SPRING BREAK IN THE ARCTIC

February 16, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

 

When most people think of spring break they conjure up images of white sand beaches, suntan lotion and Mai Tai’s.

There there’s Paul Hubner, CEO of Baffin, Canada’s largest brand of polar boots and apparel.  In a few short weeks, Paul and his three sons, Mark, 24, Brent, 21, and Ryan, 16, will trek across Baffin Island for two weeks.  While these four hardy souls may indeed see white, it will be the white of snow, ice, glaciers, Arctic Fox and Polar Bears.

Baffin Island in the Winter

Baffin Island in the Winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average annual temperatures in Baffin come in at 18 degrees F, reaching a high of 48 degrees F in July and a low of -27 degrees F in February.  While March is one of the driest months in Baffin, it’s also one of the coldest, not to mention a lack of sunlight suitable for tanning.  Trekking across Baffin Island in March, when temperatures can drop well below zero, offers a different challenge than Spring Break at Daytona Beach.

Arctic Comfort

Arctic Comfort

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I met Paul Hubner a few weeks ago at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He’s a strong, made-for-the outdoors kind of guy, with a goal of making the best gear for extreme conditions.  While most of their current gear is designed for the extreme conditions in polar regions, Baffin is committed to making the best gear for all extreme conditions.

My company, Walking The World, operates small group adventures around the world for those 50 years of age and better.  While most of us won’t be trekking across the Arctic in wintertime, we can always use high quality cold weather gear.  Snowshoeing is one of the fastest growing sports in the U.S., and there are plenty of times when I’ve been out in Colorado’s mountains in cold weather conditions.  The soft shell jacket and base layers, made by Baffin, I tried on at the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in January, 2012, were not only of exceptionally high quality but the design and fit made me want to take the items home with me right then and there.  I’m looking forward to my own tests of Baffin’s polar gear.

Can’t seem to keep your feet warm in cold weather months?  Try a pair of Baffin footwear.  The layering system in their boots does a great job of wicking moisture from one’s feet outward to keep feet dry and warm.  Paul Hubner tests Baffin gear in the harshest conditions, probably a wee bit colder than what most of us will encounter in our adventures.  So you know their gear will do the job.

Okay, a few interesting facts about Baffin.

1.  Most of Baffin Island is above the Arctic Circle.
2. 11,000 people live on Baffin Island – based on 2007 figures.
3. Baffin is the world’s 5th largest island.
4. Highest point on Baffin is 7,044 feet.
5. If you like Base Jumping, spread your wings in Baffin.  One side of Baffin’s Mount Thor sports a vertical cliff face of 4,100 feet, one of the largest in the world. 
6. Baffin was named after the English explorer William Baffin

Now, you might be thinking that a winter trek across Baffin, with freezing temperatures and low light levels, might not offer much beyond a physical test.  Not so.  While doing some research on Baffin Island I came across the website of another polar explorer, famous in his own right, George Kourounis, and his photos taken during one expedition in March of 2009.  George is, in his own words, an “Explorer/Adventurer and Storm Chaser” and his TV series, ANGRY PLANET, airs worldwide.  If you visit his site, you’ll be as amazed as I was at the variety and magnitude of his adventures.  And his photos will make you want to head out the door today!

George Kourounis - Adventurer/Explorer

George Kourounis - Adventurer/Explorer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2009, during a ten-day polar expedition survival training program on Baffin Island, George captured in photos some of the unmatched raw beauty of the Arctic in winter.  George has graciously allowed me to include some of his photos in this story.  Interestingly, Paul Huber and his son Ryan, soon to trek across Baffin Island, were also on the same polar expedition survival training program.

Winter Beauty in the Arctic

Winter Beauty in the Arctic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Paul Hubner and his three sons will be trekking across Baffin Island this March, 2012, George will be embarking on an epic journey he calls the “Coast to Coast to Coast Road Trip” across the breadth and width of Canada.  The goal:  document winter’s worst weather.  Sounds like a serious, challenging and rewarding adventure.

Just Another Day on the Trail

Just Another Day on the Trail

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A very special thanks to George Kourounis for allowing me to use photos from his Arctic Adventures.  All photos in this blog are coutesy of George.  George is right now documenting some of the worst winter weather in Canada on his Coast to Coast to Coast Road Trip.

Me?  I’ll be doing a lot of walking trips by exploring the top day hikes in all 50 states in the U.S.  I can’t say I’ll encounter the same harsh conditions as these accomplished explorers, but I’m looking forward to discovering more magical corners of this great planet right here in the U.S.

Stay tuned.

