TAKE A HIKE
PAUL BIRKHEAD
OCTOBER 7, 2007

October is the perfect month to take a hike. Resplendent autumn landscapes seem to have the ability to beckon even the most sedentary people out of their cars and homes. Cool, crisp air invigorates the senses. And with temperatures dipping down to reasonable levels, you might not have to break a sweat.

Rowan Public Library encourages you to get outside and enjoy nature for awhile. Soon, freezing weather will be upon us and then you can sit inside and read to your heart’s content. In the meantime, if you just can’t quit turning pages, try these books.

Hiking North Carolina: A Guide to Nearly 500 of North Carolina’s Greatest Hiking Trails, by Randy Johnson is a book that’s sure to inspire you to get outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a backwoods adventure or a casual walk in a park, this guide will show you places that you might have never thought to go. Useful information, splendid photos and GPS-compatible maps make this a very valuable trip companion.

North Carolina Waterfalls: A Hiking and Photography Guide, by Kevin Adams is another good read. Who doesn’t like discovering a beautiful waterfall at the end of a trail, ready and waiting to be photographed? While no one knows just how many waterfalls North Carolina has, this book impressively describes over 600 of them. Photographic tips are given about each waterfall as well as important details like accessibility, elevation, and a ‘beauty rating.’

Reading Wilderness First Responder: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent Emergencies in the Back Country, by Buck Tilton might actually save your life or someone else’s. How many books can you say that about? While somewhat disturbing (there’s a lot that can go wrong out there), there is some extremely valuable information inside. From cuts to cardiac arrest, Tilton’s book does a good job of teaching the reader how to assess and treat injuries outdoors.

If you enjoy hiking already or these book titles have whet your appetite, you should know the Frank T. Tadlock South Rowan Regional Library will be hosting ‘Take A Hike’ programs during the month of October. Sponsored by The Hillbilly Hikers and Rowan County Parks and Recreation, these programs are being offered to the public to celebrate the great outdoors. The schedule of events for the branch in China Grove (704-216-7727) include:

• Saturday, October 13 at 2:00 pm Wilderness First Aid Demonstration by Instructor Charles Seaford

• Monday, October 15 at 6:30 pm Movie Night - Continental Divide starring John Belushi

• Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 am Hiking Discussion with Bob Pendergrass