The ground

P

PayetteRucker

Joined
Aug 4, 2009
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There's something about crossing large amounts of terrain under your own power that brings a satisfaction nothing else really compares to. There are certain materials that are definitely easier to walk on though... flipflops in loose beach sand versus packed light powder for example. I remember cruising over slickrock for the first time, as well as that loamy high altitude moss. It's like being on another planet... I love crossing new types of terrain. If you have to choose between terrain of one material versus another, what do you prefer? What's sturdy enough that it won't cause shin splints but soft enough that it won't strain the balls of your feet or your heels? What offers constant sure footing even on questionable grades? Pictures, experiences, comments... With all the hiking and packing we do, I figured this would be a good topic of discussion.
 
haha speaking of terrain, I wear thongs/flip flops wherever I can get away with it ... mud sure is a letdown for thongs :)
 
Interesting. I just love boulders in the woods and climbing around them...always have, along with small mountain brooks. This type of terrain just pulls at my soul.

I must admit it's not the easiest to backpack in, but if not pressed for time, it's my preference.

ROCK6
 
I enjoy wading through tallgrass prairie. Not the best for staying dry, but I love being in the midst of a golden rod field on a misty morning.

goldenrod.jpg
 
I like all kinds with the exception of a mud bog, trying to make my way through that is workout in it's own, I would prefer a nice beaten down path, but that's not always the case......bartle doo!!!!!
 
I love the feel of old growth forest floor. It has that soft, slightly spongey, almost hollow feel to it. And it's super quiet. But I also like the secure, sticky feel of moving up a nice ridgeline of rock.

Jeff
 
Bruce where is that??? I want to be there now!

Have to say alpine territory is my favorite to hike in... Not really the easiest but I like it best. I'm also a fan of prairie, both shortgrass or tallgrass.

The good news is that were I live there's lots of prairie to hike around in.

The bad news is there is little alpine territory here in Nebraska.
 
Some of the forest on the Oregon Coast is so thick that the sun hasn't reached the floor in many years. The soil is black and spongy. It feels funny to walk on but it is sure nice to my old achy knees and hips.
 
ROCK6 said:
Interesting. I just love boulders in the woods and climbing around them...always have, along with small mountain brooks. This type of terrain just pulls at my soul.
ROCK6
Click to expand...

Same for me! I love the mountains and oceans but the little bodies of water and big boulders always have my heart.
As a kid you couldn't keep me from going "stream hopping" at any minute.
 
My favorites are some of the least ideal for secure footing, and covering distance, but there are few things I enjoy more than scrambling over rocks, climbing series of small waterfalls, making my way down rock slides on steep cliffs to follow the water.
I hop from rock to rock, wade, crawl, and slide, though most of it's pretty tame. Swear my aches and pains disappear, though, because nothing seems to phase me. Sometimes I video it for my own amusement, along with a bunch of babble about where I'm at, what I'm thinking, or comments to particular friends who will normally be the only ones to see them. If I ever learn to edit the sound from my videos, I'll have to post some. Loads of fun(to me, anyway).
Hyped about going back to Utah to do the Zion Narrows soon, maybe the non-technical version of the Subway, plus some other hikes and slot canyons in Kolob Canyons. I loved everything I did there this spring, apparently barely scratched the surface, and can't wait to go back. Trying to get in right after the crowds leave, and before the water requires a full wetsuit.

Have also about convinced myself to get some rappeling gear so I can start doing some more technical stuff. After a refresher course to make sure I remember what to do with it, I should be an even greater threat to myself than ever:D
 
Awesome Bruce, I agree Rock6-Easiest is not always the most fun or satisfying. I remember hiking through a grove of sasafras in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, the smell of root beer ( I LOVE root beer) was tangible. The magnolia forests with their huge green leaves were cool too. Everything green tinted as the sun shined through the tree canopies.
 
Well when you can find the right chute - "scree sking" down a mountain is far easier than hiking down. Sliding down a residual snow pack late in the day when the top couple inches have softened up can be fun too, just don't get going too fast as there are rocks on both sides.
 
It's not just the feel in the feet, you gotta have the right olfactory stimulus, too, as PR alludes to above.

A couple weeks ago we were crossing the saddle up to Cucamonga in the San Gabriels and the breeze blowing up the chute smelled just like fresh beer. I couldn't tell what it was coming from, there were lots of manzanita down there, but I don't think it was them. I couldn't find any beer, either, so I just turned my face to the heavens and shouted, "Why do you taunt us so!"
 
My favorite surface for easy walking is a thick, hard crust of frozen snow. I don't often encounter these conditions that will reliably support my 200+ pounds. My border collie on the other hand.... :)
 
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