In Adventure,

Ward Luthi
Walking The World
www.walkingtheworld.com

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Outdoor Gear, Walking The World, walking trips, Ward Luthi, Winter Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

NO MORE SUCKING WATER! HOW TO STAY HYDRATED ON THE TRAIL

February 10, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

 

Geigerrig!  Sounds like a rallying cry, like Blitzkreig or Tally Ho!

In reality it’s the name given to one of the most advanced and creative designs for a hydration system to hit the market.

Twice a year, winter and summer, nearly a thousand makers and suppliers of outdoor gear, clothing and related  products, meet to show their lines at the Outdoor Retailer Show.  Held in Salt Lake City, Utah, every January and August, it has to be one of the most interesting and anticipated events of the year for outdoor enthusiasts.

As chief blogger for Walking The World, I was roaming the aisles looking for interesting new products when I noticed a handsome gentlemen passionately talking about his new product, the Geigerrig Hydration Pack.  The gentleman happened to be Bob Geiger, VP of Operations for Geigerrig.

What mesmerized me at first was that Bob appeared to be inflating the hydration bladder, the plastic compartment that stores the water, with a hand pump much like what we’d use to inflate a blood pressure cuff.  (Actually, there’s a plastic sheet just under the bladder that inflates.)

Pumping air into the extra sheet of plastic pressurizes the bladder so, guess what, we no longer have to suck on a plastic tube to get a drink of water.  Simply apply a gentle pressure to the bite valve and water gushes forth.

Geigerrig Hydration System

Geigerrig Hydration System

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

People often ask if they can inflate the Geigerrig too much!  Actually, no.  In the above photo, you can see that even when wildly overinflated, the Geigerrig doesn’t burst.

From my perspective as a guide, it’s not only easier for me to get a drink but I can now share water with a friend, or friendly canine, without having to worry about what my friends or dog might have shared back with me on my bite valve.

Not only that but get this.  Say you run out of water on the trail and still have a long way to travel before getting back to the trailhead?  In this day and age, drinking from a stream or lake without a filter can lead to some unwanted visitors to your intestinal tract.  So what does one do?  With Geigerrig, you simply remove the tube from the bladder, insert a small (1 inch by 5.5 inch) in-line filter, scoop up some water and carry on down the trail.  The filter takes out 99.9% of any Cryptospordium and Giardia.  Pretty cool, huh?!

Are there more benefits?  Yep!  You can use the pressurized spray of a Geigerrig to spray down a fellow hiker who’s overheated, water a thirsty plant along the trail, fill up a water bottle, rinse dirt or food from your hands or anything a garden hose might do if you happened to have one along.

The Geigerrig won Best of Show at the Outdoor Winter Retailer this January, 2012, and rightly so.  It’s a big step forward in the world of hydration systems.

I’m including a link to a video of Bob Geiger demonstrating the Geigerrig.  He’s a natural at sharing all the benefits of owning a Geigerrig.

We’v all tried our best to find the perfect way to carry and drink water while engaged in our favorite outdoor sport.  The Geigerrig is setting the standard for now.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Ward Luthi
Walking The World
info@walkingtheworld.com

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Hydration Systems, Outdoor Gear, Product Testing, Uncategorized, Walking The World, Walking Tours, walking trips, Walking Vacations, Ward Luthi Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SAVING BIRDS FROM WINDOW CRASHES

February 4, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Crash!  Thump!  I always hate it when I hear those sounds because my first guess is that a bird has flown into a window.  And, unfortunately, I’m usually right.

On our October, 2011, trip to Arches and Capitol Reef National Parks in Utah, there was a stunned bird sprawled on the pavement just outside the entrance to our hotel.  It had obviously hit the hotel’s front window.  What does one do?  I’ve never really known.

Until now that is.  I just came across an article that describes what happens to birds when they hit a window and what you can do to help.  I’m including a link to the article in the hopes that it might help when you next hear a Crash! And thump! And you’re wondering what to do.  I’m hoping as well that the bird recovers and you feel better because you helped.

Thanks for caring!

Ward Luthi

Walking The World

www.walkingtheworld.com

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Walking The World, walking trips, Ward Luthi, wildlife Tagged With: , , , , ,

Walking On a Snowy Day

February 3, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

It’s snowing here in Colorado and has been since last night.

For most of this winter, our snowfall has been light and our snowpack far below normal for this time of year.  Today though, the snow is swirling down in big flakes and sticking.  So – it’s time to go out for some winter fun.  While tomorrow I may head to the hills for some snowshoeing, today I’m heading out for a walk.

