For years, when we went for long hikes, we went in a pack.  There is the old adage about safety in numbers, but part of it was about the companionship as well.  As more women become the victims of violent crimes, we have looked for a different alternative - which means mean.

Today, it is highly unlikely to see a woman wandering a path (even one that is highly traveled) all by herself.  Even two women is a rare vision.  Because of well publicized events, women look for security with a male friend.  It’s great for their nerves, but not so great for the outdoor type men who are looking to meet a mate while walking the trails.

Maybe someone should design code for hikers.  If your companion is just a friend, then you wear contrasting colors.  If your companion is more than a hiking partner, you make sure your outfits match.  Then any singles would know who is available.

Of course, this dating idea kind of defeats the purpose most people find in hiking.  Peace, quite, and relaxation just don’t seem to work well with a dating scene.

Our first experience with geocaching took the family on an adventure around a swimming hole that my husband and I grew up going to.  It was great to be able to show the kids the site, and it’s probably not something we would have set out to do had there not been the guarantee of treasure at the end.

The actual hunt only lasted about thirty minutes.  The kids found the treasure, left some treasures of their own behind for the next hunters, and then we picnicked and enjoyed the creek.  It was fun for everyone.

If you have a GPS system, and you want to spend some adventure time with your family, look up geocaching online.  There are hundreds of hunts all over the world set up for your enjoyment.

If you don’t have a GPS system, never fear.  The non-tech version is called letterboxing.  It goes more along the lines of old time treasure maps, but the only treasure at the end is the stamps you get to add to your book.  Not quite as exciting, but still fun.

Get outside and hunt some treasure.  You might find yourself having more fun than the kids.

It may not seem like a big deal to have directions when you are hiking (or a map or a general idea of where you are going and whether the trails have changed since you were last there TEN years ago), but my children will tell you it’s vitally important.  Our last “quick” hike took over four hours because the trail had been moved and I didn’t know it (or admittedly didn’t ask). 

We followed an animal trail for a few miles before it stopped abruptly.  It was after turning around and heading back to camp that we managed to discern the trail we were SUPPOSE to be on.  Later that night, one of the other mothers told me about the trail change.  I never did confess my mistake to her, but my kids quickly found me out.

There are no more worries.  Google Earth’s new feature offers GPS marked trails and even notes on interesting sights to see.  I know that not every trail available to hike has been marked to date, but I plan to stay with the ones that are marked.  I know that my kids will see to it. 

Who knows, maybe this new Google Earth feature will compel my husband to get me a GPS system for Christmas.  Even he’s tired of complaining that I’ve gotten us lost once again.