Take Your Best Mate On The Backpacking Trail Too

We all have our particular styles when it comes to backpacking but I think one thing we all would find enjoyable is too take our four legged pal along with us.

Of course there are a lot of places he may not be allowed but there is still plenty of areas take we can take our dog so here’s a inspiring video I found about a guy and his best mate on there first trip together.

 

 

Backpacking With Your Buddy

There is plenty of good equipment on the market now for your dog so it pays to shop around and remember that he or she is going to be out of there comfort zone too so it pays to be careful and get good quality equipment just as you would for yourself.

Want to know more about backpacking with your dog? I found this great post on the Washington Trails Association site

Hiking with a dog can be an incredibly enjoyable experience. The dog is super happy – walking with her human, smelling new smells and getting tuckered out. And you – you have that extra incentive to get out of the house, hike to a beautiful destination and get great exercise.

Hiking with a dog is different than hiking with another person. There are several things to consider before you head out. The first is following the myriad of rules about where you can and cannot hike with your dog – and where you need Fido leashed. Then there is what you need to bring for your dog on a hike. And finally, there’s following some simple trail etiquette.

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about dogs. Click on a link below to take you to the answer or scroll down.

Can I take my dog on a hike, and does she have to be on a leash?

Why should I have my dog on a leash?

What’s the best etiquette for dogs on trail?

What’s a good trail for dogs?

What should I bring for my dog on the hike?

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Can I take my dog on a hike, and does she have to be on a leash?
Rules for dogs vary from one land agency to another, but what doesn’t change is that dogs should always behave in a responsible manner. Even in areas where dogs are allowed off leash, your pet should always be under voice control – this means that your dog will come when called. If your dog does not come when called, you should keep your dog on a leash. And no matter where you are going, you should always bring your leash with you.

Here’s a rundown of some rules specific to certain lands across Washington:

National Parks – Dogs are prohibited on all trails in Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. They are also not allowed on trails (except the Pacific Crest Trail) in North Cascades National Park. In addition, dogs are not allowed on beaches in Olympic National Park, except Rialto Beach 0.5 miles north of Ellen Creek; all Kalaloch beaches (from Ruby Beach south to South Beach); and the Peabody Creek Trail.
National Forests – Dogs are generally permitted on U.S. Forest Service trails. There are several areas, however, where dogs are not permitted or must be on leash:

A harness leash is a great way to keep both of your hands free (and get a little extra tug up the hill). Photo by Julie Reimer.
Enchantments and Ingalls Lake Trail – Because of heavy hiker use and the fragile ecosystem of these areas, dogs are not allowed anywhere in the Enchantments Basin and on the Ingalls Lake Trail.
Alpine Lakes Wilderness – There’s no easy way to summarize, but a good rule of thumb is if the trail leads into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you’re generally required to have a dog on a leash. This includes most trails accessed along I-90 and on Highway 2 west of Stevens Pass. Leashes are also required on several popular trails in the Wenatchee-Okanogan National Forest. There are several exceptions to the above rules, including trails in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie area. A previous blog post lists the specific leash-only trails here.
Other leash-only trails – There are several other trails on the national forest where leashes are required. Always check at the trailhead and bring your dog’s leash.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources – Most Washington State DNR trails, including Mount Si and Tiger Mountain, require that dogs be on a leash at all times.
Washington State Parks – Dogs are welcome at state parks but must always be on a leash. Dogs are not allowed at swimming beaches.
King County Parks – Dogs must be leashed on all King County trails, including Cougar Mountain Regional Park.
Rules and regulations can vary from trail to trail, so check at the trailhead for posted information. Or call the local ranger station.

Why should I have my dog on a leash?
There are many good reasons to leash your dog on trail. Here are a few of the biggest ones.

For your dog’s safety – Leashed pups are safe pups. There are a lot of natural hazards out there – cliffs, sharp rocks, boulders, rivers and creeks to cross, wild animals. An off-leash dog is much more likely to be hurt off-leash than on-leash. Or get lost. It’s a wild country out there and a dog can easily lose its way.