I love walking outside on snowy days.  When I headed out today, it was late afternoon, the snow was coming down in bunches and it was a bit cold.  However, there is a quietness when it’s snowing that one rarely experiences outside of rural or wilderness areas.  With the snow covering everything, sounds are dampened, muffled.  Everything has a soft, quiet feel to it.  There were a few birds singing out their greetings once in a while but other than that it was pure quiet.  Walking on snowy days is a kind of mediation.  A walk on a snowy day is certainly good for my soul.

A few thoughts if you like walking outside on cold, snowy days.

1.  Warm-up before heading out for your walk.  Do some easy warm-up exercises indoors first to get your blood flowing before heading out into the cold.  That way you can start moving as soon as you step out the door.

2. Drink plenty of water.  Staying hydrated is just is important in cold weather as it is in warm.  Every time you breathe in cold air, you have to heat it to body temperature and bring that cold air up to the moisture content of your body.  Don’t fall into the trap of thinking because it’s cold you don’t need to drink.  DRINK!  DRINK!  DRINK!

3. Frozen Lungs.  Won’t happen.  There’s a myth that if you breathe cold air, you can freeze your lungs.  By the time air gets to your lungs, it’s has to be heated to body temperature.  It may still FEEL like your lungs are freezing but you should live to breathe another day. So it’s not really necessary to wear a scarf unless it’s to protect your face.   Unlike your lungs, your skin can be affected by the cold.

4. Protect your extremities.  I love walking when it’s snowing outside. It’s fun.  It’s like a romantic adventure, like walking in the footsteps of polar explorers – except I can turn around and go back any time I want.  All that being said, I wear my lightweight hiking boots on days like today.  My New Balance running shoes are not waterproof and are heavy on the mesh so today my feet would be soaked in short order.  My lightweight hikers are waterproof and heavier so they keep my feet dry and warm as long as I continue moving.

5. Ok, here’s another myth – that we lose up to 40% of our body heat through our head. Not true. A number of studies show heat loss through any exposed skin on the human body is about the same as any other area of exposed skin.   From the scalp, heat loss tends to level off at about 7% except at the beginning of heavy exercise when the heat loss increases due to more blood flowing to your brain.  However, as you continue to exercise and start to sweat, blood flow to the brain decreases and so does heat loss from the scalp.  Still, wearing a hat and gloves, even lightweight models, helps reduce loss of body heat at all times.  On my walk today, there was a moderate wind and the snow was a wet snow.  In most cases I would recommend a waterproof and windproof lightweight glove for comfort.  Unless it’s really cold you should be fine.  Most importantly, always have a lightweight hat and gloves along during any exercise in the cold, just in case!

6. Sunglasses. Snow reflects light, so give your eyes some protection by taking sunglasses with you on a walk when snow is on the ground or in the air.  True, falling snow may be a problem (where are the windshield wipers for sunglasses?) but like hats and gloves, it’s always good to have your sunglasses available should you need them.

7. Protect your lips.  Cold days, whether it’s snowing or not, can be rough on the lips.  A good chapstick can help.  Apply liberally before heading out and keep applying as you walk.

8. Non-slip soles on your footwear.  If the surface you’re walking on is dry and clear of all ice, non-slip soles are not crucial.  However, if there’s even the hint of slick spots where you’re walking, make sure your footwear has soles that provide good traction.  In really icy terrain, try more robust non-slip soles like Kahtoola’s MICROspikes that I wrote about in an earlier post.

9. Always remember that life is to be lived fully.  So don’t limit your walking to days when the weather and temperatures are perfect.  Keep repeating the following mantra:  GO NOW, GO OFTEN AND HAVE FUN – TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE!

I’m off for a walk toward the North Pole – well, a short distance towards the North Pole at least!  I encourage you to head out on some walking trips of your own!   Talk to you soon!

Ward Luthi
Walking The World
www.walkingtheworld.com

Filed Under: Uncategorized, Walking, Walking The World, Ward Luthi, Winter Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A 100-Day Walking Trip

January 10, 2012 By admin 1 Comment

A 100-Day Walking Trip

September 29th, 2011, was day one of my goal to walk every day for 100 consecutive days.

I almost made it.

On day 88, with a nagging cold, a fever and that blah feeling that you probably can relate to, my body cried out for sleep.  So after 87 days without missing a walk of at least one mile, I relented and gave my body the rest it needed.  I must admit that I had some feelings of guilt about not heading out that day, a very cold day here in Colorado, but in all reality sometimes it’s important to listen to our bodies and take some rest.

So my 100-day walking challenge turned into a 101-day walking challenge.  I still feel good about getting out each day, or at times heading to the gym, and I’ve learned some things about walking and about myself.  Here are some of those things.

Walking Trips for the Soul

Walking Trips for the Soul

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.  I love to walk.

