[Al_HikesAZ]

Saw this article and had to share it here.
http://eaglerock.patch.com/articles/how-hiking-makes-you-healthier-happierand-smarter

But hiking doesn't just lower the risk of heart disease or counteract years of damage wrought by stressful lifestyles--hiking strengthens the heart, it lightens the mind, it soothes the soul.

[Alston Neal]

Being retail biz owners and working six days a week, we can attest to the fact that hiking prevents us from climbing the watchtower.
There are times when we just want to hike the vinegar out of us and not talk to anyone for one day.
Then there's that little bonus that comes with it, nature, culture, fresh air and silence.

[Outdoor Lover]

Commonly found in soil, Mycobacterium vaccae stimulates the same neurons in the brain as Prozac does, according to a 2007 study in London—making getting dirty a plausible alternative to expensive medication in treating depression

Then apparently I have also been picking the right work occupations too, in addition to hiking. Does that mean I'm in danger of overdosing on dirt???

hiking is also a low-impact workout

Really? Nobody told me that! I must be doing it all wrong! Has this author ever seen Boulder Canyon???

Actually, very cool article, thanks for sharing. Hiking is now second on my list as a great way to destress. Dogs still rate 1st in my book.....

[azbackpackr]

Better destress than distress, right? Although I have gotten both from hiking.

[Alston Neal]

Better destress than distress, right?

There were times these last 5 years that if it wasn't for hiking my wife and I would of lost it.
Hiking also helps clear the mind, allowing for refocusing on some of the challenges of life.

But most importantly it allows for guilt free pig out on Mexican food...

[Tortoise Hiker]

Nice Al,
Your do for a hike.

[Trishness]

I so agree with all of the above. I've told my staff if I start "gittin' real crabby" to literally tell me to "go take a hike". It seems to get my mindset just where I need it.

[kingsnake]

climbing the watchtower.

Never heard it put that way ...

[azbackpackr]

climbing the watchtower.

Never heard it put that way ...

Yeah, well, you know, it's Alston..."...Outside in the cold distance a wildcat did growl..."









apologies to Dylan and Hendrix...

[PLC92084]

@azbackpackr Might that have been a spicy wildcat? (oxymoron duly noted...)

You all realize that if you start describing him in "artistic ways", there'll be no living with him...

[Alston Neal]

Thanks for the laughs I really needed it today...

Btw PLC920842874561045290456, your avatar still looks like a bunny..

[azbackpackr]

Thanks for the laughs I really needed it today...

Btw PLC920842874561045290456, your avatar still looks like a bunny..

I still see it as a white cockatiel!

[Alston Neal]

@azbackpackr
Boy are you messed up.
Been smokin those left handed cigs down there?...

[Outdoor Lover]

Btw PLC920842874561045290456, your avatar still looks like a bunny..

Hey, hey, hey, you stick to cats, bud, lol! You guys leave Paul's avatar alone! You want to pick on Paul, I'll join right in, but that's a bully breed you're picking on and he looks like a real sweetheart!

[azbackpackr]

Dude...

But, this goes back to when I first saw the thing. And I didn't even KNOW it was a dog for the longest time! I still see it as the profile of a white bird, large white head with crest, facing to the left. Its eye is the eye of the dog.

I think I need new glasses, actually...

[Alston Neal]

spicy Cockabullybunny.

[sirena]

Wonderful article in Outside Magazine about the health benefits of being in the great outdoors.

http://www.outsideonline.com/fitness/we ... rning.html