EXPLORING LAS VEGAS Hiking to the Peak of Mount Charleston
My heel blisters are finally starting to heal. Despite the poor condition of my feet, the hike to the Charleston Peak was well worth it.
are incredible. Some say you can see 300 miles from the peak. The hike features beautiful mountain meadows, burned bristlecone pine forest, and a mountain peak above the tree line. If you decide to hike the peak, take the South Loop to the top. Most of the elevation gain on the South Loop trail occurs at the lower elevations, which makes it a little easier than the North Loop trail. You can hike the peak as a loop — I suggest you ascend the South Loop trail and descend the North Loop trail. I hiked up the South Loop trail and back down the same side. Whatever you decide, bring lots of water.
The last time I hiked the peak was in 1996. I was 16 and I did it with a 30-pound pack. Lots of things have changed since then, including my fitness level. I’m not sure what spurred my desire to hike the peak this time — maybe a misguided attempt to escape the heat or one last ascent before I turn 40?
I sit, or sometimes stand, at a desk all day, so I chalk it up as a victory that I was able to make it up (and back down) in one piece.
The trail climbs 4,278 vertical feet in 8.5 miles, and you gain most of that elevation in the first 4 miles of the hike.
I highly recommend the hike. It is STRENUOUS, but the views
Hike with a buddy, take proper safety precautions, and enjoy!
FALL AND WINTER SPORTS ARE ON THE HORIZON Tips for Buying New Outdoor Gear! When was the last time you bought new ski pants or hiking boots? Now that you’re thinking about it, you might be realizing it’s been many years since you updated your most used athletic gear, which might explain why you’ve been colder than usual on the ski hill or why your feet ache after a short hike. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider investing in new gear. It can be very expensive, but you’re in luck — the holidays are just around the corner, which means so are the sales! Before you drop cash on new gear, sort through your current inventory and decide what to keep, sell, and toss. This might be hard and you may be tempted to skip it, but making these decisions can help you save money. If you have equipment or athletic wear that’s still in good condition but you no longer need, find a consignment shop where you can sell or trade it. After all, your gear might be perfect for someone else and still give you some money to get a great upgrade for yourself.
they work and inspect gear that’s been stored and forgotten, like backpacks and tents, that you might not notice the wear and tear on while out in the wild. You don’t want any equipment to malfunction when you’re in the middle of an excursion.
Now that you know what gear you want to replace, it is time for the fun part.
Decide what outdoor activities you want to do in the upcoming months and in the next year. Adjust your inventory to your new needs and research which brands have the best ratings and reviews. Then, find which retailers tend to have the best prices. Shopping smart takes a little bit of preparation, but it can save you hundreds of dollars and lots of stress during those busy holiday weeks. So, dig through your closet or garage, take note of your current gear, and prepare to find some awesome deals for the whole family on new gear for the coming year.
As you sort through your gear, see if any equipment is damaged and requires repair or replacement. Test flashlights and headlamps to make sure
2 725-867-8495 | WWW.ASKEROTHLAW.COM | WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AND PERSONAL INJURY
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online