Hiking objectives

I have realized lately that...

#1) I really enjoy hiking, and should do more of it.  Not only do I like being out in nature and up in the mountains and trees, but there are a lot of botanically interesting things most anywhere I go as well.

#2) As I get older, I had best start making more of an active effort to keep myself in good enough physical shape to do it.  I have definitely lost some ground in the last few years and I'm not really that old.... yet.

To that end, I am not only subjecting myself to various forms of exercise throughout the week, but I am also going to try to do more in the way of serious hiking.  I have a little time for this, but not a ton.  So the plan is:

#1) Once a week (Mondays), I'll go for a quick hike in the 2 - 5 mile range: I go one hour, then turn around and come back.  This would be somewhere in the mountains around here so I don't have to drive too far.  Ideally I'm back in three hours and don't have to bring any food.

#2) Once a month, I'll get out for a more serious hike of some type - basically, I'll make a day of it.   This may be with my family, or by myself, depending on how difficult the hike is and whether they want to come.  Also, I'm permitted to drive much farther to get to the trailhead.  Ideally I would hike at least 6 - 12 miles and I might get more ambitious when I get in better shape.

The once a month commitment applies to July through February only.  I know I won't have time for it in the spring.  I'm not sure what happens in spring to the Monday thing.  I may have to reduce it to every other week, or something.

So we'll see how this goes.  I already started, so first update to come soon!