Going out for a walk every day confirmed for me, and I knew it would, that I love to walk.  Absolutely love to walk.  Why?  There’s something magical about walking.  I’m serious.  As soon as I start moving my feet, I feel more alive.  Maybe it can be attributed to something as simple as having more blood flowing to my cells, but I prefer to think that it’s more about each walk being a grand adventure.

We’re born to walk, literally.  It’s programmed into our genes, and maybe our jeans.  Our feet, legs and mind, from our very early days, are yearning to take that very first step.  To stand upright and look out over our environment.  To start moving.  To start exploring.

Biomechanically, our bodies are designed to walk.  Walking is our natural form of locomotion and if you’ve ever gone for a long walk you’ll know what I mean.  We get into a rhythm.  Our bodies start to feel fluid and strong.  We start to feel like we could keep on keepin’ on.  Any worries start to fade as we become more in tune with everything around us.  Our creative juices start flowing.  New environments bring new thoughts; thoughts that sometimes help us solve problems that we’ve struggled with for a while.

Sometimes I think I start taking life for granted, thinking that my time here is unlimited.  That I will always have the chance to savor each moment, to head out for new adventures.   I get used to waking up each morning, going through my day, winding down at night and starting all over the next day without really tapping into the magic that each day offers.  Sometimes there is so much going on that I forget to look around me at everything that life provides.  But when I lace up my shoes and once again head out for a walk, even if I’m heading down a trail I’ve walked dozens of times, it’s like a reset.

As I ponder my 100 days of walking, it seems to me that the act of walking brings back memories of our earliest times when we were nomads, wandering the planet with family and friends and living fully in each moment.  Yes, life was hard at times, but we always had to be at our best.  We were fully alive simply because we had to be.  And to do anything at all, we had to walk.  We had to walk to find food, shelter and fuel for our fires.  But walking also took us to places of unbelievable beauty and allowed us to be a part of everything around us.  My heart tells me that our strength today comes from our earlier times when we built a storehouse of experiences and memories from wandering great distances through mountains, deserts, forests and plains.

I think walking is so powerful for me because heading out for a walk now taps into those earlier memories and I feel alive again.

Walking Trips in Utah

Walking Trips in Utah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Setting Goals Makes a Difference

Setting a goal of walking every day kept me on track. I had a goal to shoot for.  Prior to setting a goal of walking for 100 consecutive days, I walked a lot and nearly every day.  But I did so when I “felt” I had time and energy, not because it was a scheduled part of my day.

There were times over the last 100 days when I would be exhausted at the end of the day but knew that I still had to get my walk in.  Having the goal of walking every day, and being committed to my goal, took away the easy excuses I could always find if I was tired, busy or just wanted to go out for the evening.

If you’re starting a walking program, I would highly recommend that you set some short term and long term goals and then commit to them.  You can modify your goals as you go along, but having firm goals will help you achieve your objectives.  Goals give you something to work for, something to achieve.

Walking Trips in Arches National Park

Walking Trips in Arches National Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. The More You Walk the Easier it Gets

I know that seems like common sense but I add this to tell you that you can do more than you think.  If you’re walking one mile a day now, I encourage you to let yourself go for longer periods.  Go for two miles or five or ten.  You don’t have to walk fast but challenge yourself to do longer walks on some days.  Often it’s not our bodies that stop us from walking longer but our minds.

4. I need to walk more and take more walking trips.

My soul yearns to be outside.  To wander this planet.  Maybe I’ve never really adjusted to the fast pace of the modern world or maybe I’ve never really adjusted to living in an urban environment.  Whatever the reason, I know I do best and feel the best when I’m out walking in the great outdoors.  When I’m out roaming, I feel alive, happy.   There are times when I’m out walking that I just start to smile and times when I want to sing with joy.  And I feel joyful just because I’m moving and feeling the wind or rain or sun or snow on my skin and touching the essence of life that is everywhere around me.  Walking is truly good for the soul.

Walking Trips in Butler Wash, Utah

Walking Trips in Butler Wash, Utah

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s Next?

Well, after walking for 100 days I’m anxious to do even more walking.  At Walking The World our 2012 trip schedule is now up on our site, www.walkingtheworld.com, so I’ll be heading out on some walking trips in Tuscany, Costa Rica, Utah, Provence, Sicily and Switzerland to name a few.  I invite you to join us!

Also, during the past 100 days, a number of people have asked how they could do their own walking challenge.  So I’m in the process of putting together a 100-day walking challenge I’ll be inviting you to join in the not too distant future.

Thank you as always for your comments during the past few months.  Lace up those shoes and head out for a walk and let me know if you have questions I can help with.