And then there are other dogs – especially ones that are not on a leash. Will these canines like each other, or won’t they? If not, it is best if you can easily pull your dog away from the other one and continue hiking. Finally, there are wild animals. If your dog gets between a mama bear and her cub, it could develop into a bad situation.
To be courteous to other trail users – You may have the nicest dog in the whole world, but other people don’t know that. All they see is a dog, sometimes a big dog, come careening up a hill or around a curve. They think: Is it friendly? How is it going to react to meeting my dog? My kids? Where are the owners?

Hiking with a dog on a leash is especially important on busy trails and ones frequented by families with children. From their short perspective, dogs appear very big to kids. And the stakes are high. A frightening encounter with a dog on trail can lead to a life-long fear of dogs or of hiking.

Hiking with your dog on a leash is a simple, courteous thing to do – and the dog is still going to have a great time (and you might get a little extra help going up the mountain!).

Everyone, including the goats, are able to enjoy this scene. Photo by Wendy Wheeler.
To respect wildlife – Marmot, squirrel, deer, goat! There are few dogs that have the self-control not to dart off after one of these creatures. A leash protects these critters and makes sure your dog doesn’t get lost or hurt dashing off after them.
To protect the vegetation – Unfortunately, dogs – no matter how well-trained – are not as mindful of fragile mountain plants as hikers are. This can be the case on trail, when dogs veer off into the trees or romp in the meadow while bounding ahead of their owner. But it is particularly true at the hiking destination, especially lakes, when you stop to rest. These places usually get more impact from hikers anyway, and dogs simply compound that. The higher you travel, the more fragile the vegetation gets. So please, keep a close eye on your pets in these locations.
Because you’re following the rules – As mentioned above, dogs are required to be on leash in all parts of the Issaquah Alps trail system, on state park trails, DNR lands and on trails leading into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness – plus any number of other trails. Pack your leash and check the signs at the trailhead to see what the rules are and please follow them, even if other hikers are not.
What’s the best etiquette for dogs on trail?
As a hiker, you are responsible for your own actions. As a dog owner, you have an added responsibility: your dogs actions. By following these simple canine hiking guidelines, you will go a long way to making the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Shasta enjoys a hike on the ‘flexi’ leash. Photo by Katie Shurtleff.
Obey the rules specific to the trail you’re visiting. Some trails are closed to dogs and many require leashes. Check with the land manager before you head out or consult the signs at the trailhead.
Keep dogs on a leash or under strict voice control at all times. Strict voice control means the dog immediately heels, stays at heel and refrains from barking.
Yield the right-of-way to hikers. When dog owners meet other hikers, the dog and owner must yield the right-of-way, stepping well clear of the trail to allow other users to pass.
Yield the right-of-way to horses. When dog meets horse, the dog owner must first yield the trail. Make sure the dog stays calm, refrains from barking and doesn’t move toward the horse. If possible, move to the downhill side of the trail (so you don’t look big) and hold your dog close until the horse is well past.
Pick up or bury the poop. The only poop atop the forest floor should be from the animals who live there. Pack a trowel and bury the waste as you would your own, or better yet, pack it out in a plastic baggie.
What’s a good trail for dogs?
While most hiking trails allow dogs, that doesn’t mean that they’re dog-friendly. Obstacles that hikers may not find difficult can prove insurmountable for their dogs. Boulder fields, rooty and rocky trailbeds, cliffs, stream crossings and snow are all important features to take into consideration before heading out.

So how do you find a trail that is good for dogs? We recommend purchasing one or both of the Best Hikes with Dogs books by Mountaineers Books. There is one for the Inland Northwest and one for Western Washington. Each have 75 to 80 dog-tested hikes to try.

Many of WTA’s Trip Reports mention hiking with dogs. By doing an Advanced Search and clicking on the Hiked with a Dog box, you can read reports written by hikers who did that hike with a dog.

If you’re just starting to hike with your dog, try some easy trails first. See how your dog does crossing small streams, balancing on bridges and dodging big boulders. Determine how much water and food are required for a day hike, how well your dog adjusts to a pack and how she fares with elevation gain and mileage. As you get to know what kind of hiker your dog is, you’ll know what to look out for with the trails you choose.

