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Hiking in nature must be the supreme human activity for body, mind and spirit. An added benefit is that hiking stimulates serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Our species evolved as the perfect hiking animal. For hundreds of thousands of years we moved through natural landscapes searching for food and shelter, socializing as we went. There is no doubt that this way of life blended work and pleasure. Then along came civilization and our species spent an increasing amount of time sitting in chairs and vehicles and even couches. Our nightmare scenario for the future is that the human race will become a physical, mental and spiritual couch potato with eyes glued to some kind of tube ... television, computer, video games, "blackberries" and now companionship through YouTube. Richard Louv, in his book Last Child in the Woods - Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder, tells of recent research indicating that if young people spent a significant time in nature they would reduce obesity, attention deficit disorder, depression, suicide, bullying and drug and alcohol abuse and improve academic performance. If you were to list the most serious problems facing our youth, it would be the same list. Sadly the trend is for children to spend less and less time in nature.
Hiking nature trails anywhere, but especially in Halton could remedy this situation. We were blessed to live right on the Bruce Trail near Cedar Springs and Mount Nemo in Burlington. Hiking was a daily activity with longer, more ambitious hikes on weekends. With a minimum of car use our choices seemed almost infinite in habitat and ecosystems, especially since southern Ontario's seasons brought different offerings of flora and fauna from week to week. Our children began life hiking in baby slings on our backs and now that they are grown they continue the way of life with our grandchildren. Lucky for us and lucky for those kids! |
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Wherever we go and spend some time we not only hike existing trails but we create our own sort of secret trails with minimal fallen branch removal. We really believe in trails as opposed to crashing at random through field and forest. Trails are far less destructive and allow more quiet travel for conversation or for seeing wildlife. On all trails, especially personal ones, we move from node to node. These nodes are always chosen for their beauty or spiritual aspect ... perhaps a spectacular view, a secluded bower, a giant tree or landmark boulder. We pause and meditate for a few moments on the wonders of nature and on how lucky we are.
We can all continue this sense of wonder and gratitude by making use of and protecting the trails in Halton. Use Halton Hikes to create your own nodes and special places – they are countless and your footsteps will help Conservation Halton plant more trees for the environment |
| Robert and Birgit Bateman |
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