Trails are not a walk in the park
Going for a walk in the park is not the same as it used to be for us back in the UK. England after all has been tamed by the passage of time and the size of the population. Our local park in England was Richmond Park – where Henry VIII would ride.
So walking in England was over paths that were very well trod. You might come round the corner and see a herd of deer grazing, but you knew you were pretty safe. They were the Queen’s deer after all and have been raised to be polite!
Here in Canada the local park is much more rugged. The trails are well groomed but still involve hopping over tree roots, rocks and wading through water when it is raining. Some trails at least are not suitable places to take a toddler – unlike the UK where most people have a toddler in tow.
Hyde Park in London - a genteel walk
We are used to it now, and when we go to the park we know it is not an expedition, but still it is something where the right shoes (waterproof in the rain, sturdy) and clothes are called for. I sometimes shudder when I see tourists heading down the trail with flip flops and a toddler.
Sometimes you see the other extreme. People who seem to be preparing for a major hike in the back country. Their backpacks are huge, as are their walking boots. They stride off with determination, their hiking poles clicking on the rocks as they pass. Perhaps they look at us and wonder if we will survive in the outback.
It is a good idea to be prepared for what you will likely encounter. Keep to the trails and you should not need to carry half a ton of equipment. But if you are going into the back country or off the well used trails, then make sure you are well prepared.