GOOD WALKING!

Ward Luthi
info@walkingtheworld.com
www.walkingtheworld.com

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Walking on Water with Kahtoola’s MTN Snowshoes!

January 7, 2012 By admin Leave a Comment

Walking on Water with Kahtoola’s MTN Snowshoes!

When I stepped outside this morning, I could feel the warmth in the air.  Even though it’s January in Colorado, the temperatures were supposed to climb into the 60’s in my hometown of Ft. Collins, Colorado.  And with the forecast calling for relatively light winds, I figured it was a good day for an adventure in one of my favorite local destinations, Rocky Mountain National Park.

Of course, since it IS winter in Colorado, I’ll need to practice my techniques for walking on water – or as some call it – snowshoeing.  Now I know I’m taking a bit of liberty here with the definition of walking on water, but technically, since snow and ice are forms of water, I AM walking on water.  I suppose one could call my winter excursions “walking trips on water”.

Kahtoola, an innovative winter product company based in Flagstaff, Arizona, had earlier provided me with a pair of their MTN snowshoes to test.  You might also recognize some of Kahtoola’s other standout products:  MICROspikes, KTS crampons and the RNR Lightweight Running Snowshoe.

I figured this was a good day to see how the MTN Snowshoes performed on trails that were snow packed and in off-trail situations that were a mixture of windblown and loose snow.

And what a glorious day it was.  The temperature gage at the Bear Lake Ranger Station in RMNP showed 40 degrees.  With clear, sunny skies it was a great day to be cruising through the snow beneath stately pines.

Kahtoola's MTN Snowshoes

Kahtoola's MTN Snowshoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kahtoola’s MTN snowshoes are an ingenuous two part design that combines an 8-point crampon with a lightweight snowshoe.  As a system, I can now carry “one integrated piece” rather than a separate set of full crampons as well as snowshoes.  So I save weight and space in my pack.

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kahtoola’s MTN snowshoes have a patented width adjustment system that allows one pair of snowshoes to be worn comfortably by anyone from those with small feet, think a size six women’s running shoe, to a size14 insulated men’s boot.  As anyone who has worked with footwear can attest, developing a lightweight workable product that fits this wide a range of feet is remarkable in itself.

The Trail Crampon

The trail crampons are basically like the front-half of a full set of crampons, with 8 teeth that are longer and wider than the teeth found on Kahtoola’s MICROspikes but smaller than the spikes on most regular crampons.

The back two teeth of the trail crampon are serrated and the two teeth that lock into the spring system on the snowshoe are notched.

To step into the trail crampon with your boot, first adjust the width of the crampon to your boot.  The directions for doing this come with the MTN snowshoe and should be done at home rather than on the trail.  Because some of the parts needed to adjust the trail crampon are quite small and require a wee bit of dexterity, you should adjust the width at home.  Trying this on the trail in cold weather over loose snow is not a good option although it can be done.

Adjusting the strapping on the trail crampons is relatively easy to do and Kahtoola has provided a stretch band on the front of the crampon to lock down any excess strapping and a plastic clip on the back of the crampon for excess heel strapping.

The only part that is sometimes challenging on a cold day is making sure the rear strap that goes around your heel locks into the cleat on the metal buckle used to tighten the straps around your heel.

To click the trail crampon into the snowshoe deck, first make sure that the bars in the deck are visible.  If they are not, you won’t be able to click in.  This is simply a matter of remembering to reset the bars.  This can easily be done by pulling the “reset” tab.  Then it’s a simple matter of lining up the notched teeth in the trail crampon and clicking in to the snowshoe deck.  The first photo below shows no bars, the second photo shows the bars.

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

No bars showing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

Bars are showing here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To click your trail crampons out of the snowshoe deck, simply pull the “t-handle” and step out.  Voila!

In the photo below you can see the T-handle on the left, for releasing the trail crampon from the snowshoe deck.  The reset pull can be seen on the right of the photo just across from the T-handle.

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

T-handle and Reset pull

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts:

Having adjustable wings on the trail crampon allowed me to fairly precisely fit my boot into the trail crampon, making the crampon feel like it was built into my boots.  I liked the lightweight feel of the trail crampons and when clicked into the snowshoe deck, it was one of the most comfortable fits of any pair of snowshoes I’ve worn.

The lightweight and streamlined design of the snowshoes allowed me to walk quickly and easily on most surfaces, including the frozen lakes I crossed.

Clicking the trail crampons into the snowshoe deck was an easy process and made switching from trail crampon to snowshoe a breeze.

