Nuru, it wouldn't surprise me if walking was a big part of Bilbo's artistry, and Frodo's in the long run. Frodo was a hiker long before he left the Shire; didn't he spend from April to September saying "Goodbye" to his favorite haunts?
All I know is, it's been a long time since I've been this happy and content... there are numerous contributing factors, but exploring the "wild" like I've always wanted to, is a part of it; and tramping with a fellow hobbit (a fellow Frodo, what's more) is also a large part of it.
I've gotten very fond of following deer trails. It's a challenge, and I've gotten my share of scratches (including one glorious red one across my forehead [img]smilies/rolleyes.gif[/img] ). Deer are shorter, thinner, and more agile than I am.
The paths are fun to follow, because thy go for a short while (30 to 60 feet, usually) and then they disappear. That means you've gotten to a feeding or sleeping area. A bit further, and another trail will begin, run for a short ways, then end... but if you can connect enough of them, one, you'll learn more about the deer, and two, you might even get a passable trail.
(Aragorn & co-- "Strider guided them confidently among the many crossing paths, although left to themselves they would soon have been at a loss"... I always thought that was SO COOL.)
And m'dawg is great at following deer trails. So if I brag about being able to follow trails as well as a Ranger just remind me that half the credit goes to
Chonea.