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Hiking - The basic information that you should know! Hiking Safety TipsTake 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?" The first time I struck out hiking, I wore velvet. Yes; that's a true story. And my future husband, a way-experienced hiker, was far too kind to let me know my mistake. For months, he patiently trained me. I lost the velvet, reverting to jeans and layered clothing. And sunshades. The shades not only protect my eyes, they look ultra cool. I feel like a movie star. Sharon Stone even. 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!"
Invest in a waterproof pair of hiking boots, polarized sunshades, clothing that can be layered, and sunscreen. Get 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. 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 yourself a couple of days before the trip. Altitude sickness can be serious. If you develop dizziness, nausea, breathing difficulties or a severe headache then begin descending immediately. Altitude sickness is generally accompanied with dehydration, so drink at least 3 quarts per day of fluids to hydrate your body. If your hike exceeds 10,000 feet, stop and rest. The following day, climb only up to 1,000 feet. Next day, same thing - 1,000 feet. Next day, same thing again - 1,000 feet. The next day, which is your third day, rest! Do not hike. Rest and adjust to the altitude. Experienced climbers use a method where they climb farther than 1,000 feet (in altitudes exceeding 10,000 feet) and then they backtrack to sleep 'low'. 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. 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 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. Take along your razor if you plan to be gone for a while. Just because you feel like a chest-inflated Grizzly Adams doesn't mean you need to look like him, too. A straight-edge is not recommended. One loose bear and it's your neck. On the other hand, the scruff of a beard can be very rugged looking and romantic to your female companion. So exercise your good judgment. 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 buddy, 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. 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 ON THE HIKING TRIAL 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. Be safe, be happy! In closing, in the spirit of the Great Roy Rogers, may all your trails be happy trails! Navigate Hiking Tips by Page Hiking Tips 1 | Hiking Tips 2 | Hiking Tips 3
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