The MTN snowshoe does not include a heel lift bar for steep sections of trail or teeth along the bottom sides of the snowshoe for more secure travel on slopes.  However, overall the system worked well.  I had my ice axe so if I needed extra support on the slopes or going uphill I had it.

When using the Trail Crampon by itself, you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s basically only the front half of a regular crampon.  You’ll have no base and no teeth on the bottom back half of your boot.  Going downhill or traversing slopes will require more care than with a traditional crampon.  Overall, for most situations though, I felt secure.

I do a lot of walking whether it’s winter or not and I liked the ease of movement I had with the MSN Snowshoes.  Regardless of the terrain, I was able to move easily and quickly without feeling like my equipment was hindering me or without that “sluggish” feeling of some systems.

Being able to easily and quickly switch from trail crampon to snowshoe was a definite plus.

Conclusion:  An excellent system I would highly recommend.

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

Kahtoola MTN Snowshoes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snowshoeing is a great winter activity.  Buy or rent a pair of snowshoes and hit the trail.  Head out on your own or with friends or join a guided walking tour that includes trying out a variety of snowshoe brands.  You’ll love the beauty of winter and the quiet of a snow covered landscape.

Go now, Go Often, Have Fun and Take a Walk on the Wild Side!

GOOD WALKING!

Ward Luthi
Walking The World
www.walkingtheworld.com

Kahtoola, Inc.
431 River Run Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Toll-free: 866.330.8030
info@kahtoola.com
www.kahtoola.com

 

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Outdoor Gear, Product Testing, Snowshoes, Uncategorized, Walking, Walking Tours, walking trips, Ward Luthi, Winter Travel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

WARD LUTHI’S 100-DAY WALKING CHALLENGE

October 31, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Walking The World is an outdoor adventure company offering guided walking tours for those over 50 years of age.  We invite any and all active travelers to join us on our walking trips. You do need to be in “reasonably” good physical condition at the time of your particular trip, be able to walk 5-9 miles a day at a comfortable pace, have an adventurous spirit and love the great outdoors.  Oh, and you must also love to sample some of the world’s best food and drink, love new experiences and be open to meeting some of the nicest people in the world – your fellow travelers!

Ward Luthi in Arches N.P., Utah

Ward Luthi in Arches N.P., Utah

How does one prepare for a walking tour?  Walking on a regular basis, ideally on a daily basis with some hill or stair work, is a great start.

The last few months for me have been extraordinarily busy and I’ve found myself putting off my daily walks or weight training simply because I didn’t feel I had the time or because I was “too tired”.  Now the reality is that I can find the time to get in my walk…if I choose to do so.  It really is that simple.  However, when I don’t have a specific goal I’m shooting for, I find it much easier to find an excuse to put my walk or weight training off for that “perfect” day.  To counteract my own tendency to procrastinate, I set a goal of walking at least one mile on one hundred consecutive days, rain or shine or snow!

Part of my madness also comes from a true desire to better understand why it is seemingly so easy for so many of us who are over 50 to put off doing the exercise that will keep us happy and healthy as we age.

How’s it going?  Well, so far, so good.  Oh, I also count all my hiking miles toward my daily mileage goal.  Although the miles may include some stops for water or lunch, etc., I still consider them good miles walked.  I would invite you too as well if you design your own walking challenge.

Below is a chart of the first 30 days of my 100-day walking challenge.

 

Ward’s 100 – Day Walking Challenge

Day      Date          Mileage             Time

1        Sept 29     2.8 miles          40 min

2        Sept 30     3.0 miles          45 min

3        Oct 1       2.2 miles          33:37 min

4        Oct 2       4.19 miles         60:25 min

5        Oct 3       2.2 miles          32:50 min

6        Oct 4       1.12 miles         16:36 min

7        Oct 5       4.0 miles

8        Oct 6       4.0 miles

9        Oct 7       6.5 miles

10       Oct 8       2.0 miles

11       Oct 9       6.5 miles

12       Oct 10      11 miles

13       Oct 11      1 miles

14       Oct 12      2.1 miles          31:00

15       Oct 13      2.2 miles          32:26

16       Oct 14      2.2 miles          33:33

17       Oct 15      2.15 miles         31:45

18       Oct 16      2.25 miles         32:56

19       Oct 17      2.0 miles          27:35

20       Oct 18      6.0 miles          187 min

21       Oct 19      2.2 miles          32:29

22       Oct 20      4.62 miles         1:12:41

23       Oct 21      2.19 miles         34:41

24       Oct 22      2.25 miles         36:58

25       Oct 23      2.21 miles         35:34

26       Oct 24      4.2 miles

27       Oct 25      1.0 miles          14.27

28       Oct 26      2.29 miles  35:02

29       Oct 27      1.0 miles  14:04

30       Oct 28      1.0 miles  15:14

(Please note that the days with more detail included, minutes and hours walked, were tracked with my Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS and heart-rate monitor.)

