The Outdoor Industry Association puts together a really interesting report each year, which tracks how many Americans spend time participating in outdoor recreation activities.
Their latest report has some very encouraging stats!
48.6% of Americans age 6+ participated in outdoor recreation in 2008!
Backpacking, mountain biking, and trail running are becoming even more popular (yay!). Participation in each of these increased in the double digits in 2008
Hiking increased 9%
People say that the would spend even more time outside, but they find it hard to find the time. (That’s even more of a reason to turn of the TV and get out into nature!)
Do you want to volunteer and help make America’s trails something our families will be able to enjoy for generations? Then get involved and help out the American Hiking Society on National Trails Day.
Every year the American Hiking Society sponsors National Trails Day, where anyone can sign up to pitch a hand and do some trail maintenance. At the same time, there are often educational exhibits and instructional workshops, so you’ll learn a lot in return!
Mark June 5, 2010 on your calendar and check out the American Hiking Society’s events on their website.
Into the Wild is a great book! It combines adventure, a trek across the U.S., and the Alaskan wilderness with a deeper story line about a young man who questions societal norms.
As with many of Jon Krakauer’s books, the story is controversial. Was the protagonist, Christopher McCandless, irresponsible? Was he trying to prove something by living alone in the Alaskan wilderness? Perhaps he was the social misfit?
What do you think?
You can read my thoughts in my full review of Into the Wild.
Into the Wild is a great movie based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling book!
It has become quite a controversial story – some people enjoy the protagonist’s independence, and his willingness to abandon social norms and live in the wild.
Others say that Christopher McCandless was irresponsible. Was Christopher McCandless a reckless young man or was he on a greater journey?
What do you think?
You can read my thoughts in my full review of Into the Wild.
If you haven’t seen the movie yet, check out the trailer here:
Have you ever thought about hiking the Appalachian Trail? I sure have!
A close hiking friend of mine insisted that I borrow her copy, and I swear I couldn’t put this book down. Obviously I am a fan of most books about hiking, but this one is truly special – Bill Bryson weaves into his humorous story loads of history and science, all while sharing the details of his adventure.
