited. Established in 1997, CompuGift was the first internet based promotional gift supplier in the UK.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Toombs
4 Pairs of Thick Socks: One company ensured with had four pairs of thick embroidered socks for the hike. If you have never gone on a long mountain hike before you may wonder why we needed so many. We wore two socks on each foot to prevent blisters. These socks were a much needed and used inexpensive gift.
Headlamps: We started each day and ended each evening in the dark. Headlamps offered us a means of hiking without the need to carry a flashlight. The headlamps on the market that I have seen offer a nice large print area for your logo and details.
First Aid Kits: There are many on the market. The kit we were supplied with was quite small but it had all the essential bandages, small knife, pliers and a whistle. Luckily, we did not need to use ours so I still have it at home today to take on my next hike.
Water Bottles: It is important to stay hydrated when you are walking for so many miles. A couple of companies gave us one liter plastic sports bottles which I still have today. The winning bottle, however, was actually a plastic bag with a straw. The bag fit nicely into our backpacks and the long straw attached to one of the straps so that you could drink the water without needing to stop and open your pack. The bag had a very large print area for personalization.
Compass: Before being allowed to participate in the two day event, we all had to participate in and pass a compass reading course. At the end of the course, we were allowed to keep the top quality compasses we were using to learn. They were printed with one of the sponsor's logos and I will keep it for years. Each time I use it, I will see the logo of the company that gave it to me. The answer to your question is yes, I have used their services since receiving their nice gift.
Now I would like to invite you to visit my promotional gifts website. The site is packed with a large range of executive gifts including those mentioned in this article. Dan Toombs is Managing Director of CompuGift Limited. Established in 1997, CompuGift was the first internet based promotional gift supplier in the UK.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Toombs
Monday, 8 March 2010
The 6 essential small items you need to bring on a hike
I can't stress enough, the importance of being prepared when you are planning to go for a hike, camping, hunting, or just a walk in the woods. Items that I am going to strongly recommend can be slipped in your hip pocket.
In 1995, my father, my husband and I went chanterelle mushroom picking. Something we enjoyed doing for years. This time we went to an are unfamiliar to us. We went to an area a few miles past Elbe, Washington and just a few miles before Mt. Rainier National Park entrance. We were in an are called the Busy Wild.
We each carried a knife for cutting mushrooms and a bucket to put them in. That's all we needed. That's all we ever needed. So we thought.
My father and I headed out. My husband wanted to grab a bite to eat, but said he would be along. We headed up a path, climbing and circling around a hill. We spotted mushrooms down a slope so we both headed for them. We continued picking these mushrooms, working our way around the hill. To make a very long story shorter, we became lost.
We walked and walked. The temperature was cooling and it was getting dark. We walked for awhile and then decided we better start a campfire. Starting a fire with a lighter is not an easy thing to do when your hands are so cold. But we managed. We were able to stay fairly warm by the fire.
In the distance we heard honking, yelling, calling our names. We could see a light on another hill. We yelled back, my Dad whistled (he could whistle pretty loud) and he kept whistling until his tongue swelled. I lost my voice from yelling. If only we had carried a whistle with us.
The weather that night wasn't too bad. It was chilly, but at least it was dry. But morning brought on cooler temperatures. We were both shivering as we walked on trying to find our way back. Later in the day it began to rain. This turned into a drenching downpour. There was absolutely no place to stay dry. No shelter anywhere. If only we had a rain poncho! So simple, but then we didn't plan on being lost.
Our clothing was drenched, we were really cold now, and we had been really quite cold since the night before. We were thirsty, but neither one of us wanted to drink any standing water. A water purifier would have been quite life saving here. Hunger was an issue too, but not near as bad as thirst. Hypothermia sets in faster if you are dehydrated. And hypothermia makes you even more dehydrated. We were definitely becoming hypothermic.
Later, we became separated. Something we had talked about was staying together. But we became separated for reasons that I will never understand today.
I remember freezing and shaking so bad that my body was bouncing on the ground. I'm sure my Dad was doing the same. That night temperatures were in the upper 40's and were were wet to the bone.
I was found the next morning by Pierce County search and rescue. My Dad, however, was not found for another 2 days. His body was laying over a log, on a very steep slope. My mother and 3 brothers and I have visited this spot, where Dad was found, on a couple of occassions. We bring his favorite candy bar, (Hershey bar with almonds) and a shot, and give a toast to our Dad, who we miss dearly.
This is why I recommend being prepared. Always bring a compass, and know how to use it, a rain poncho, a pocket water purifier, a whistle and a fire started device would have been really handy.
http://www.huntingandcampgear.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vickie_Nelson
In 1995, my father, my husband and I went chanterelle mushroom picking. Something we enjoyed doing for years. This time we went to an are unfamiliar to us. We went to an area a few miles past Elbe, Washington and just a few miles before Mt. Rainier National Park entrance. We were in an are called the Busy Wild.
We each carried a knife for cutting mushrooms and a bucket to put them in. That's all we needed. That's all we ever needed. So we thought.
My father and I headed out. My husband wanted to grab a bite to eat, but said he would be along. We headed up a path, climbing and circling around a hill. We spotted mushrooms down a slope so we both headed for them. We continued picking these mushrooms, working our way around the hill. To make a very long story shorter, we became lost.
We walked and walked. The temperature was cooling and it was getting dark. We walked for awhile and then decided we better start a campfire. Starting a fire with a lighter is not an easy thing to do when your hands are so cold. But we managed. We were able to stay fairly warm by the fire.
In the distance we heard honking, yelling, calling our names. We could see a light on another hill. We yelled back, my Dad whistled (he could whistle pretty loud) and he kept whistling until his tongue swelled. I lost my voice from yelling. If only we had carried a whistle with us.
The weather that night wasn't too bad. It was chilly, but at least it was dry. But morning brought on cooler temperatures. We were both shivering as we walked on trying to find our way back. Later in the day it began to rain. This turned into a drenching downpour. There was absolutely no place to stay dry. No shelter anywhere. If only we had a rain poncho! So simple, but then we didn't plan on being lost.
Our clothing was drenched, we were really cold now, and we had been really quite cold since the night before. We were thirsty, but neither one of us wanted to drink any standing water. A water purifier would have been quite life saving here. Hunger was an issue too, but not near as bad as thirst. Hypothermia sets in faster if you are dehydrated. And hypothermia makes you even more dehydrated. We were definitely becoming hypothermic.
Later, we became separated. Something we had talked about was staying together. But we became separated for reasons that I will never understand today.
I remember freezing and shaking so bad that my body was bouncing on the ground. I'm sure my Dad was doing the same. That night temperatures were in the upper 40's and were were wet to the bone.
I was found the next morning by Pierce County search and rescue. My Dad, however, was not found for another 2 days. His body was laying over a log, on a very steep slope. My mother and 3 brothers and I have visited this spot, where Dad was found, on a couple of occassions. We bring his favorite candy bar, (Hershey bar with almonds) and a shot, and give a toast to our Dad, who we miss dearly.
This is why I recommend being prepared. Always bring a compass, and know how to use it, a rain poncho, a pocket water purifier, a whistle and a fire started device would have been really handy.
http://www.huntingandcampgear.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Vickie_Nelson
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