I read this article on the online Oregonian, and wanted to post it here as it gives some great encouragement and trail ideas for those new to hiking, wanting to gradually work up their trail abilities, have young ones along, etc.  

 

Connecting nature trails, connecting people

....Whether for the lure of nature, exercise or release from a humdrum or high-stress day, hiking trails call many people from their homes. A maze of trails crisscrosses the tri-county area, for babes in strollers to strolling young couples to baby boomers and beyond....

...."Trails are our new front porches," said Rocky Houston, state trails coordinator for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. "We lead such busy lives, and Portland is so urbanized that we don't interact with neighbors much. Trails are a way for citizens to connect."...

article and info:  http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/04/connecting_nature_trails_conne.html

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Jane Garbisch - Site Sherpa

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"We are here on the planet only once.... might as well get a feel for the place."
- Annie Dillard