Quick Summary
Common beginner hikers make a lot of simple mistakes:
- Wearing inappropriate footwear (e.g., Crocs or sneakers) leads to discomfort and injury.
- Not checking the weather forecast can leave you unprepared for rain or other conditions.
- Underestimating the trail, some paths get narrow, slippery, or bushy unexpectedly.
- Not packing enough water or snacks can result in dehydration or fatigue.
- Ignoring basic gear like raincoats, proper clothing, or leech protection makes hikes miserable.
- Lack of preparation turns manageable trails into exhausting experiences.
Common Mistakes Every Beginner Hikers Make
Backpacking with a buddy is no different in terms of the hike itself; it is not about the destination, it’s about the memorable and laughable journey, the pain, and the little things you share. Our hike to Tarevir started like a good dream, lush and fresh and beautiful; it felt like Mother Nature was smiling down on us. One of our friends was wearing Crocs instead of an actual hiking boot, and of course, we laughed and poked fun at him while he had a just learned perspective into the next few miles of agony caused by his opening footwear choice. Everything was a smooth zone at this point, and we had just barely started up the first steep hill and trail to Tarevir. After about half an hour, we took our first break.
We stopped right by the trail on the side, produced one of our packs, shared our bananas and chips between us (as we were years later loving, gossiping, and laughing), and during that time, we felt more warmth in our friendship than we did in our tiredness from the hike. Even as we straggled on, the greater adventure was just beginning, no stores anywhere to be found, and plenty of food with us to continue on!
Before too long, the wide trail turned into a bushy track that could only accommodate one foot, and grass was brushing against our legs. After what felt like fifty minutes, joking, tired, sometimes out of breath, and basically feeling like we were on Man vs Wild, we finally emerged from the bushy trail into the slippery portion of the trek.
When we finally hit a wider road, our happiness at that moment was beyond description. We took photos, stretched, and dashed towards our destination, the peaceful Ghumba, a bit more removed from the noise of city life. Just as we arrived, we were hit with heavy rain. We climbed up the slippery trail and made it to the Ghumba, where a small shop was suddenly a godsend. Chilled and soaked from the rain, we hunkered down indoors to order roti with aloo ko tarkari and hot and steaming cups of milk tea.
It was nice to hold the mug of tea hot in our hands, and to watch the smoke mix away into the cold. We started to talk about life while we were waiting for the food, sharing funny stories and silly dreams, and mortifying struggles that we hadn’t shared before. The rain made it better because it lengthened the time we were able to drink tea. When the food eventually came, every morsel of roti and tarkari after a long hike uphill made it worthwhile.
We hit the rain on the way back. Fortunately, this part of the experience, we had been a bit more prepared with raincoats and umbrellas. And again, we properly placed our steps on the slippery trail. We would all sing, laugh, hold hands, and focus on each other for each of the muddy steps.
The ground was muddy, watery, and heavy, almost like it was a small brook trying to compete with us. The feeling underfoot was unbalanced, but we held onto each other just enough to help steady ourselves and help each other not slip, and we were laughing about how silly we must have looked. At one point, we even stopped to check our shoes for leeches, creeping up half terrified and half laughing about it. The trail may have been wet and difficult, but I think the obstacles made the memories far sweeter.
That day was a really good learning experience for me about hiking with friends. But also some mistakes for beginners. To avoid checking the forecast in advance can actually make a trail less difficult. Not wearing appropriate footwear, such as sneakers or Crocs, can ruin a hike and make it miserable, as hiking becomes slippery and unmanageable. Not packing enough water or snacks makes you very far away from what may feel like an oasis, but may be a sign of dehydration, eventually literally burning out if you don’t drink water, or ignoring feasting meal leeches.
Even though there could be difficulty (and certainly no instant pleasure) in being on a wet trail. At least you can temporarily escape the reality that you could not take in the vista and enjoy. The beauty of the outdoors because you have concentrated on simply walking. However, there could be a range of things you could do, in addition to the above. To enhance your experience, like wearing a raincoat, footwear that you are confident in, planning for food and water, checking the weather, avoiding slippery trails, and leeches as potential factors. In the end, you have allowed you and your hiking companions a safer, and in all likelihood, more enjoyable experience.
Hiking in Tarevir was more than hiking in green hills; it was laughter, it was rain, it was muddy boots. It was food to fill our bellies, and it was meaningful conversations that created bonds. The hike was a further reminder that hiking is less about the destination. It’s about the experience, the people you are experiencing with while hiking, the small complications experienced along the way, and the shared memories.
