Choosing the right hiking boots can make or break a trip. Besides the shape, material and construction of a boot, the way you wear your boots will also affect how your feet fare across miles of rock and trail. Section Hiker explains different lacing techniques for hiking boots. Grab your boots, and try a new lace style for your next hike.

Hiking can be the perfect family outing, but sometimes it can be tricky to get the kids to hit the trail. Hiker and father, Derek Loranger, gives some good tips for getting kids outside to enjoy nature. The Hiking Mama has a full blog about the outdoor adventures her family of four. Have questions about how to prepare? REI, Makes & Takes and the Washington Trails Association all have good ideas about pacing, packing, choosing routes and being engaged while hiking.

Living in Costa Rica has influenced our view on energy acquisition and expenditure. We have a peaked interest, if you will, in national and international energy projects that affect many people. The Keystone XL pipeline in the United States is one such project.

Ken Ilgunas, a 29 year old adventurer, was also interested in this pipeline’s influence on the local populations. Ken is taking it upon himself to hike the length of the pipeline from Alberta, Canada, to Houston, Texas, documenting what he finds along the way. In an interview with CBC, Ken said, “I wanted to walk just because I was in the mood for a long walk. I wanted this to have some sort of purpose. To go on a journey is to be changed by the experiences you have and the people you meet and the places you see. And to go into a journey with some sort of rigid stance? You’re kind of closing yourself off from those opportunities.” PBS has also covered developments in the pipeline, if you want to read more.