My Outdoor Blog

Mountain Landscape
SCARPA MOJITO MESCALITO 0

Hiking

Scarpa Mojito and Mescalito Review: Style and Performance Blend

This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning, I get a commission if you purchase through my links, at no cost to you. I decided to write this post because both Scarpa Mojito and Scarpa Mescalito Planet are my favorite outdoor shoes. Although they look pretty similar at first glance, they are far from being alike when it comes to everyday use. Scarpa Mojito: The Versatile Urban Companion I used Mojito’s for many years as my only shoe for the city and for easy hikes. Thanks to their extended lacing system, they feel like a second skin on your foot. It’s...

Gratlspitz 0

Destinations / Hiking

Hiking in Austria: Exploring Gratlspitz’s Majesty via Holzalm Path

Today, I wish to share with you the tale of a journey to one of the most splendid summits nestled within the valleys of Wildschönau and Alpbach – the Gratlspitz. Its twin-peaked crown beckons with an enchanting allure. To reach the Gratlspitz summit, there are several routes, stemming from Alpbach or Wildschönau. Today, I shall recount the path that commences from the village of Thierbach, nestled in the Charming Wildschönau valley. Thierbach itself merits an account. Resting at an elevation of 1153 meters, it stands as Tyrol’s loftiest inhabited settlement. Amidst resplendent peaks and expansive alpine meadows, it imparts a...

Recovery after setback 0

Hiking Fitness

Resuming Training: A Gentle Approach for Older Hikers After Setbacks

Life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way. One moment, we’re filled with determination, discipline, and motivation, making great strides in our workout plan. But then, out of nowhere, we find ourselves confined to a hospital bed, surrounded by pain, fever, and a flurry of medical professionals. Fear takes hold, and our next workout session is the last thing on our minds. However, as time passes, healing begins, fear subsides, and eventually, we’re discharged and back in the comfort of our own home. In our eagerness to resume training, we hastily pick up where we left off, only...

Transformation Journey 0

Nutrition

Embracing a Plant-Based Diet: My Journey to Wellness

Introduction It’s not easy to break old habits, especially when it comes to the diet we’ve followed for most of our lives. For over 50 years, I was a lover of cheese and indulged in dairy products with every meal. Meat, especially a juicy steak, was a regular feature on my table. I never imagined I would ever change my diet. But life has a way of surprising us. Diagnosis: A Wake-Up Call Everything changed when I received a cancer diagnosis. It was a sudden shock, and in that moment, my entire perspective shifted. I believed I was on the...

Kuml Gorge, Kumler Klam 0

Destinations

Exploring the Enchanting Kundl Gorge

Hey there, fellow adventurers! I’ve just returned from a morning hike through the awe-inspiring Kundl Gorge in beautiful Tirol, Austria, and I couldn’t wait to share my experience with all of you. Brace yourselves for a virtual journey through this natural wonderland! Start of the Trail The trail begins in the picturesque alpine village of Mühlthal, nestled in the breathtaking valley of Wildschönau. The initial part of the hike follows a pleasant paved road, offering a comfortable start to the adventure. For those seeking to shorten their journey, a lovely Bummelzug (Wonder Train) is available to transport you to the...

Hiking for older people 0

Hiking / Hiking Fitness

Hiking in Your Golden Years: The Benefits & How to Get Started

As I climbed over the milestone of 60 years old, I find myself reflecting on the activities that have kept me healthy and active throughout my life. One of the pursuits that has brought me tremendous satisfaction and numerous physical and mental benefits is hiking. But my love for movement and the great outdoors extends beyond just hiking. I also discovered my passion for skiing almost 40 years ago when I was in my twenties, and I have been hooked ever since. Back then, I was working a corporate job, which left me with limited time to pursue my hobbies....

Avoid Crowds 0

Uncategorized

10 Tips to Avoid Crowded Trails This Summer

While I do appreciate hiking with my family and friends and sharing the experience with fellow hikers, I also value the opportunity to be alone in nature. Hiking serves as a form of moving meditation for me, allowing me to clear my thoughts or ponder on new projects and ideas. During these solitary hikes, I prefer to avoid crowds and fully immerse myself in the tranquility of nature.Today, I’m here to share 10 easy-to-follow rules that help me to have more solitude on the trails (or at least close to it). 1. Hit the trails early or late:  First and...

Shepherds mountain food 0

Hiking

Hiking Snacks: What Shepherds Can Teach Us About Mountain Food

Climbing mountains and living in the mountains have been a part of human life for centuries. While some people climb mountains for the challenge, the view, or the bragging rights, there are others who live in the mountains and consider it their habitat.  Among them are shepherds, who spend months in the mountains with their flocks, walking long distances every day and overcoming challenging terrain. I have had the opportunity to observe the life of shepherds in several countries, including Kyrgyzstan and Switzerland. Despite the differences in geography and culture, I have noticed that the life of shepherds in the...

Planning 0

Hiking

How to set goals if you are not a planning geek

I am not a planning geek, but I still need to move with my plans and set goals.I’ve been noticing some kind of springtime relapse in the writers of posts about the importance of goal-setting lately.The number of posts in my social feed grew with the rise of the temperature outside.All these posts are about the same: to be successful you should set goals and follow them.5-year plan, 3-year plan, 1-year plan, quarter plan, and finally day plan, if not an hour plan. I just wonder how many such superhumans you know, who can plan years ahead and stick to...

mid-aged man hiking 0

Hiking Fitness

Hiking After 50: How to Adjust Your Training Routine

I am a lifelong hiker and I have reached my 60-year benchmark.  Age is just a number. This saying became quite popular recently and in fact, if we take our aging process seriously and do the right things to stay healthy we can be living proof of this saying. Whether we like it or not, as we age our bodies undergo changes that can affect our ability to hike and our overall health. That’s why it’s essential to adjust our training routine to accommodate these changes. Let me share with you what helps me to stay in shape and continue...

hiking fitness 0

Hiking Fitness

Improve your hiking fitness walking with your kid

Many hikers don’t make it to the finish line due to injuries, which can often be underestimated in the seemingly natural activity of hiking.That’s why I want to focus on hiking fitness in my blog. Today I want to talk about loaded pack hikes and how walking with your child can help improve endurance and stamina. Loaded-pack Hiking Loaded-pack hiking is a crucial part of many hikers’ training programs. It involves loading your backpack with weights (usually water containers) and gradually increasing the weight and walking time. Starting at around 10% of your body weight, it can increase to approximately...