I would love to hear if you’ve ever designed your own walking challenge.  And if you’d like to walk along with me, I would love that.  Please drop me an email at info@walkingtheworld.com to let me know you’re going to join me and when you’ll be starting.  I’d like to send you encouragement for lacing up those shoes or boots each day and heading out.

In Adventure and Great Walking!

 

Ward Luthi

Walking The World

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Walking, Walking The World, Walking Tours, Walking Vacations, Ward Luthi Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Walking Tours – El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

October 13, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Walking tours to almost any place in the world are at the top of my list of things to do.  When people talk about adventure and travel and places they’ve been, they usually talk about those areas people are most familiar with.  Like the Grand Canyon, Tuscany or the Galapagos.  However, always keep in mind that some of the smaller, and possibly hard to get to, destinations often offer unique and wonderful experiences.

Take El Morro National Monument in northwest New Mexico for example.  While on a scouting trip to this magical part of the U.S., I had the opportunity to explore this outpost that sits seemingly in the middle of nowhere.  However, as is often the case, if one has something special to offer, people take notice.  El Morro has a commodity more precious than gold for travelers wandering long distances in this part of the world:  water.

Walking Tours with Walking The World - El Morro Ntl Mnt, New Mexico

Pool at El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not too far along a one-half mile introductory trail at El Morro, at the base of some strikingly beautiful sandstone bluffs, is a deep, cool pool of water, shaded by high multi-colored sandstone walls.  When I visited, cattails grew enticingly along water’s edge and I could imagine what a wonderful sight a cool pool of water must have been to man and animal alike.

This pool of life-giving water sits geographically along an ancient east-west trail that over centuries has seen Anasazi, Spanish and American Explorers and lone wanderers  search out its bounty.

Okay.  Are you ready for a wee bit of geology?  Well, if not, here it is anyway.  The El Morro formation is composed primarily of what is called Zuni sandstone.  What makes it so unique is that the sand grains are held together only by clay, making the sandstone easy to carve inscriptions in – which many travelers did and for which El Morro is somewhat famous.  Most sandstone is formed under pressure that cements the grains together forming a harder type of sandstone, like those sandstones found in Arches or Zion National Parks in Utah.

More geology?  Okay, okay.  Here it is.  El Morro sits at an elevation of about 7219 feet and the Zuni sandstone was deposited by wind rather than water.  Any guess as to the age of the Zuni?  Try 170 million years.  Not bad for a bunch of sand.

Okay, what about unique plant life at El Morro.  Yep!  Got that too!  It’s called Alligator juniper.  Any guesses as to why?  You’re right!  Because the bark of the Alligator juniper looks just like the scales on an alligator.

Alligator Juniper

Alligator Juniper

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hiking at El Morro.  The inscription trail is relatively flat and short and takes you to the pool and the historical inscriptions.  But if you want to experience the real magic of El Morro, continue on past the end of the short trail to the top of the mesa where you’ll see the excavated ruins of an ancient Puebloan ruin called ”Atsinna” that once had 1500 inhabitants in a structure that experts say had 875 rooms.  If you go, you’ll see that this was a remarkable feat because the Pueblo sits on a very small part of the mesa.

Atsinna Puebloan Ruin, El Morro Ntl Mon

Atsinna Puebloan Ruin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But don’t forget to look around if you do head to the top of the mesa because the views of the surrounding area, including the Zuni Mountains, are wonderful.  It’s just a peaceful, quiet, scenic spot to relax and enjoy your surroundings.  When I visited we were the only people there and that made it all that much more special.

Mesa Top Views at El Morro Ntl Mon, New Mexico

El Morro Ntl Mon, New Mexico

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Getting there:  El Morro is about 80 miles west of Albuquerque and about 40 miles south of Grants, New Mexico, off Interstate 40.

So – why don’t you head out on a walking tour to El Morro?!  In fact, any walking tour will do as long as you lace up those boots and take that first step.  Walking is good for you and adventure is the spice of life!

(Walking The World offers small group walking tours to more than 30 destinations worldwide and focuses on those active adults over 50 years of age.)

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Walking, Walking The World, Walking Tours, Walking Vacations, Ward Luthi Tagged With: , , , , , ,

WALKING, GPS AND PEDOMETERS

October 4, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

October 3, 2011

Ward’s 100-Day Walking Challenge:  Walking for fitness, fun and adventure and to get in shape for upcoming walking tours.

