Benefits of Hiking

Hiking is an activity that creates many rewards for those that engage in it. Though many would see hiking as simply a tiring sport, one must understand the benefits associated with hiking. Hiking is a great way for socializing as well as for maintaining your health.

Health & Fitness Benefits:

§  Improved cardio-respiratory fitness (heart, lungs, blood vessels) 

§Improved muscular fitness

§  Lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke

§  Lower risk of high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes

§  Lower risk of high cholesterol and triglycerides

§  Lower risk of colon and breast cancer, and possibly lung and endometrial cancer

§  Increased bone density or a slower loss of density

§  Reduced depression and better quality sleep

§  Lower risk of early death (If you are active for 7 hours a week, your risk of dying early is 40% lower than someone active for less than 30 minutes a week.)

§  Weight control; hiking burns up 370 calories an hour (154-lb person)

Social Benefits:

§Hiking is a great extra-curricular activity that fosters a social atmosphere where friendships are strengthened and even developed.
§Persons that hike also benefit from a cleaner and much relaxing atmosphere rewarded with picturesque scenery (flora and fauna). 
§Hikers also get to experience new sites and attractions that non-hikers won't. 

Hiking Tips

Plan Ahead

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GREAT HIKE OR A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL IS UP TO YOU!

Your descent marks your entry into a world in which planning and preparation, self-reliance, and good choices are crucial. Don't hike alone. Know what your destination will be and how to get there. Know where water is available. Get the weather forecast. Don't overestimate your capabilities. Hike intelligently. You are responsible for your own safety as well as that of everyone in your party. Stay on the trail and never shortcut switchbacks.

Be Kind to Yourself

KNOW YOUR ABILITIES; CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE HIKE.

You will be hiking at high elevation in hot, dry desert conditions with a steep climb out at the end of the day. Be conservative in planning your hike!

If you have asthma, diabetes, a heart condition, knee or back problems, or any other health or medical issue, limit both your exertion and your exposure to the heat. The altitude, strenuous climbing, dehydration, and intense heat will combine to make any medical problem worse. Stay within your training, physical limitations and abilities.

Be a Lightweight

THE LESS YOU CARRY, THE MORE ENJOYABLE THE HIKE.

Travel as light as possible. The heaviest items in your pack should be food and water. Use hiking sticks to take stress off your legs. Wear well-fitting and broken-in hiking boots. Bring a small lightweight flashlight and a change of batteries and bulb. Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring a map, compass, signal mirror or whistle, first aid kit, and water purification tablets.

Avoid Huffing and Puffing

IF YOU CAN TALK WHILE YOU ARE WALKING, YOU ARE WALKING THE PERFECT SPEED.

When you huff and puff your body is not getting enough oxygen. Walking at a pace that allows you to be able to walk and talk means that your legs and your body are getting the oxygen needed to function efficiently.

When your body generates fewer metabolic waste products, you enjoy your hike more and you feel better at the end. At times it may seem like you are walking too slow, but at an aerobic pace (sometimes even baby-sized steps when the trail is steep) your energy reserves will last longer. You will also feel much better that night and the next day.

Take a Break

TAKE A TEN MINUTE BREAK AT LEAST ONCE EVERY HOUR.

A break of ten minutes helps remove the metabolic waste products that build up in your legs while hiking. Take a break at least every hour. Sit down and prop your legs up. Eat some food, drink some fluids, and take this time to enjoy and appreciate the view. These efficient breaks can recharge your batteries. In the long run, breaks will not slow you down.

No Food, No Fuel, No Fun

DRINK FREQUENTLY AND EAT OFTEN.

Eat and drink more than you normally do. Eat before, during, and after your hike. Eat before you are hungry. Drink before you are thirsty. No matter what the temperature, you need water and energy to keep going. For every hour hiking, you should drink ½ to 1 quart (liter) of water or sports drink.

Keeping yourself cool and hiking takes a large amount of energy (food). Salty snacks and water or sports drinks should be consumed on any hike lasting longer than 30 minutes. Food is your body's primary source of fuel and salts (electrolytes) while hiking.

Your best defense against illness and exhaustion is to eat a healthy breakfast, a full lunch, a snack every time you take a drink, and a rewarding full dinner at the end of the day. This is not a time to diet.

Watch Your Time

COMING BACK UP IS HARD!

Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. Allow 1/3 of your time to descend and 2/3 of your time to ascend. As a courtesy, give uphill hikers the right of way. Bring a small, lightweight flashlight in case you end up hiking in the dark.

