S. O. S.
slower - older - smarter
HIKERS
ABOUT US
We decided to start writing about our hikes and outdoor adventures out of the need for a one-stop-site for our hiking prep work. There are lots of great websites and blogs out there, but we found ourselves having to visit several of them to get all the information we needed. Also, pardon the hiking pun, we are over the hill. The majority of the outdoor sites cater to a younger crowd. Although young at heart and mind, and still quite active, we want to share adventures that can be enjoyed at any pace, and hopefully inspire people of all ages to appreciate the outdoors through hiking.
With long days at our desks, hiking has become a much needed escape and connection to nature for us. My husband Renê is the more spontaneous, adventurous, never-ending-energy half of the equation. I, Gisele, am the planner, the trivia finder, the copilot. We are from the south of Brazil - Santa Maria and Porto Alegre respectively - and we feel it is also important to provide this information in Portuguese and Spanish for our fellow Latino outdoor community members.
Having only truly discovered hiking in our 50's, we don't aim for the fastest times, the steepest hills, or the longest trails. That doesn't mean we shy away from challenging adventures. You will find hikes for all levels on this website. We take our time seeking less traveled paths and peaceful backpacking spots, and although we might take a bit longer to reach our destination, that only ensures the most beautiful sunsets on the way back.
We truly hope you enjoy the suggested adventures as much as we do. Feel free to drop us a line with questions, comments or suggestions. We love to hear from our fellow hikers!
Wishing you happy trails,
Gisele and Renê
2019
Gisele Garbin Guerra and Renê Guerra * Mt. Whitney, CA, July 2018
WHY "SOS HIKERS"? Aside from the acronym Slower, Older, Smarter - which we like to think applies to us in its entirety ;) - SOS is the international distress signal. It's been believed to stand for Save Our Souls, and, although inaccurate, is very fitting. Our busy lives are stressful. Nature is cleansing, and challenging hikes can make you find a strength you never knew you had. Aside from our regular hiking routine, we often seek peace, guidance, and mending in the outdoors. To give an example, after a recent major political upset that left us disheartened, I remember my sister suggesting we "hike until we drop" to deal with the loss.
We did. We hiked all day long, we were exhausted, but instead of "dropping," we felt elevated and hopeful.
As is often the case, it felt like hiking, in all its simplicity, had saved our souls. And that simplicity, that beautiful energy source, can be tapped anytime, anywhere, even if you are Slower, Older, and... why not, Smarter.