Why let the lack of hiking directions slow you down? Having complete information about your next trek could take a disappointing or dangerous situation and turn it into one of your best outdoor experiences ever.

Ask yourself this: what do you enjoy most about hiking? For some, hiking is all about spending time outdoors, soaking up sunshine, fresh air and the beauty of nature. Others are looking for a way to challenge their physical bodies and provide a workout that’s different from the daily gym routine. Some may find their enjoyment in the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities.

Hiking trails offer all of these benefits, but could also lead you into dangerous situations from time to time. The vast majority of unhappy experiences could be avoided with more foresight and preparation. Experts cite being prepared with complete information about your destination as one of the best ways to insure an enjoyable trek.

One great way to plan for the unexpected is to file an itinerary. By leaving some information on the trail register about your party and proposed route, you can give authorities a good head start on locating you if the need arises. You don’t need to broadcast your plans to everyone around, but take advantage of the official means for leaving a bread crumb trail.

Another good idea is to put together contact information related to your planned trek. You’ll want to have on hand ways to get in touch with local law enforcement, trail authorities and land managers.

Your best bet for being prepared is to locate a good resource for all your hiking directions. It doesn’t matter whether hiking is a new hobby or an old passion. You need to establish a go-to place for all of your outdoor information. The easier you make the process of being prepared, the more likely you are to do it. And the more prepared you are for your next hike, the safer you will be and the more you will enjoy it.

Discover a treasure trove of hiking directions. Click here to learn more about getting free access to hiking trail maps, trail guides, topo maps and more.

Visit http://hiking-trails-central.blogspot.com/

It used to be much easier to be a mom and pop shop and sell esoteric items than it is today when there are so many large conglomerates vying for your dollar. There are still pockets of areas they haven’t touched due to the market but it may only be time before they offer more and more. For instance you still have to go to a pretty specific web site or store front to get kiln controllers. It used to be that way with hiking equipment. There were only a couple of places to get hiking boots and the boot selection wasn’t that broad. Now you can get hiking boots at any shoe store or even most department stores.

Even hardware stores are vying for your dollar with large megastores. There are still a few left but it’s a real joy to go into a small town and find a true hardware store where you still buy nails by the pound instead of box. You can buy nail hole filler at grocery stores along with oil for your car, cleaning supplies for your house and dog food. Granted, in these hectic days when kids are on three or more teams or involved in other activities, mom and dad both work and grocery stores are open on Sundays it probably isn’t worth lamenting over days of old but it is interesting to see the progress of stores and buying patterns.

This is especially true if you are in the business of selling items that are a bit esoteric such as overglazes for pottery. You certainly wouldn’t expect the big chains to carry something like that but if it catches on as a hobby all over the United States then you just never know who will start being a competitor.

By far the best place to still get your pottery needs filled is AMACO. If you’re looking for kiln controllers, the best nail hole filler and overglazes then go no further than AMACO for the best service and the best prices.

Heading into your golden years, but you don’t want to sit around a play bridge all day? Today’s retirees, mostly baby boomers, don’t follow the retirement paradigm of old; nowadays they want to explore the world, whether through a rock climbing excursions or extensive travels. Boomers looking for adventure right outside their front door, should consider these four leisurely locations. Chosen by the website Find Your Spot, these small towns (between 5,500 and 17,000 people) boast four seasons with cold winters, costs of living that are between 5% below and 5% above the national average, small, local arts and culture scenes, and crime rates that are well below the national average.

Green Valley, Arizona
Population: 17,000
Average Home Price: $188,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 16 inches
Average Temps: July 89; Jan - 30

When one considers Arizona, its hard not to think about heat. Green Valley will change that mindset. Golfers, swimmers, and hikers enjoy 300+ sunny days a year, with average temperatures in the 80s. A lower cost of living results, in part, from a low average housing price of $188,000, but Green Valleys aesthetic value and amenities exceed expectations. Despite being geared toward relaxation, activity abounds. Stay busy close to home with billiards, shuffleboard, or horseshoes. With at least a half-dozen outstanding local golf courses, and many others nearby, Green Valley is a golfers paradise. Tennis buffs find Love on one of many city courts, where they can play night or day. For the non-athlete, take advantage of the numerous and well-equipped painting, drawing and sculpture studios, concerts, and/or theater. Whatever the decisionrelaxing by the pool, playing golf, or hiking up Helmet Peakall activities are achievable with Green Valleys adaptable climate.

Boone, North Carolina
Population: 13,100
Average Home Price: $212,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 49 inches
Average Temps: July 76; Jan - 21

Down-home music echoes through the hollers; and the southern twang of the banjo and fiddles Bluegrass music lifts the locals spirits downtown. But its not just the musicians lighting up this town. Summertime temps also bring out the lightning bugs, earning Boone the reputation of Firefly Capital of America. Boone, named after frontiersman, Daniel Boone, enjoys lush vegetation and spectacular scenery all year. Hiking and biking enthusiasts enjoy the Appalachian mountain trails from May through October. In addition, Appalachian State University presents the Appalachian Summer Festival, named one of the top ten events in the Southeast. This and others add to the summer-long excitement. Partake in winter and summer activities all in the same day at the Hawksnest Golf and Ski Resort. Indulging in powdery slopes in the morning, then lush, verdant fairways in the afternoon encourages fun and fitness all day long. With the added bonus of having attractive housing costs, whether a condominium or large luxury estate, retirees cant afford not to live here.