Down D' Islands Tour- Gasparee Caves

Gasparee Caves, situated at Point Baleine on the north-eastern side of Gaspar Grande Island is a favourite destination for foreign visitors and locals alike. This hike is rated a “3” as it is moderate in complexity and can be completed by almost anyone.

The Island’s geological features consist of limestone rocks composed mostly of coral, oolites and sea shells. Formation of the main cave occurred when water containing carbon dioxide dissolved the limestone to form crystals of calcium bicarbonate. Over time, the crystals accumulated creating stalagmites; they extend upward from the cave floor, and stalactites that extend downward from the roof. The crystals grow and evolve into pillars that stem from the roof to the floor. The crystals in the cave have transformed themselves into fascinating shapes, and some have the appearance of a dinosaur head, a chandelier, two lovers hugging and even flowers.

What makes the cave most attractive is that the sea water enters the cave through and underground source to create a translucent blue pond with a depth of 10-20 feet.

Down D' Islands Tour - Chacachacare

Board the “Island Prince” vessel, and sail from Crews Inn Chaguaramas to the Chacachacare Island. Enjoy a sterling account of the history of Hart’s Cut, Staubles Bay, Tetron Bay, the Bocas, Monos Island, Huevos Island, and Gasper Grande Island on the journey. On arrival at the popular “La Tinta Bay” the view of Venezuela provides the perfect background before preparing for the hike to the Northern part of the island.

This walk is quite challenging but pleasurable. Take the adventurous walk from La Tinta to “Rust Bay” where many overgrown trees, branches and stone walkways that have been eroded by the constant bashing of the waves from the sea, form part of the prominent trail.

For those who love getting an insight into history then the Chacachacare hike is perfect for them as there are many features of interest throughout the hike. For example, there are many abandoned houses, some of which accommodated the lepers, a church; there is the old laundry room, hospital and other abandoned buildings. Once at Rust Bay, enjoy both swimming and relaxation until it is time to return to “La Tinta Bay” and re-join those who chose to remain.

Your Hike Checklist

It is imperative that you have all the needed gears including all tools and equipment when going on a hike. The checklist for each hike will vary and may depend on the weather conditions and the terrain involved.  Before going on a hike you should consult with your hiking guide to determine what the needed gears are. 

The below lists show some gears that may form part of your checklist on a given hike.

BODY GEARS

•Synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt

•Lightweight synthetic shorts or trekking pants

•Synthetic briefs or boxers

•Synthetic bra

•Wool hiking socks (liner socks optional)

•Sunglasses

•Sun hat

•Gaiters (optional)

•Hiking shoes or boots

BACKPACK GEARS

•Mid-weight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top

•Waterproof/breathable jacket or windproof shell

•Waterproof/breathable pants (optional)

•Extra pair of socks (optional)

•Wool or fleece hat

•Lightweight gloves

•Sunscreen (SPF 15+)

•Map

•Compass or GPS

•Headlamp

•Extra food

•Water bottles and water treatment (drops, tablets, or filter)

•First-aid kit (with personal meds)

•Fire-starting kit

•Toiletries and trowel

•Personal locator beacon (optional)

Hiking- A Way To Burn Calories

Hiking is not only rewarding to the eye but is also a great way to burn some calories and get yourself into shape. According to livestrong.com the number of calories burn depends on your body weight, intensity, backpack weight and the terrain type. The more you weigh, the greater the intensity, the heavier your backpack and the harder the terrain the more calories you will burn.

Source:

http://www.livestrong.com/article/299000-the-calories-burned-per-hour-in-hiking/

Rampanalgas Falls

This hike involves a short walk through a rain forest to a delightfully hidden waterfall with two levels to explore. This is an easy hike with a rating of “1” which may take on average about forty-five minutes one way. This hike is free from steep hills and other rigorous trails but has a beautiful two level waterfall that is perfect for relaxation. At the lower level the water forms a small deep pool that is suitable for swimming. The upper level also has a bathing pool and is accessible by way of a narrow track. This hike is ideal for the entire family.

Cumaca Cave

Located in the eastern area of the Northern Range, the Cumaca Cave hike is filled with exciting activities which are quite recreational and educational as well. The hike is moderately challenging with a rating of “5” due to the constant gentle uphill and the distance to complete which should take the average hiker about 2.5 hours one way. The cave itself is made by a river that flows throughout its length from which hypogean fishes also known as the semi-blind catfish are residents. The Cumaca Cave is also home to the Guacharos-Oil Birds which are the only nocturnal fruit eating birds in the world. On entrance to the cave you will be greeted by the unique cries of the Oil Birds which will intensify as you get engulfed by the cave and inevitably by the Oil Birds themselves. The cave has many chambers that can be explored all of which will leave you thrilled.

