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Show Page 10 THE OGDEN VALLEY NEWS Volume II, Issue XV 1 August 2000 Hike Smart - Playing it safe on the trail A trip into the wild country need not be any more dangerous than a stroll through our own backyards. But for some people, the very element that draws many of us to the backwoods also conjures alarm—the unknown. Fortunately our fear of unknown terrain and potential mishaps that may be lurking on the trail ahead can be tempered with one necessary tool—common sense. Whether preparing for a day-hike or a weeklong adventure in the country, common sense must be foremost in your safety strategy. When getting ready for a hike, plan ahead, be prepared and take steps to prevent problems before they occur. Although we couldn’t possibly describe every incident you might encounter in the woods—after all, the unknown is part of the adventure—the following are some basic steps for using common sense to promote safety on the trail, and to ultimately enjoy your hike more. Plan Ahead Learn about the area you plan to visit before you get there. Pay close attention to current weather conditions, indigenous wildlife, and unique topography. What are the low and high temperatures for that season? Will you encounter snow or other severe weather conditions? When is the prime season for mosquitoes, black flies, or other pests that will take a bite out of you and your enjoyment if not properly reckoned with? Where are the water sources along your route and what is known about their quality? Contact the local land managers for information and safety concerns specific to the area you plan to explore. Review maps to learn the general lay of the land and familiarize yourself with prominent landmarks and terrain features. Once you’ve planned your route, including alternate routes and backup camping destinations, leave your itinerary, including the time you expect to return, with a friend and with the local park ranger. Be Prepared Part of being prepared for a hike is being physically capable and knowing your own limits. If your idea of regular exercise is a trip from the couch to the icebox, attempting a three-day trek along the North Country Trail is not good common sense. To get physically prepared for a hiking adventure, begin a regular exercise routine that includes aerobic activity and strength workouts. You should always consult a doctor before beginning a fitness program. Remember that other factors, such as lack of sleep, insufficient food, or being too hot or cold, will affect your ability on the trail and may decrease your stamina, strength or coordination. Drugs, medicinal or otherwise, may also have hindering effects including drowsiness, slow reaction time, and impaired judgment. Consider all of these conditions before embarking on your trip. Prevent Problems Before They Occur Obviously, the easiest way to stay safe is to avoid injury, attack and other hazards in the first place. Planning ahead and being prepared will give you a great advantage in this regard. Know what problems to expect and how to deal with common dangers of the land and you’re less apt to be taken by surprise when an incident occurs. If you do encounter a situation on the trail, remember to stay calm and take charge of the situation—before circumstances take control of you. Finding Your Way Always carry a map and compass with you whenever you hike. And learn how to use them before you head off into the wilderness—otherwise, they won’t do you much good. Once you start your hike, stay on the blazed trail if trails are marked. Otherwise, be aware of your surroundings make mental notes of unique landmarks so you’ll remember them on your way back. Dress Your Best Your hike will be more enjoyable and safer if you wear the proper clothing. Natural fibers are best for allowing your skin to breathe but a polyblend will dry faster. You can regulate your body temperature by dressing in layers. When you stop to rest in cool weather, put on a sweater or jacket to avoid chills. Long sleeves and fulllength pants will protect you from sun, briars and insects. Finally, be sure to travel with a hat, which will help you retain body heat in the winter and shield you from other outdoor hazards, like insects and sunburn in the summer. Feet First Hiking boots or good sturdy walking shoes are a must. Avoid painful blisters by breaking in your boots or shoes before your hike. Walk around in them for several days, or wear them to work or to the store a few times. Two pairs of socks, one lightweight inner sock and a heavy outer sock, are strongly recommended. The Company You Keep Although it’s best not to hike alone, try to limit your group to less than ten people. When hiking with a group, establish a leader, a sweep person and a plan of action for forks or a change of direction. For example, you may decide the leader will wait at all forks until the entire group is present. Make sure everyone in your group knows the destination. Don’t leave the trail without asking a fellow hiker to wait for your return. If only one person has first aid knowledge, that person should be at the end of the group. First Aid Pack a first-aid kit whenever you hike. Make sure it’s fully stocked (restock it after every hike) and everything is clearly labeled. You should have plenty of bandages, antiseptic, burn treatment, sunscreen, insect bite treatment, and scissors or tweezers. At least one person in your group should have first-aid training or equivalent. Food and Water Always carry an extra day’s worth of food. Remember, you burn a lot of calories on the trail and will get hungry fast. Think before you drink. Even if it appears clean, all backcountry water should be considered contaminated and be treated before drinking, either by boiling, using a purification system, or using chemical disinfectant filter. Temperature Troubles If you must be in the sun, cover exposed skin with sunscreen. LOCAT ED I N ... H U N T SV I LLE Remember, even on cloudy days the sun’s rays can still be strong. Also be aware that heat exhaustion, caused by prolonged physical exertion in hot temperatures, can afflict even the most physically fit. If this does occur, cool the victim down by whatever means available. Have the person rest and drink lots of fluids. Slippery When Wet Next to hypothermia, stream crossings take more backpackers’ lives than any other cause. It’s best to cross on a log or rocks, but if you must wade and the water is more than ankle deep, cross with a rope, if you have a safe means to set the rope in place. If not, use a triangle of people supporting each other or use a sturdy stick for support. Never face downstream. Stand or walk with your legs and body sideways to the current. And only move one foot or other means of support (stick or person) at a time. Poisonous Plants A good common rule is, “Leaflets three, then let it be!” Both poison ivy and poison oak fit this description. Another rule of the trail, “Berries white—poisonous sight.” This fits ivy and oak, as well as poison sumac. If in doubt, assume the plant is harmful. If exposed, wash immediately with soap and water. Creepy Crawlies Avoid poisonous insects known to live in your hiking area. Ask a ranger what to look for before you start your hike. Don’t place your hands or any other part of your body in a place you cannot see, such as under rocks, bushes, logs or tents. Carry insect repellent for flies and mosquitoes. When hiking in a heavily wooded or grassy area, check often for ticks. If you do find one, remove it immediately by taking hold of its head and gently pulling. Ticks usually release their hold at once. If not, cover the area with oil and try again in a half of an hour. Make sure all parts have been removed. Note: This article was originally created by American Hiking Society, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing, protecting and maintaining foot trails in America. For more information search www.americanhiking.org. OGDEN VALLEY’S ONLY TOWING SERVICE TAR ROUTE GARAGE ★ S EMERGENCY TOWING & ROAD SERVICE SPECIALISTS IN OFF ROAD TOWING. LIGHT HEAVY THREE 4-WHEEL DRIVES TWO NEW HYDRAULIC WINCHES MOTOR HOME TOWING “WHEEL DOLLY” NO TOWING DAMAGE 745-6 6665 dickd@wardleygmac.com 733 S. 9500 E. 1 MILE NORTH OF MONASTERY 24 HOUR SERVICE www.move2ogdenvalley.com |