With first signs of spring appearing, it's a good time to get outside
If you enjoy your walks, why not try a weeklong volunteer vacation with the Washington Trails Association? Some of the work parties are for experienced, very-fit hikers, but others are less challenging and a great way to see new parts of our world.
Know that hiking is addictive and might make your time on the planet more fun — and perhaps a little longer. If you enjoy your walks, why not try a weeklong volunteer vacation with the Washington Trails Association? Some
of the work parties are for experienced, very-fit hikers, but others
are less challenging and a great way to see new parts of our world. Lauren Braden, WTA spokeswoman, said that hikers in their 60s and 70s often join trips. WTA
offers trips that range from car camping to 1-to-3-mile hikes to
lung-burners that require a 6-mile hike with 2,000 feet of elevation
gain. Hikers work on trails at their own pace. "Volunteers
work for three days, get a free day off and then work two more days,"
Braden said. "We have lots of people come back year after year." WTA
brings in fresh delicious food on llamas or horses. You'll eat fresh
produce, salmon and other treats that are usually not part of a
backpacking trip. Volunteers pay $150 for the week — $125 if you're already a WTA member — which is a screaming deal. No prior trail work experience is necessary. If you don't have a week, WTA also has one-day, overnight and weekend volunteer trips. "There is plenty of free time for swimming, hanging around camp — and hiking," Braden said.hed
