Hiking: The Perfect Fall Adventure
By Jonna Reynolds

Hiking has to be one of my all time favorite fall activities. When I go alone, I get to think and reflect, set goals and realistically evaluate my life. My breath and footsteps keep me grounded and centered, and I often come home with a renewed vision of myself, my life and my goals. If I just need an escape, and don't want to think or focus, then I grab a headset and the music takes me away. When I'm out with someone else, it turns into focused quality time and good conversation. Seems that it is perfect for whatever my mood!

Here are a few tips for a good hike:

1. Find a safe, cleared path. Many state parks and recreation areas have maps of their trails online and may even include trail descriptions, difficulty level and mileage. Check out www.trails.com for hikes in your area.

2. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. Trail runners are my favorites, but any hiking boot, walking or running shoe is probably fine as long as it fits well and is comfortable. To prevent blisters, toes should have plenty of wiggle room (feet will swell after a long walk), but heels shouldn't slide up in back.

3. Dress in layers. You may want light weight long pants if there is lots of brush or narrow trails. Bring a light waterproof jacket if the weather is in question. Wear a hat or sunscreen your head and don't forget your ears.

4. Pack smart. Water is a necessity! Bring enough for at least 4 oz every 20 minutes. Other items to have in your pack: your ID (just in case), bandaids, sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, and a light snack.

5. Choose your adventure. How fast you take to the trails is up to you and what you want to accomplish. A hike can be an intense workout or a time to relax your mind and enjoy nature, or both - the choice is yours. When starting out, take it easy and give your muscles, particularly your quadriceps (the front of the thigh) and your calves, time to adapt to the increased demands of hiking.

6. Don't forget to stretch. A few minutes into your hike, stop and take a light stretch break, and afterwards, five minutes for deeper stretches. Stretch all your leg muscles well, but also be sure to stretch the back and neck, especially if you we're wearing a pack.

7. Be aware of your surroundings. Know the potential hazards of the area (rattlesnakes, slippery slopes, poison ivy?) and be prepared. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return, have a map on you, and avoid being out after dark.

Join Cee Dub for some great outdoor cooking at the Hubbard Museum / Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium in Ruidosa, New Mexico. www.ceedubs.com

Melt in Your Mouth Camp Rolls   Rating
Dana & Dave Jones

Ingredients:

2 cups milk, scalded
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup shortening
6 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
non-stick vegetable spray
1 heaping T. salt
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/2 cup lukewarm water

How to Prepare:

Spray Dutch oven with non-stick vegetable spray. Combine milk, shortening, sugar and salt into a bowl. Cool to luke warm. Add yeast softened in warm water; add eggs. Stir in flour to form soft dough. Cover & let rise until doubled. Stir down with spoon, let rise again. Turn on lightly floured surface and roll dough out until 1/2 inch thick. Cut with 2 1/2 inch cutter. Brush with melted butter. Crease each round through center with dull edge knife and fold over. Place rolls onto the griddle of Dutch oven. Let rise until doubled, then bake. Cook over 32 coals for 400 degrees. Place 2/3 of the coals on top of Dutch oven and 1/3 underneath. Bake for 10-15 minutes.

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Grant B . SLC, UT

Camp Chef Chef's Light

Perfect for early morning breakfast feasts or late night cookouts.

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Oregon Scientific Wireless BBQ Thermometer

Know when the food is fully ready to eat even from up to 100 feet away! No need to have to wait by the grill to find out when dinner is ready.