What is a Richard Hike?
Several years ago I volunteered to lead back-to-back hikes for the Friends of the Umpqua Hiking Club. First to Mule Mountain then two weeks later to Sandstone Trails. Both trails consisted of steep climbs of about four miles and as it turned out, the ticks were very happy to see us. It was then, I think, that the phrase "Richard Hike" was first bandied about.
Over the years, a Richard Hike has come to be known as any hike that combines elements of scree scrambling, river wading, bushwhacking, waist deep marshes, an overabundance of poison oak, a long drive just to reach the trail head, or extreme weather including any variation of triple digits, driving rain, sleet, snow....but it's mostly about the "steep". My fellow club members are the first to inform newcomers that a "Richard Hike" is a hike that is uphill at both the start and end of the trail.
On any given weekend you can find me on a trail somewhere in southern Oregon, exploring the beauty in our little corner of the state. I'm not sure if I am a hiker who likes to photograph or a photographer that likes to hike. I believe the world would be a better place if everybody would hike and preach the gospel of the Holy Vibram-soled All-weather Hiking Boot.
This blog is my version of spreading the word and I hope to see you on the trail!
Hi Richard,
ReplyDeleteI love your site, it's very inspiring. Beautiful photographs from afield and afoot. Oregon looks like NSW Australia in some of its wilderness, at least when not Winter
Why thank you, Terese, I really appreciate the kind remark. Thanks for visiting!
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