Hiking With
Kids
The basic information that you should know! Kids
are born to be wild...
Hiking opens up a brand new world of discovery
and comes with great health benefits while allowing you and your
child to get in
touch with nature.
Getting into the wild is actually a very natural thing for man - we were born to be wild,
and that especially applies to kids! However, over the years someone - probably an idiot - decided that we needed to be domesticated. You see, that's the entire problem in today's world. We were meant for wilder things - not to be primed as social animals.
So, if you've never Hiked the Wild - get out there and get
the kidos into the action. You'll benefit not only from the exercise but also from some of Mother Nature's miracles that you'll see along the way.
Such things as spiderwebs drizzled with the mist of rain, possums slowly galloping into the brush after misjudging the power of light still left in the sky, and let's not forget the glorious night - all those stars sifted across the jet-black colored sky.
If you're fortunate enough to root yourself in a secluded area, perhaps you'll get a glimpse of the Milky Way or a meteorite. They don't call it High Adventure for nothing.
These are special gifts that you can give your child that will never be forgotten;
priceless memories.
Let's get started by providing the basics of hiking. What you need to know
before striking out into the wild blue yonder with the kids - and the very basic
rules of the woods include:
DON'T GO ALONE WITH
THE KIDS UNLESS YOU KNOW THE TRAIL
Unless you're hiking a well used trail, never strike out alone and when you do go alone, always let someone know that you're hiking the wild. A Forest Ranger or Park Ranger are your best friends - outside of Smoky the Bear, of course.
Keep the little ones under control. Munchkins can find the darnest things - rattlesnake holes, rabid animals, giant spiders, even used sex objects along the way. And
you don't want any of these objects overshadowing their 'priceless memories'.
STUDY THE
TERRAIN BEFORE STRIKING OUT
Be aware of the terrain, when you
are
out and about. Many people have died hiking - walking off into deep gullies, falling down cliffs, and into deep roaring streams.
If you're taking out a troop of kids, put the slowest one that's nicknamed Snail, in front of your herd. And of course, as mentioned above, be certain of the terrain before nominating Snail as your leader. It's a good way to 'pace' your troop without over tiring your slowest participant.
Be sure and take time to rest along your journey.
We've been locked into a fashion craze since the Roaring Twenties. In the 70's, the hippies tried painfully hard to break that mold, but going from furs and diamonds, to wearing something that your dog slept on, was expanding the issue a bit too far.
So you may be asking yourself, "What to wear? What to wear?"
Jeans and layered clothing
rule. And polarized sunshades. The shades will not only protect your
eyes, they look ultra cool. You'll feel like a movie star. Sharon Stone even.
Strap shades on the kids, too, but take care that they are able to view
the path clearly. Adjust their shades if necessary.
Protect thy head with thy hat. Those blinding sun rays love fresh skin. This is the sun's way for those stinging rays: "Come here lily, I want to singe you!"
Kids generally opt for baseball hats, which work especially well if
they are equipped with a wide bill.
Invest in waterproof hiking boots, and
take your sunscreen. Try to obtain the weather facts before striking out and add or remove articles of clothing, accordingly.
For hell-hot, melting, miserable, torturous temperatures, be sure and wear leg, arm, nose, neck and ear protection. If you plan to hike in high altitudes, you'll be nearer to those blinding devil rays, so again, take on some protection.
Sunscreen Note: If you're dealing with that hellacious heat mentioned above, unless you're perfect, you're going to sweat. Choose your sunscreen wisely and apply as recommended.
Keep in mind that kids are ultra sensitive to the sun's powerful
rays and should be closely monitored along the hike. Again, rest along
the trail.
Note that you'll have to apply the sunscreen at closer intervals
as the sweat tends to defeat the purpose of the lotion. Follow
directions carefully.
Altitude Note: When hiking the trails located in high altitude areas, you may need to acclimatize a couple of days before the trip.
Altitude sickness can be serious. If anyone
develops dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulties or a severe headache then begin descending immediately.
Altitude sickness is generally accompanied with dehydration, so drink to hydrate.
BATTLE GEAR
If you're striking out to tackle a mountain, a walking stick can prove invaluable - and doubly so if you're packing unruly kids.
Always pack a canteen full of fresh water. Most of our streams - including the clear looking ones, are infested with microbes that can be hazardous to your health. In other words, one sip and you may spend the rest of your weekend anchored on a portable
potty. Not only that, you just never know when an innocent alligator may be sunbathing in the water. Snakes also like to den up by the bank, so exercise
extreme caution to ensure extreme fun.
Investing in a few guide books can just about guarantee an interesting journey. A book detailing plants, insects, and small animals is perfect for beginners. Try to find something concise; not the Jack Handley version.
Kids will love the fascinating facts.
Grab a pack or box of matches to take along; seal them in a small plastic bag so that when you fall into the rushing stream they won't get wet.
If you feel a need to start a campfire along the way, be very sure that it's in a designated fire ring. If you're facing an emergency-type situation after falling into the stream, create a fire ring from small rocks located on the bank.
Make it a practice to only use dead or downed wood, or you may be robbing a critter of its abode.
The first thing that you should do when starting a campfire is to spit. If nothing flies back into your face, or is carried to the adjacent, faraway mountain, that's very good because 'no wind' ensures a safer fire.
And make your fire small. It doesn't take a 30-foot bonfire to roast 2 Winnies. Check the depth of the pit as well.
THE BACKPACK
When you strike out, if you
and the troop look like Quasi Moda, then you've packed too much. One hundred feet down the trail, and you'll collapse. And there's a stream nearby.
Your checklist should include that canteen of water, trail munchies, a handkerchief, an abbreviated first aid kit, a compass, and your trail map.
If you must have music, take along a harmonica rather than that cumbersome classical guitar
and bongo drums.
SAFETY FIRST
1. Don't overlook a rattlesnake while searching for a rose.
2. If you're hiking with a group
of kids, ditch the thought of gassy foods before striking out - especially if you're in the lead. The blazing heat is enough to contend with. No need to add additional Face Flare.
And you don't want the kids to laugh themselves silly.
3. Touch nothing until you are certain of the species. Plants are beautiful, but some have a very poisonous bite - a bit like some women. A finger can literally melt to the bone if first aid is miles away - or at least feel like it is.
4. Leave
the complaints at home. A cranky hike isn't fun for anyone.
5. If Mother Nature
calls while you're out on the trail, do your deed at least 100 feet
from any water source and bury it at least 6 inches into the ground.
Unless you're ancient and constipated, there's no need to advertise
and you'll do the world a favor by keeping the environment clean.
WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND WHEN
YOU HIKE
Absolutely nothing.
In fact, you're such a great environmentalist that you're going to take along a bag to pick up debris along the trail.
Instant Recap
Be safe, be happy!
In closing, in the spirit of the Great Roy Rogers, may all your trails be happy trails!
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