The wife and I went on a hike yesterday. It was our first in many years. The total mileage was 3.64 miles and it took 2 1/2 hours to complete. We were stopping a lot to watch and enjoy the wild life.

Learn a few lessons this time out...

1.) Bring a backpack instead of a shoulder bag to carry water in.
2.) Wear the correct shoe, our feet were hurtin' by the end of the hike.
3.) Sun block and Bug spray...both of us ended up burnt and itchy
4.) Bring more water then we think we need.
5.) Being diabetic, need to make sure I have something to boost my blood sugar just in case.
6.) I need to walk/hike more...being out of shape is no fun and there is too much out there to see to live life on the couch.


Scott

well done an an excellent set of lessons. Don't get discouraged, just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have heard of walking races but it never made much sense to me.

I agree. And don't forget a hat!

There are some excellent articles on the home page of this site, left hand column that will give you some ideas on what to take. Especially note these:
The "Ten" Essentials, with explanations why
The day hiking pack

Keep on hiking, and continue to enjoy the wildlife, the wildflowers and the views! That's what it's all about!

congratulations on getting back on the trails! That's a nice chunk of exercising and nature-loving to do. I might add to your list to consider bringing hiking poles. Great for stability and for taking some of the stress off your feet and knees. Some folks use just a single pole, but I prefer using a pair.

Yep to all of that.

I took a stroll a couple evenings ago in the forest behind us. It was hot and humid and buggy and incredibly beautiful in there.

I had to peel a few ticks off of me when I got back, but it was worth it.

Take some time to put together a First Aid Kit and do go over the Ten Essentials in the links OregonMouse gave you, and keep at it. This Autumn you'll really have fun after it cools down and the bugs start thinning out.

Part of the fun is planning trips too so now would be a great time to start looking for places you want to go this Fall. There's some great info on getting started backpacking on a shoestring budget here too and I'd start there instead of going on a gear buying binge. Some of the cheap gear we use is pretty darn good and some of the expensive stuff sold in stores isn't. It's worth asking before buying, especially when you're just getting started.