With first signs of spring appearing, it's a good time to get outside

• Published February 26, 2008

Going — anywhere — is the important thing.

There are hundreds of great hiking guides at local bookstores and outdoor stores. Leaf through a few and buy one that has details on hikes that catch your interest. If you've never hiked before, start slow and stay local.

Take the short local hikes and contact Olympia Mountaineers to learn more skills. Maybe you'll find yourself lugging a backpack, tent and sleeping bag up and up and up to the Lena Lakes this summer. Or maybe you'll get to know our casual local hiking really well.

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