MY FIRST HIKING VACATION

Hiking, one of the most fascinating and thrilling activities to do, especially on weekends after a long tiring week, definitely makes you close to mother nature. Hiking, which is defined as walking in nature is a popular recreational activity, especially among the people with young flesh and blood.  Hiking is a natural and conventional exercise which helps to increase physical fitness and mental toughness.

I was extremely exhausted during the week. It had all kinds of tensions and anxieties of appointments, meetings, and tight schedules. At first, I thought for a while that I would sleep throughout the weekends. But then it came to my mind that I should refill my energy by doing some physical activities. I had read in a newspaper that hiking is an extremely fabulous physical activity. I had never gone hiking and this was an amazing chance. So, I grabbed the opportunity at once and made my mind to go to a nearby hill to do some adventurous hiking.

PREPARATIONS BEFORE HIKING

I reached home after a tiring Friday at the office. As I planned hiking in the nearby hill on the weekend, I had to do all kinds of preparations for that. Now, on reaching home, I packed my bag with necessary things such as the map of the hill, a compass, a first-aid kit, matches, lighter, fishing rod, and a basket. Also, I took the tent for my stay at the hill and a headlamp to ensure that I would not get lost during the night. Extra batteries for the light and a charger for my phone.

It took me some extra time to decide what I would carry as eatables and finally, I decided that I would take the healthy way out. Hence, I packed fresh apples, oranges, bunches of grapes, vegetables, oatmeal, sandwiches, and a few eggs. I took plenty of water with me to ensure that I always stayed hydrated during the hike. So, everything was set and I was ready to go for my first hiking trip.

THE HIKING ADVENTURE BEGINS…

It was a Saturday morning. I took a sound sleep the previous night and woke up at 5 a.m. I took my backpack which I had prepared the previous day and I changed myself into the hiking form-with comfortable clothes suit and shoes. I set out from my home and walked towards the hill. It took me about one hour to reach there.

As soon as I reached the hill, I could feel the beauty of mother nature. There was fresh air everywhere which you don’t get in the hustle-bustle of cities. I walked through the beautiful paths of the hill. There was greenery all around. I saw little insects not many thankfully. While walking, I heard the sounds of the chirping of birds and the gentle flow of the streams. After hiking a few miles, I decided to have my breakfast near a gorgeous stream. I took a few eggs, sandwiches, and fresh fruits for my breakfast while sitting on a big rock. I enjoyed the scene of the flowing of the stream while eating my breakfast.

 After breakfast, I tried to explore amongst creatures of the hill.  I observed various kinds of lizards who were having a good time with each other. There were groups of beautiful dragonflies and butterflies who were hovering over a field. I prepared my tent using the tent cloth that I had brought with me. I had a sun-bath in the afternoon near a charming waterfall. Then I ate my lunch which consisted of some fresh vegetables and sandwiches. I ate apples and oranges as dessert.

In the afternoon, the sun was straight over the head and I decided to take a short nap during that time. As soon as my nap was broken, I set out once again to enjoy my trek. I packed off my tent and went to a river that was flowing down the hill. I sat on the bank of the river and started fishing. I had brought my fishing rod and fish basket with me. Therefore, I had no worries.  I caught three small fishes and was eagerly waiting for the big fish to bite.  I lost all hope of getting that big fish but sometimes cool happen. When I decided to stop fishing and go to the top of the hill, suddenly I caught him, he had to be at least eight pounds. With so much fish in my basket, I was prepared to go to the top of the hill.  I had to reach there before the dusk. Hence, I  increased my walking speed and reached the top of the hill exactly at the time of the sunset.  I watched the sun drowning in the red sky. I was feeling like the king of the world, seeing the sunset from the top of that hill.

I set up my tent on the top of the hill and lit a campfire. It was time for my dinner. I cooked the fishes ate them.  It was a mouth-watering,  delicious dinner.  I kept the fire lit so that the wild animals would not come near my tent. I slept soundly and woke up late on Sunday morning. I packed off all my things and went down the hill towards my home.

The hiking adventure had come to an end. It was an adventurous journey that made me feel like a primal survivor. I could never forget my first thrilling and fascinating hiking experience and knew that someday I would travel to other places around the world to hike.

THE TOP 5 PLACES TO HIKE

My first hiking adventure was on a hill near my city. But there are stupendous hiking destinations all around the world and these guarantee you of adventuresome hiking experience. My picks for the top five hiking destinations in the world are as follows:

1. The APPALACHIAN TRAIL United States

The Appalachian Trail, running from Springer mountain is one of the most amazing hiking spots in the world. Extending beyond 2,200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is one of the most gorgeous countryside spots in the United States. With well-indicated paths and fabulous campsites, the Appalachian Trail is perfect love for passionate hikers.

2. PENNINE WAY             United Kingdom

The Pennine Way, about 268 miles from the Derbyshire peak,  is the most popular hiking destination in the United Kingdom and one of the bests in the world. Here, you get to experience the unpredictability of the British weather and gorgeous landscapes, which lets you enjoy your hiking in the most phenomenal form. It has camping sites and a great panoramic view, which enhances the quality of the hiking experience in it.

3. INDUS VALLEY                      India

The Indus valley, located in the Himalayas in India is an absolutely amazing hiking destination. The beautiful landscapes, the great mountains, and glaciers, and the summer pastures, all make the Indus Valley a wonderful hiking trail. Here, you also get local tea at the tea houses and a dome tent for a cozy sleep in the night. This place will make you feel awesome and let you forget your problems in your life.

4. WEST COAST TRAIL           Canada

The West Coast Trail, which is located around southern Vancouver Island, is the most suitable spot for hiking in Canada. This hike is comprised of scaling ladders, crossing rivers, and muddy paths, and also roaming and camping in the forests and open areas.  It also provides gorgeous scenes of oceans and marine life. Here, you can also take fun camping in the sea caves.

5. TOUR DU MONT BLANC      Switzerland, Italy, and France

Mont Blanc, the highest and greatest peak of Western Europe is a perfect spot for trekking. With scenic natural beauty, transportation facilities, and accommodation provisions, Tour de  Mont Blanc is really the place for hiking lovers. This trail stretches for about 100 miles with fascinating paths and adventurous locations. It is the place where you can experience French, Italian, and Swiss cultures at once, along with adventuresome hiking.

My first hiking journey was an unforgettable one. Hiking is something that motivates you to do tough things in your life. If you wish to deal with your stress and anxiety, then hiking is for you. If you want to feel good physically and mentally, hiking is one of the best options to try out. Hiking has made me a better person in my life and I can guarantee that it will bring a major change in your life as well. So what are you waiting for? Start your first adventurous hiking vacation today!