Bush-bashing again this weekend

Trying to stay in shape as the years pass can be tough, but I've found a way to enjoy losing weight and staying fit. This year, I am spending more and more time hiking in Yosemite National Park.

Right now, I am preparing for my first overnight back-country hike is just a couple of weeks.

If you're looking for a good team-building exercise, you can't go wrong with hiking.

This summer, I hope to organize a group excursion with some of my fellow Decadians.

We often get involved in team river rafting, but I think this could be equally challenging and do more for bringing teams closer.

You're wondering about the title of this post right?

In Australia, hiking is called "bush-bashing".

So, here are a few bush-bashing tips for you...

When two groups of hikers meet on a steep trail, there may be contention for use of the trail. To avoid conflict, a custom has developed in some areas whereby the group moving uphill has the right-of-way. In other situations, the larger of the two groups will usually yield to the smaller.

• Being forced to hike much faster or slower than one's natural pace can be annoying, and difficult to maintain consistently. More seriously, walking unnaturally fast dramatically increases fatigue and exhaustion, and may cause injury. If a group splits between fast and slow hikers, the slow hikers may be left behind or become lost. A common custom is to encourage the slowest hiker to hike in the lead and have everyone match that speed. Another custom is to have experienced hiker(s) sweep up the rear on a rota, to ensure that everyone in the group is safe and nobody straggles.
• Hikers often enjoy the silence and solitude of their surroundings. Loud sounds, such as shouting or loud conversation, disrupt this enjoyment. Some hikers purposely avoid loud sounds, out of deference to other hikers. Staying quiet will also increase the likelihood of encountering wildlife.
• Hikers sometimes trespass onto private property from public land or rights of way. Such trespass can alienate the property owners and (in countries where rights of way are not protected by law) close down hiking rights-of-way. To maximize hiking opportunities for everyone, most hikers will either stay on public land and easements, or solicit permission from property owners. Staying on well-marked trails avoids the possibility of trespass.
• Tree branches or other vegetation often hang low across trails. A passing hiker may cause a tree branch to snap back in the face of a hiker behind. While it is courteous to warn following hikers if a branch is likely to snap back, it is every hiker's responsibility to allow enough space between himself and the hiker ahead to avoid the hazard.
• When two groups of hikers meet, it is considered a common courtesy to exchange greetings (either verbal or physical, e.g. smiles and friendly nods). To pass another group without such acknowledgement is seen as rude.

In summary, always smile when bush-bashing in public.