El Cerro Del Aripo

El Cerro Del Aripo stands as the highest elevation in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with an altitude of 3,084 feet (940 meters). Aripo is covered in tropical rainforest and montane forest. This bio diverse forest is home to a variety of birds and other animals which you will definitely see in transit. The hike to El Cerro Del Aripo is recommended only for fit hikers as it is quite strenuous with a rating of “7”and which may take as much as 7 hours to complete. As a hiker to El Cerro Del Aripo you will have to continuously climb rugged and steep sloping hills before you reach the pinnacle of the hike. This trail is often called the devil’s ladder because of its complexity and may seem boundless at times. However, once you reach the summit of the mountain you will be intrigued by the most spectacular views.

Paragon Bay-Paramin

Paragon Bay is rated a “7” as it is a challenging hike with a distance of 5.5 miles and which can take up to 6 hours round trip to complete. The hike starts off on the concrete Fond Pois Doux Road in Paramin which offers panoramic views of Port of Spain, Maraval and the Caribbean Sea. The road goes downhill steeply before you plunge into the pristine forest until you reach the base of the hill, Paragon Bay; a relatively sheltered, quaint, untouched bay perfect for a soak in the waters. After a quick dip, you prepare yourself to return uphill, a series of steep hills that steals the breath from most hikers until you reach back to the top. Paragon Bay is definitely a challenge for any hiker.

El Tucuche

Hiking to El Tucuche is indeed a heartwarming experience where the views are quite panoramic. El Tucuche being the second highest mountain in the twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago is rated a “7” as it is quite challenging. The hike has a distance of 6 miles one way and takes about 3.5 hours one way to get to the destination. The trail is quite precipitous for the most parts and during the strenuous climb to the top through the lush green and pristine rain-forest, you may see a variety of monkeys, lizards, frogs and other small mammals. Once you have mastered the undulating terrain and have reached the top of the mountain you will be rewarded with stunning views of Las Cuevas Bay, the Central Plain and the Southern Range. 

Tamana Caves

The Tamana Caves hike is a hike that you will never forget. The hike starts off in the late afternoon in the Tamana Village which is located south of Sangre Grande, Trinidad. The hike is rated a “3” or moderate in complexity and is estimated to take 1.45 hours one way and a total distance of 4 miles. A steady climb uphill is necessary to arrive at the apex of Mount Tamana. The pictographic views of the Northern Range and the Central Plain will be seen as you stand at an altitude of 750 feet at Mount Tamana. At sunset you descend downhill to the caves for an amazing experience. As darkness creeps up, the main reason for the expedition comes alive, with the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of bats from the caves. The caves interior is composed of calcium carbonate which makes perfect conditions for the bats. An estimated population of 1.5 million bats of 12 different species inhabits the Tamana Caves. This makes Trinidad the largest colony in the Caribbean and the second largest in the world next to Mexico.

Angel Falls

Angel Falls is perfectly situated on the north coast of Trinidad. The hike is rated a “3” or moderate in complexity with a distance of 4.25 miles (one way) and taking roughly about 4 hours in total to complete. The starting point of this hike is Zorro Village, a village just before Las Cuevas. The hike starts off with flat terrain and eventually through a shallow river. Hiking up a not-so-steep hill is required to get to the top but the beautiful lush and green forest will keep you motivated.  Hikers will then descend as the terrain changes to an easy downhill trek until they arrive at the Angel Falls. The celestial and mystical appearance creates an angelic effect which is perfect for relaxation.

Matura Basin: Mermaid Pools

Situated in the North-Eastern part of Trinidad, The Mermaid Pools also known as the Matura Basin is the perfect hike for the entire family. The hike is rated a "1" meaning it's an easy one with a length of about 2 miles which can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes. As a hiker to Mermaid Pools you will be greeted by statuesque pine trees on the trail to the destination. Hikers will start off with a gradual descent to the Matura River and then a hike along the river to the pools. The Mermaid Pools are made up of three pools of turquoise color that is beautiful beyond compare. Not only are the pools beautiful but they are perfect for having a good swim or simply relaxing.

Trinidad & Tobago: A Hikers Paradise!!

Trinidad & Tobago is blessed with picturesque scenery that most would consider a hikers paradise. The country's myriad flora and fauna coupled with its lush forests, pristine waterfalls, refreshing rivers and majestic mountains all make Trinidad & Tobago a destination of choice for tourists and locals alike to discover the hidden treasures scattered throughout the islands. It  is indeed a hikers paradise having ample places to hike to, all of which will leave you breathless.