What should I bring for my dog on the hike?
You know about the Ten Essentials you should always have in your pack. Here are the Essentials for Dogs:

Obedience training – Before you set foot on a trail, make sure your dog is trained and can be trusted to behave when faced with other hikers, dogs and wildlife.
Leash and collar – Always carry a leash, even when it is not required. Situations may arise that warrant leashing your dog.
Water and bowl – Don’t count on finding water along the trail. Pack enough for the entire day. A good rule of thumb is three liters of water for your dog’s day hike.
Dog food and treats – Keep your dog well fed on the trail, because she will burn more calories than usual. Bring extra snacks in case you get lost and need to spend the night in the woods.
Plastic bags and trowel – Be courteous and leave the trail as you found it. Packing out your dog’s poop is the best etiquette – or bury it as you would your own waste (200 feet away from the trail and water sources).
ID tag and picture identification – Make sure your dog is properly identified with tags should she become separated from you. Put a photo of your dog in your pack.
Doggy backpack – Let your dog carry her own treats and water. Check that packs have reflective areas for night hiking and are padded for a comfortable fit.
Basic canine first-aid kid – Includes gauze pads and tape in case of cuts, a couple of bouillon cubes to encourage the dog to drink if she’s getting dehydrated, and antibiotic cream for dressing wounds that might be infected.
Okay, enough of all of this! Head to the hills with your dog and have fun!

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I would love to hear from anyone who takes their dog along with them on hikes, any helpful tips or gear solutions would be would be fantastic

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Sometimes you come across a story that is worth sharing just for the sake of sharing and this is one of those times. If you have ever felt that something is just to hard then you should read this story about hiking the appalachian trail.

At 62 thats just what Tom McCarthy decided to do and you can read the rest of his adventures courtesy of the Tampa Bay Times

Hiking The Appalachian Trail

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Two years into retirement, Tom McCarthy felt like he hadn’t accomplished much.

At 62, he was standing at the end of a prosperous career as a business owner. There were family vacations and time with the grandchildren to look forward to. He lives in a comfortable house with his wife, but something was missing.

Hiking was sometimes the answer. He’d put in a few excursions here and there. They seemed to quell the feeling. Maybe he’d try the Appalachian Trail, he figured. He would give himself eight years of on-and-off hiking to do it.

Somewhere out in the rolling hills near Erwin, Tenn., about 250 miles up the trail, it hit him. McCarthy can’t quite articulate the feeling.

He knows the hiking gave him an “inner peace.” That there was a freedom to waking up in the morning, strapping his belongings to his back and marching off into the woods without an inkling of where he would set up his next camp, he said. That this remote strip, 2,184 miles long and a few yards wide, is a world of transient souls, all equal, bound by the journey. He liked that. “There’s just something about hiking long-distance that’s more spiritual,” he said.

McCarthy was scheduled to get off the trail last year in Damascus, Va., but something made him decide to stay. He hiked 1,275 miles between April and September 2011. He finished the last 909 miles between May and September this year.

The adventure urge came early for McCarthy. As a kid growing up in Lake Shore, Md., and Ravenswood, W.Va., he spent most of his time outside playing hide-and-seek, building forts and climbing fences.

The first purchase McCarthy made with his own money was a tent — the old kind with a canvas lining held up by wooden stakes — that he lugged into the woods to camp with his buddies.

He moved to St. Petersburg, Fla., with his parents in his senior year of high school, then went back to West Virginia to attend Marshall University. After graduation, he returned to the Tampa Bay area with his first wife. He met his second wife, Marlene, now 63, working at a medical-transcription service, which they went on to co-own.

McCarthy was never into serious trail-hiking until Christmas 1996, when Marlene bought him his first hiking backpack. After that, “I just got eaten up by it,” he said. “I wanted to hike as much as I could.”

But, he said, “Florida’s not a very good hiking place. To me, you need streams and mountains.”

He pushed for harder, more scenic trails in the Rocky Mountains. When he and Marlene sold their business in 2009, he had time and money for something bigger. That’s when he hatched the plan.

