"Take only photos, leave only footprints" - Trail Etiquette and respect for the land.

As spring wakes up the woods, and hiking/outdoor season really begins, I'd like to bring up a few basic guidelines to ensure you and your fellow hikers will have a great time outside. 

The old saying "Take only photos, leave only footprints" holds true:
- don't litter
- do clean up your doggy's do do
- don't pick the wildflowers, let everyone on the trails see their beauty
- don't play loud music: I never thought I would have to list this one but it's here for a reason...
- do stay on the marked trails to help prevent erosion and damaging delicate plant life  
- do greet your fellow hikers, it's just good manners
- do walk through muddy puddles, walking around them widens the trail and erodes the land around
- do take lots of photos and keep wonderful memories


How to have the best time: 
- prepare for the weather
    - layer up! Winter takes more layers, spring and fall less, and summer even fewer. If it looks like rain take a poncho. Hiking through all the different elements can be rewarding if properly prepared for.  
- wear appropriate footwear for the specific trail you'll be on
    - eg: paved tennishoes -vs- muddy waterproof boots
- keep an open mind
    - sometimes you'll see flowers, animals, rainbows, whatever, sometimes you won't
- be present
    - put your phones away, this is time for you
    - allow yourself these few minutes, hours, etc to be completely in the moment, forget about your to-do list, about that traffic jam, about your boss, about all of life's expectations and just listen to the sound of the Earth.
​

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."
                     ​- John Muir