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Show !THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 , 1999 UNIVERSITY JOURNAL FOCUS: OUTDOORS PAGE 13 I Hill victimizes two students BY LISA DAWN PERRY FOCUS EDITOR Recently, three friends and I took a little jaunt into the wilderness. The plan for the day included hiking, picnicking, and fourwheeling. Sounds fun, right? I thought so, until fate crossed the path of my 4-wheeler. It being my first experience riding a rugged all-terrain vehicle, I approached the challenge somewhat hesitantly owing to numerous car accidents from my youth. Ironically, my friend and I had talked about those many car accidents prior to embarking on the four-wheeler adventure. Revving the engine of the A TV, I anticipated the fun of speeding over bumps and stones. All went well until we met the Hill of Death (this is not it's official name, but it should be). With all the daring of an amateur, I boldly accelerated toward the hill. On the first attempt, my machine stalled and we rolled abruptly down the hill. Not wanting to be bested by a hill and desiring to impress my friend Travis with my dare-devil attitude, I started my A TV up, and took on the hill. Unfortunately, the hill and gravity defeated my attempt and I, Travis and the ATV first went vertical and then flipped backward landing with a resounding thud on the forest floor-the epitome of wise words uttered by my best friend Kami, "When you're in a contest with gravity, gravity usually wins." All I can remember thinking is that my face - would be crushed as the nearly-600 pound object slow-motioned toward me. "Great. now I'll never be a teen model,· I thought. The next thing I remember was Travis frantically calling my name and my other two A scenic view from the mountains surrounding Cedar City shows the rugged terrain and high adventure which lure many friends rushing to my side. At this point ~tudents and outdoor enthusiasts to heed the call of the wild. When taking time to enjoy nature, her challenges and beauty, it blood was everywhere and I was sure I was ,s well to remember basic courtesies, like trash removal, and cautions regarding personal safety. missing key teeth. Fortunately, I was fine. I suffered only a mild concussion and multiple bruises, Travis walked away with only a bruise, and my other two friends, Josh and Kami, BY KIRSTEN TATE advised hikers to take plenty of water she believes that the most critical complained only of heart attacks. SENIOR STAFF WRITER qnd some food in case of emergency. problem regarding the environment is Life is about experience and, as my mom Environmental awareness is another people conflicting with wildlife habitats. has always said, "A smart person learns Southern Utah is known for its consideration hikers must take, said These are "really wicked problems," from other's experience, but you seem to beautiful canyons and mountain areas. Heaton. He said he believes that the said Grandison. According to have to learn it on your own.· A myriad of possibilities to enjoy nature biggest problem regarding natural areas Grandison, part of the problem seems to Though still unreal to me, and to many surround students is trash left by visitors. "if they carry it in be that the human population has grown others, we walked away from this However, there are considerations · they should carry it out," he said. such that it is difficult for humans not to experience only slightly the worse for wear. students should be aware of when conflict with wildlife. Grandison said that I know of many who are not that lucky. venturing into wilderness areas. there is not one answer and no easy According to my Emergency Room doctor One common-sense precaution is to solution. there were more than 25 patients admitted watch the weather to determine what Being aware of wild flora and fauna is to the ER that day for ATV accidents alone. clothing should be worn. Outdoor essential when enjoying the outdoors. The implications of what could have experts advise campers and hikers to Experts suggest hikers and campers happened will always weigh heavily in my bring a jacket or a sweatshirt, regardless watch their hands when climbing on mind. of the weather forecast, to prevent rocks, and their feet when hiking Pride and an invincible attitude are a hypothermia. Protective clothing is also because snakes and other animals can deadly combination when coupled with the invaluable should a hiker become lost or be dangerous. "If you see animals, have raw forces of nature. It was that mixture that shoulEl a sudden storm arise. common sense and keep a respectful gave me my lesson in mortality. Hiking boots are necessary for most distance," said Grandison. Be especially I don't have a lot of specific safety tips, local trails because many aren't considerate if it is the breeding season, but. as I researched this, both through groomed. Hiking boots provide she added. personal experience and on the web, one necessary traction for hikers wl')en Grandison also gave advice on morsel of advice seemed most important. navigating rough terrain. Some hikers enjoying nature and animals. "Try to Listed as the number one thing to do in case also chose to carry a walking stick to stay out of their territory," she said, of an emergehcy by the folks at .gorp.com , help maintain balance. "some birds have their nests in special is a single, five-letter word: think. Regarding safety, Hardard Heaton of places . If a person comes upon it they Reflecting on my experience, my accident the Red Canyon Visitor Center advises can disturb the wildlife. resulted from not thinking. Had I taken the to watch the weather and find shelter if it People should ·respect the land," and "Animals are cute and humans have a time to consider the hill and the basic turns bad. "Be careful about camping not destroy vegetation, he added. natural tendency to want to pet them or working knowledge I have of gravity, I under trees in bad weather because Assistant professor of biology and pick them up.Resist the temptation," wouldn't have a very painful, sore body, a they can fall," he said. Heaton also environmentalist Kate Grandfson said said Grandison. worried family and a broken A TV. Thinking, when applied, works every time. Considerations for outdoor fun ' I , |