Hi, I’m Sandra Friend, author of eight hiking books and a lifelong avid hiker. My earliest memories of are walks in the woods with my parents, wide-eyed at the big purple blossoms of rhododendron in bloom as we scrambled along rocky trails in the Appalachian Mountains. I was encouraged to enjoy nature, to make my own trails in the backyard, and even to hike through the woods to our nearby elementary school. These experiences grounded me in a sense of wonder about the natural world, expanded my imagination, and provided life skills I could never learn in a classroom. Catching tadpoles to watch them grow up, chasing fireflies through the night, hopping boulders in a mountain stream: I experienced it all because my parents told me to
go play outside.
I’d like to inspire you to do just that! The week of June 1, I interviewed some of the top hiking experts in the United States in a series of free webcasts leading up to Saturday, June 6th, National Trails Day®.
Hiking is an inexpensive way to spend time with family and friends, a cheap way to travel, and an easy form of entertainment. “Take in the Outdoors” with our panel of experts, and get motivated to get outside! Enjoy listening to these replays!
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| Dr. Gregory Miller, President, American Hiking Society. Greg is a long-time hiker and advocate for families to get out and hike together. We talked about how Greg developed a passion for hiking, how hiking is important for children, the genesis of National Trails Day, and the advocacy that the American Hiking Society does for hikers and trails. REPLAY | Chris Peake, Zappos.com. Chris is the go-to guy at Zappos.com for outdoor gear, and he walked us through the basics you need to get out on the trail comfortably and safely. Established in 1999, Zappos.com has quickly become a leader in online apparel and footwear sales by striving to provide shoppers with the best possible service and selection. Chris shares some sweet hiking spots around Las Vegas, too! REPLAY | Johnny Molloy, outdoor writer. Author of more than 30 books on outdoor recreation in the Southeast – especially for hiking – Johnny is one of the most experienced backpackers and campers I know, spending nearly 300 days out in the woods every year. Johnny shared his tips as to how you can gear up for your outdoor adventures and plan your first (or next) backpacking expedition. REPLAY | Hiker dad Tom “SloeToe” McGinnis, thru-hiked the AT fresh out of high school and went on to pass the joy to his twin boys, who, at age 8, hiked Vermont’s Long Trail with him. Tom spoke to the challenges and joys of getting your kids outdoors, with some great logistical tips for you. REPLAY | Eb Eberhart “The Nimblewill Nomad.” Eb took to the trails soon after his retirement from his optometry practice and has become one of the few people to hike most of the National Scenic Trails. He’s walked from Key West to Quebec (and back) and beyond. He shares an inspirational take on the special magic of being out in the woods and how it feeds the human spirit. REPLAY |