Salida, Colorado
Population: 5,500
Median Home Price: $295,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 10 inches
Average Temps: July 82; Jan - 11

The Old West resonates through the streets of Salida where stagecoaches and covered wagons were once the only means of transportation. Off in the distance, the fourteeners jut up halfway to heaven, quietly calling to those who might brave the ever-changing weather patterns well known to Coloradoans. Every summer the town sponsors Art Walk where local artisans look forward to featuring their finest artwork, whether in the form of sculpture, jewelry, or fine art. When winter snows turn into spring runoff on the Arkansas River, enjoy the thrills and spills of whitewater rafting or kayaking. Or try the 50 Mile Run held in April, testing the fittest of the fit. According to citytowninfo.com, Salida ranks in the top 16% nationwide in the category of low property tax rates. As well, rents run just slightly above the national average. Members of the 50+ crowd that prefer hiking trails over bumper-to-bumper traffic, but still need access to the information highway, will find that Salida offers a relaxing commute, no matter where the road takes them.

Plymouth, New Hampshire
Population: 5,900
Median Home Price: $180,000
Average Annual Precipitation: 43 inches
Average Temps: July 80; Jan - 10

Come autumn, the trees are ablaze with color. Having spent a long, warm summer on the Pemigewasset River and Lake Winnepesaukee, the boaters, kayakers, and tubers resign themselves to the onset of cooler weather and reluctantly pull their watercraft out for the season. But all is not lost. Bigger boats are at full capacity as they head out on the Atlantic Ocean to view the humpback whale as it migrates north. For those 50 and over with an adventurous side, glacial caves await, offering the brave explorer six different self-guided tours. Once on dry land, check out a variety of arts and cultural activities, from the New Hampshire Music Fest to the Karl Drerup Gallery. For a unique event, visit the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in nearby Holderness. Plymouth offers plenty in the way of continuing education as well. Plymouth State College has a variety of programs in areas such as education, business, and computer systems. Even though the cost of living is slightly above the national average, not having to pay sales tax makes a huge difference. With its natural beauty, history, and character, its no wonder Plymouth has gained status as a community of choice for retiring professionals.

Reta Robinson Assistant Editor FindYourSpot.com, the Internet’s best source of relocation information. http://www.findyourspot.com http://www.findyourspotrelocationwebsite.blogspot.com http://www.retasblog.blogspot.com

The Kwai River Bridge was made famous by the 1960s movie about a bamboo bridge being built by British Soldiers in Burma during World War II. This movie was mostly fiction, the bridge is of concrete/metal construction and it is actually located in Thailand. Thailand Tourism authority offers a great service of train tours. These are low cost trips that you can take that range from day trips to long weekends to various scenic parts of Thailand. Most of the trips begin and end in the Hua Laphong Rail Station, the main rail hub for passengers for the entire country. Pictures of this station are shown above. The station is clean and organized, but beware, it is also VERY busy. As a side note: Thailand uses their rail and bus system as their major artery moving people and products throughout their borders.

The tour that I choose was a day trip that took me almost to the Thai border with Myanmar, ending in the Soiyak Water Falls but making stops in Phra Pathom Chedi, Bridge over the Rive Kwai, the “Death Railway”, and the Kanchanabury WWII Cemetery. I will describe each of these stops in detail below. The trip was a full day, starting at 7 am and not returning to Hua Laphong Station until after dark, around 7 pm. The train was un-air-conditioned but was comfortable, at least while we were moving.

Phra Pathom Chedi

Our first stop was at the temple called Phra Pathom Chedi , The Temple main feature was a huge pagoda (see the pictures below. The stop was just long enough to walk from the train station to the Temple without too much rush. To get to the temple we walk through a city market area where you can get anything from a quick snack to a glass of ice coffee.

Bridge over the River Kwai and the “Death Railway

The Bridge was made famous by a 1960’s film of the same name. The film, however was in fact fiction based loosely on the events surrounding this bridge. I will not go into detail of the differences between the film and this bridge but will let that up to you. Briefly, the bridge is located in Thailand, not Burma but many people (mostly British soldiers) did give their lives building this bridge for the Japanese during World War II. This is why this railway is known as the “Death Railway” in Thailand. The rail line leading from the Kwai River Bridge to the Soiyak Water Falls appears treacherous but is well maintained and safe for travel. The railway follows the river and often has sheer cliffs overlooking the river and can be quite scenic. However, these conditions lead to many deaths during WWII.

Kanchanaburi WWII Cemetery

The WWII Cemetery in Kanchanaburi is filled with the bodies of the people who gave their lives constructing the Kwai Bridge for the Japanese Army. This stop is quite sobering knowing these men gave their lives building the rail line that was we were just on.

Soiyak Water Falls

The Soiyak Water Fall is the final stop of this trip and it is quite refreshing. The waterfall is augmented in areas with concrete and being an geologist is could tell immediately that it wasn’t natural. The industrious Thai People have taken and natural water supply and made is a tourist stop. The surrounding area is a natural area and protected from development, which is good. There are hiking trails leading to the water falls source; a small stream filled with small fish and is icy cold. Also along the trail is a few caves to explore. The Thai People find these areas sacred, as evidenced by the presence of sacred images located in the caves. The trail are quite interesting, having many native plants and animals to observe along the way.

At the very end of the Railway sits an historic train, once used by the Japanese during the construction of the railway. The plaque commemorating the train and the people who died in its construction gave the trip some meaning for me.

We returned to the Hua Laphong Rail Station rather late and I was quite tired, but the trip was worthwhile and I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning some about historical Thailand.

For more interesting travel ideas please visit my website: http://www.apllc-connect.com

Copyright 2008 Asia Products LLC.

Christopher Snyder is the Founder and Managing Director of Asia Products LLC and currently is living in Bangkok, Thailand.

He writes on a variety of topics including current events, politics, and travel ideas. He manages an e-commerce store buying products to sell on http://www.asiaproductsllc.com. He is documenting some of his more interesting travels in his Asia Travel Ideas website: apllc-connect.com

You can email him by clicking here