Today was a beautiful day in the countryside.  A day that I would have loved being out leading a walking tour on a mountain trail.  Since I’m in the midst of preparing to lead a walking trip in Utah tomorrow, my walking mileage was limited to 2.20 miles at a time of 32:50.  These numbers came from my Garmin 305, a combination heart rate monitor and GPS that I’ve had for a number of years.  I love having a heart rate monitor combined with a GPS for a number of reasons.  The first is that GPS allows me to head out the front door for a walk and know my distance, my speed and the route I’ve followed without really having to do anything at all.  The GPS, using satellite technology, automatically records all of these numbers and even allows me to upload them to a free Garmin training center where I can store my routes and results and compare my current results against past walks.  Garmin’s online training center is simple, it’s free and it provides invaluable insight to my current conditioning.

Ward Luthi trains for his 100-Day Challenge

Ward Luthi trains for his 100-Day Challenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the same walk I also wore an Omron pedometer that measures steps and distance as well as several other measurements that I’m not as concerned about.  Pedometers are very popular with walkers who want to know how many steps they’ve taken and how far they’ve walked.  My goal with this test was to see results from a GPS unit compared to a decent pedometer.

The results are that my GPS showed that I walked 2.20 miles.  My pedometer showed that I walked 2.49 miles.

The difference in the distance shown by each method is significant.  However, I look at a pedometer primarily as a motivational tool, not as something to compare or compete with GPS.  My experience selling pedometers in a retail outdoor store is that most people use pedometers as a tool to make sure they get in their 10,000 steps on a daily basis.  As a motivational tool, pedometers are excellent and often that’s all people need to start a fitness program or increase their current level of fitness.

GPS:  2.20 miles:  32:50:

Pedometer:  steps=4274         distance = 2.49 miles

October 4, 2011

Okay, so I’m putting two days in this one blog post so I can actually get some sleep tonight.  This post is coming from a hotel room in Grand Junction, Colorado, on the night before we meet our Walking The World group tomorrow morning.

GPS:  1.12 miles:  16:36 for time  cool this morning before heading to Utah to lead a group

I’m really enjoying this walking challenge.  Having a specific goal to shoot for makes a difference.  Now there are no good reasons for not going out for a walk, even if it’s a short one.

GOOD WALKING!

Walking The World leads guided walking tours to more than 30 destinations worldwide.

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WALKING, WALKING TOURS AND WALKING THE WORLD

October 2, 2011 By admin Leave a Comment

Hello Everybody!  Day number four of my 100-day walking challenge.  I had a bit more time in my schedule today so I was able to get in 4.19 miles on a warm and muggy evening in Colorado.  It’s not usually this humid, but we’ve had more moisture in the air for the past couple of days.

I felt quite strong on my walk tonight and I love it when my body feels strong and I can flow along the path.  It helped that it was a beautiful evening and I could see the moon and walk with the Poudre River on my right.  Farther upstream the Poudre is part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Ward Luthin on the Island of Corsica off the coast of France

Ward Luthi of Walking The World in Corsica

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve always loved to walk, although in my very early years I was a runner.  My love for walking was instrumental in my decision to start Walking The World, a walking company, rather than, for example, a company that used cycling as a way to explore this magical planet.  While I love riding as well, I love the freedom walking gives me of being able to ramble wherever I choose when I’m in the great outdoors.  All I need is a good pair of shoes, a small backpack, some rain gear, maybe a fleece for cooler weather, and some food and water and I’m off.  I can stay out all day or I can stay out for ten minutes.  But I have everything I need right there with me.  No worrying about a flat tire or being thrown from my bike.  If I see something in the forest or on the edge of the river I can go and investigate and then resume my walk.

I’m a wanderer by nature.

And a quote for today?  Here’s one that illustrates in a few words what I’ve been trying to say in this post:  “When I was young, and reckless too, and I craved the reckless life…”  Folk Song

In this quote I take the word “young” to mean any age because we can choose to be young of mind and young of heart any time we choose.  And that might be another reason why I love being outdoors.  There is no age barrier to walking or to enjoying all the beauty and peacefulness that walking through a forest or by a stream or in the desert can bring.  It doesn’t matter what you look like and it doesn’t matter how fast you can walk.  All that matters is the movement, of feeling alive, of experiencing each moment to the fullest.  Of being a part of everything around you.

Walking is good and good for you.  Why not head out for a short walk right now?!

Day 4          1 hour and 25 seconds         4.19 miles

Walking The World offers guided hiking trips and adventure vacations for those over 50.

Filed Under: Adventure Travel, Uncategorized, Walking, Walking The World, Walking Tours, Walking Vacations, Ward Luthi Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
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