November 15: Hiking the French Valley, Torres del Paine National Park

The first hikers in Chile came by boat. Nomadic clans from Siberia crossed Beringia - the landmass that connected Asia to Alaska - 15 to 18 thousand years ago. They likely travelled south along the west coast of North and South America using small boats and living on seafood, waterfowl, and caribou. These Paleo-Americans reached southern Chile 14,600 thousand years ago and steadily moved inland, some inhabiting the Milodon Cave (Cueva del Milodon) in Patagonia 12,000 years ago. 

Today, almost 15,000 years following the arrival of the first Paleo Americans, the same rhythm seems to be at work. A boat takes you to another point on the land and exploration continues by walking, hiking, or trekking. Both means of travel provide a deep sense of connection to the natural wonder of southern Chile. The modern world, however, still shows it presence: Torres del Paine National Park is so large, reaching the trailheads usually requires a hydrocarbon burning boat or road vehicle.

Following dinner in the EcoCamp dinning dome, our expert guides reviewed the two hiking options for the coming day. All nine members of our group selected the French Valley hike. My son and I packed a Paleo lunch in a Tupperware-style container and small backpacks containing a camera, outerwear, snacks, and one bottle of water - our guides advised us the natural spring water was drinkable. Obviously, talk to your guide and make your own decision. 

View of Los Cuernos (The Horns) from the boat. 

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SUNDAY PALEO / September 11, 2011

Walking and urban hiking take many forms. Lleida, Spain.

FITNESS

Urban Hiking: Exploring Your Local Terrain 
"Though many of us live in dense, heavily human terrain, there’s plenty of adventure to be had, ample chance for discovery, and abundant opportunity for the rich, contemplative experience we often seek in the most secluded wood. It’s all about embracing the whole of the world just outside our doors – and journeying into it with new eyes and an open mind." - Mark's Daily Apple 

MODERN DISEASES

Omega-3s Reduce Stroke Severity, Study Suggests 
"Professor Calon believes that this anti-inflammatory effect is likely transferable to humans. "Since DHA is readily available, inexpensive, and reduces the risk of a number of health problems without causing significant side effects, the risk-benefit ratio tends to favor the regular consumption of fish or DHA," he concluded."" - Science Daily News

PALEO DIET

New Cookbook: Paleo Comfort Foods by Julie & Charles Mayfield

"And we were very honored to get the following comment via email from Dr. Loren Cordain yesterday: “Julie and Charles – Many thanks for sending me a copy of your book.  It’s absolutely fantastic and I loved reading about your backgrounds and transition into eating Paleo…”  Paleo Comfort Foods  

New Paleo Resource: Eat to Evolve 
"I'd like to introduce those of you that live in the Philly or Main Line Area to a new local Paleo resource, Eat to Evolve. ...Eat to Evolve focuses on delivering high quality Paleo meals to your door - so for those of you that want to try Paleo but can't cook or don't have the time...this could be the perfect solution for you." - Against the Grain

Paleo Round Two 
"As I mentioned in my first essay on my poor eating habits, before paleo I considered my one vice in life to have too much of a wheat craving, with pasta, bread, cookies and cakes leading the pack. My cooking skills were limited to making toast, pasta or frying eggs. Cheap, easy, fast and convenient. But healthy? No. That has changed dramatically." - Modern Paleo

The Persistence Hunt: Day Two and Recap 
"The modern alarm clock is the primitive technology.  A thuggish tool that clubs us awake, brute force cortisol, lacking elegance and intelligence -- the caveman stereotype embodied by modern man." - Hunter-Gatherer 

REJUVENATION

Research Shows Nature Helps With Stress 
"Recent research shows that taking a stroll through a natural setting can boost performance on “tasks calling for sustained focus.” “Taking in the sights and sounds of nature appears to be especially beneficial for our minds.”" - The Dirt 

TERRA

Largest U.S. Dam Removal to Restore Salmon Runs 
"The largest dam-removal undertaking in U.S. history, the project could serve as an inspiration and a model for similar enterprises in other parts of the country, conservationists say. ...'It is one of the most significant restoration efforts we have ever seen.'" - National Geographic Daily News

Military Installs Largest US Residential Solar Project in History 
"The US military is becoming a major proponent of the renewable energy industry and, with this financing, will build the largest rooftop solar project in the US." - SustainableBusiness.com

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Walking, the Ideal Exercise
"Walking is commonly known as “the ideal exercise.” Almost anyone can do it almost anywhere, and of all of the Paleo exercises, walking is the most gentle, which means that it’s a great way to curtail the sedentary lifestyle dominating American culture today." - PaleoTerran

Walking, the Ideal Exercise

When sometimes I am reminded that the mechanics and shop-keepers stay in their shops not only all the forenoon, but all the afternoon too, sitting with crossed legs, so many of them — as if the legs were made to sit upon, and not to stand or walk upon — I think that they deserve some credit for not having all committed suicide long ago.

Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau was a dedicated walker, who, in his essay “Walking,” admitted to not feeling well unless he spent “four hours a day at least” afoot, traveling through fields, meadows, and forests. Yet, in spite of this national icon’s praise of “sauntering,” a striking characteristic of most American city streets is the absence of pedestrians upon them.

Among the excuses used to avoid walking are unpredictable weather, unsafe neighborhoods, the fear of getting lost, and a lack of time. Additionally, there are the car-related excuses, including the damage to health caused by exhaust, the dangers of distracted drivers, and the unwanted attention a lone pedestrian can attract. 

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