Great tips for hiking with your partner

I found this post this morning while checking out Naomi Seldin's Simpler Living blog, and it's a great read.

Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never says, "Can't you go any faster?" Here are two of Gillian Scott's many helpful tips:

• Don’t add anything to your partner’s pack. I don’t know why, but finding your extra water bottle in their bag can make some people cranky.
• Don’t be whiny. I’m still working on this one. Unless it’s a serious injury, after you’ve said it once, you need to suffer in silence. Saying, “My feet hurt,” or “These black flies are driving me insane” five times accomplishes nothing. On the other hand, saying “I need to take a break” is an actionable item, not a whine, and the chance to take a drink or have a little snack could make you a better, happier hiker.

You can find more great outdoorsy stories, product reviews and helpful hints at the Times Union's Outdoors blog.