Here’s another video tip for you, again recorded when I was at Wachusett Mountain State Reservation over Memorial Day weekend. Same issues – bad orientation, slightly out of breath, but, at least in this video I am not as sweaty!

This tip focuses on the importance of using trekking poles when hiking in wet weather – when the ground is wet on the trail, it gets slippery. Not only are you sloshing around in the mud, but there may be slippery rocks and roots below your feet. Using trekking poles can help keep you safe from a fall or other injury by stabilizing you while you walk, and slip, on the trail.

If the trail dries up, toss your poles in your pack or lash them to the outside until you need them again.