The Appalachian Trail — or AT, if you’re talking to a veteran of it — starts in Springer Mountain, Ga., and wanders north through 14 states to the northern terminus, Mount Katahdin, Maine. The AT draws a few kinds of people: day-hikers; section-hikers, who take the trail one stretch at a time, usually coming home between hiking stints; and through hikers, the people who manage to carve out up to a half-year to hike the trail in a single sweep.

McCarthy would be a section-hiker, taking the trail a few weeks, a few hundred miles, at a time, catching flights home to be a husband, a father, a grandfather.

Read more …..

Certainly an achievement to be proud of at any age let alone 62 and it just goes to show that anything is possible if you have the desire and the courage to push yourself a little. Just maybe you will find that something you had been missing just as Tom McCarthy seems to have.

Check out this video compilation of some of the beautiful scenery that is part of what hiking the appalachian is all about

Hopefully you found this story as inspiring as I did and if so please share it with anyone else you think might be interested.

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Hikers are always seeking out new spots to spend a leisurely afternoon in and lots of areas go undiscovered and these always tend to be the hidden gems. The hiking trail in Byrne Forest, Corralitos is one such spot which thanks to Jeff Helmer is now open to tours for anyone who wants to find out more about this protected land.
 
 
 

Hiking Trail in Corralitos : Byrne Forest

Helmer’s backyard is the 406-acre Byrne-Milliron forest, protected by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz since 1984, and as the saying goes, he knows it like the back of his hand.

For the past 25 years, along with his recently-retired post at Antonelli’s Pond in Santa Cruz, Helmer has been care taking at the forest, which means visiting it almost every single day to maintain the 10 miles of trails and road—many of which he created himself.

Without Helmer, the trails would be overgrown, obstructed by fallen trees and invasive plant species, and washed out without proper drainage during the winter rains. So it makes sense that the friendly-faced, soft spoken Helmer is proud of the forest; in a way, it’s his masterpiece.

At 67, Helmer is still spry, leading me down the “Three Bear” Trail at a brisk and sure-footed pace.

“I used to run this when I was younger, until I was about 50. Then I just stopped one day. It was like Forest Gump,” said Helmer.

As we hike along the fern-covered banks of the stream, Helmer moves fallen branches off the trail and shows me the places where trees fell over the trail during earthquakes. He simply cut a segment away with his chain saw, leaving it as intact as possible.

We stop at an altar where he found a dead coyote, and where people have left all sorts of mementos for loved ones, and we pass a tree trunk where Helmer left his mother’s ashes.

The ten miles of road and hiking trails includes the “Great White” trail, which winds its way to a 250-foot tall redwood tree of the same name, estimated to be around 1,000 years old. The tree is one of the few first-growth redwoods that survived the logging sweep at the turn of the century.

“Back then they burnt everything after they wiped it out, just to clean everything up,” said Helmer, pointing to the blackened trunk of a massive redwood cut long ago.

We are on our way to Vista Point, a breathtaking opening in the trail which looks over the entire Pajaro Valley and bay beyond. When we arrive, there is a basket of apples he’s left from the orchard, a water station for humans and dogs, and several hikers taking in the view.

“I lived here my whole life before I knew this was here,” said one hiker, Julie Miller. “When a friend showed me and I couldn’t believe what a great hike so close to home.”

Sitting at a bench, Helmer cracks open a guest book which visitors sign, and we read a note to Helmer written in Spanish just the day before, thanking him for the work he does.

“I’m trying to get the latino population here, you don’t see a lot hiking, but this is theirs,” said Helmer, sweeping his hand across the view of the valley below.

The Byrne-Milliron forest is one of several lands protected by the Land Trust of Santa Cruz, and open to hikers who will respect it and enjoy it.

Visit the Land Trust website for more information on this or other protected lands, or email Jeff Helmer to set up a tour at jeff.helmer@landtrustsantacruz.org.

 

“The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” 
― John Muir

The beautiful hiking trail in Corralitos is perfect for walkers or avid hikers. Please share on facebook with your friends. You might also like The Best Hikes in Americas National Parks. 

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