And you thought this outing would be all about you?

Be forewarned. Dogs have four legs, which in the animal world means that you're outvoted! If you find yourself outnumbered in this democratic process, then try walking two dogs!

Understand the priorities of a dog's world. Dogs are social creatures, and they don't have personal electronic devices to entertain themselves with, unless you leave the television on for them when you're away, or you confine them to your yard with an electronic fence.

You have your e-mail, dogs have their pee-mail. Dogs move their legs, dogs have to poop. You clean up their mess, and carry it around in a little bag. No wonder dogs think humans need remedial training!

It might seem strange to say, but dogs are constantly communicating with you and they are constantly interacting with their surroundings in ways that you simply don't see. Sometimes, after days, months, and years of trying to get through to you, they give up trying to communicate.

Before your dog's civil disobedience turns into outright revolt, you have a chance to set things straight. If you set up some reliable routines, such as going to familiar places, you might earn your dog's trust.

Then your dog may reciprocate with loyalty and become your friend for life.

~ Charlie Duane

Sages have commented on the human mind's tendency to complicate matters that really should be kept simple. This tendency has been called "paralysis by analysis."

When a thought process becomes gridlocked, you can sometimes step outside of the problem by thinking of nothing. That is, by doing something else for a while and coming back later with a fresh perspective.

Whether for day hikes or long-distance hikes, ultralight hiking can loosely be described as a minimalist trail hiking method that permits relatively high mileage.

This typically means:

• base pack weight of 10 pounds or less
• trail running shoes instead of leather boots with a thick sole
• more hours of hiking on a daily basis
• mileage of 15 to 20 miles per day and upwards

Since ultralight hiking is typically practiced overnight on wilderness trails, safety precautions must be included in the gear list. Weight is usually kept down by selecting tools that perform multiple jobs, and making or modifying much of the gear.

More online details can be found at: http://cduane.net/ultralight-hiking.html

The definitive writings on ultralight hiking by Ray Jardine are put forth in "The Pacific Crest Hiker's Handbook," "Beyond Backpacking," and "Trail Life."  Each edition is a revised and expanded version of the previous one.  "Trail Life" may be ordered at: http://www.rayjardine.com