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Recently I went for a trail ride at a Stable in Blairsville Georgia and it brought back some fond memories but also got me thinking about safety and helmets.

Helmets and other riding safety equipment are now standard for anyone – man, woman, child – who rides horses. Rarely do I see the casual activity of someone riding bareback, without a helmet, and sometimes even barefoot, that I remember so clearly (and fondly) from the horseback riding days of my childhood. Throwing the bridle on my mutt horse, “Juniper,” sometimes using a saddle but more often not, and heading off to a friend’s or out for just a solitary evening or early morning ride. In the summer, especially, “cut-off” shorts, a t-shirt, and tennis shoes were my normal riding attire. No saddle and I would have the dirt and horse hair and sweat on the inside of my legs to prove it. If I had a long ride planned, then I would sometimes saddle Juniper up with my Western saddle. If I had a short ride planned, or just felt like being “fancy,” then my English saddle was my choice.

I was in a horse 4-H club, as well as taking lessons in English pleasure and jumping from a local professional riding teacher. In those days, helmets weren’t even required for class participation and I remember many jumping classes with only my saddle, bridle, and crop in the way of equipment. Boots with heels were advised, but not required, to reduce the risk of a foot slipping through a stirrup. That was all. Helmets and boots were required, though, to participate in the jumping class at shows.

Now, in these more “enlightened” times, we’ve come a long way in safety awareness and most parents would be horrified at the thought of sending their child off on a half ton animal without the appropriate safety gear. As fondly as I remember the days of casual riding, I’m glad that safety is now a priority.

There are many outdoor pastimes that give people the thrill of their life, but not all of those pastimes include the beautiful scenery and views that rock climbing can offer. Rock climbing is not only a physical task, but also a mental one as well. People who participate in this outdoor sport are looking for something more than a simple athletic day outside. They are looking for an adventure. However, when going rock climbing, there are a few tips that you should keep in mind in order to stay safe.

First of all, you need to stretch and warm up your body before leaving to go rock climbing. If you are going to be climbing for a long time, there could be a possibility for muscles to cramp up. This causes a highly unsafe situation for the climber and the people that are with them.

Also, you should practice your grip and work on finding your center of balance. When climbing, you need to relax and not stress when finding the grip on each step of the way. In fact, gripping too hard is known to cause more problems in rock climbing than it does help stabilize a person’s grip. When you grip too hard your hands are more likely to slip.

Lastly, finding your center of balance will greatly improve the rock climbing experience. Once you are familiar with this you can figure out where and how to shift your weight. Your next move will start to feel natural when making progress in the climb. You just need to be conscious about weight distribution and where your body is moving in order to find your center of balance.

These simple tips will help keep new rock climbers everywhere safer on every trip, letting them relax a little more and enjoy both the exercise and the scenic views. When people take caution they are more likely to relax and really take in the nature that is around them. Rock climbing should be a pastime to be enjoyed and a great adventure for all without having to worry about the risk involved. The more you learn about and practice safety the more relaxed you will feel.

If you are tired of the same old day to day routine and need some time to rekindle the flame and leave it all behind then you are ready for a nice romantic retreat. Ellijay Georgia a only an hour north of Atlanta and less than twenty minutes south of Blue Ridge Georgia. There is nothing more relaxing than a quiet weekend in the Appalachian Mountains. Spend your days in a nice relaxing hot tub and then cuddle up by a warm fireplace in the evenings.

Ellijay Georgia is just south of the Tennessee border and has so much to offer that I think it is one of the most romantic getaways available. You can stroll the quaint little mountain town area and shop for gifts and antiques or take a nice scenic drive up to Blue Ridge and visit the Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad.

With the Cohutta Wilderness area that covers over 40,000 acres. You probably know of the mountains in this region as the Smokey Mountains. For those that are adventurous and love the outdoors you can enjoy hiking or mountain biking. The rest of us have wonderful locations to choose from for a cozy picnic for two. Another way to spend your day is to rent a pontoon boat on Carters Lake in Gilmer County or Lake Blue Ridge in Fannin County. Turn off your phone, bask in the sun and enjoy reading or fishing in the cool lake breeze.

Just married? Great! Try a romantic cabin rental retreat for your honeymoon. Pick a nice cozy cabin in the woods away from everyone. No maids or neighbors to spoil this special time. What a way to get a start with your new life as husband and wife. When you get back home your friends will envy the special glow that is sure to show.

What are you waiting for? Find a nice romantic getaway on a creek, a river, or just one that is tucked back in the woods with nobody but the deer and squirrels. Bring your camera because it will be a time to remember that you will cherish forever.