Walk as far as is comfortable, but never to the point of exhaustion or pain. If your feet or legs bother you, it may be your shoes. Runners are not the best shoes for walking. Purchase a light pair of boots that support your feet. Buy the best you can afford. Leather is still preferred, it gives when it bends and doesn't tend to rub skin raw like many fabric boots do.

If you still have feet, knee or leg pains, see your local podiatrist (foot doctor). He or she can quickly diagnose the problem and offer a solution that will work.

Each time you go out to walk, try to go a little further. When the local town trails start to become boring, graduate up to the longer trails near town. Hikes may include uphill sections that will build the strength of your heart and lungs. Increase your hike time slowly as you become fit. Many local trails are listed on BCNorth.ca at http://www.bcnorth.ca/pages/Trails.asp

There are hazards for anyone travelling in the bush. Once you are aware of them, preparation becomes easy and automatic. Here are some of the main hazards:

Many people have a fear of bears when they are on a trail. Always carry a cannister of bear spray on your hip if you hike alone or with one other person. If there are four persons or more, the likelihood of a bear attack diminishes greatly. Dogs do not help and may actually make an encounter worse.

There is little chance of meeting an aggressive bear in any case. You are more likely to see a bear in the compost heap in the corner of your own yard. But bear spray does work and will protect you if you learn to use it. The spray is only effective for 15 feet and it must hit the bear in the nose, eyes or mouth. Here's more about bears...