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Safe Back-Country Adventuring
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Author: Staff Writer
I don't think that you can beat the motto of the
boy scouts: "Be prepared" applies
to so many aspects of life. 'Be prepared' is especially important when
you are out in the wilds of the national and state parks in New York and
Vermont.
We are so fortunate to have such large and untouched wild spaces around
us. With all this space available for adventuring, the risks inevitably
go up.
Here are some tips that will contribute to a safe
and enjoyable trip:
- Know your ability. Don't set out on
a trip if you even suspect that it will exceeds your physical ability
and /or knowledge. In a group, you need to match the trip to the least
ability in your group.
- Leave a trip plan with a responsible
person. They should know where you are going and when you are expected
to return.
- Don't go alone. Ideally you should
have an adventure partner. Someone who can get help if the worst happens.
Even the healthiest person can have a sudden health problem. (This rule
is probably most broken by experienced wilderness adventurers -- sometimes
with tragic results)
- Wear activity appropriate safety equipment.
Bicyclists should ALWAYS wear a properly fitted helmet. Borrowing your
large headed neighbor's won't help you! Helmets should be worn low on
the head (this is not a French beret; it should be level across your
ears!) You should only be able to rock back and forth an inch or so.
- A basic tool / safety kit. In addition
to a pump, patch kit, allen key and spoke wrench, you should carry a
small patch of moleskin (for blisters), 2 patches of gauze and a couple
of inches of tape, 1 butter fly bandage, 2 tablets each benadryl (allergic
reactions) and ibuprophen, 1 safety pin and a couple of waterproof matches.
This medical kit fits in an old film canister. When hiking, ditch the
bike tools and carry a utility tool like a Leatherman and several feet
of sturdy twine.
- Wear layers. Going up in elevation,
or walking in the wind can cause hypothermia - even in July. You should
be wearing synthetic layers. Cotton gets wet and stays wet and clammy.
You should have a t-shirt, long sleeved shirt, thin fleece and a wind-blocking
layer. High-tec fibers aren't absolutely necessary although in some
circumstances you will find that they perform better.
- Be aware that weather can cause hazards
- i.e. slick trails, or lightening strike danger.
- Carry water, or the means to carry and
purify water on the trail.
- Food energy. We call it "Top of
the Mountain chocolate" in my family. It is my favorite treat.
We also carry high-energy bars, gorp and / or fruit.
- Carry a cell phone. A great tool in
case of a problem.
- Know your route. Don't set out with
vague directions given by an acquaintance / friend to a "great
climb that I did once." Find the route on a map or in a guidebook.
Take the map along. You might even consider using a non-permanent way
(i.e. stones) to mark the trail if you think that you might have trouble
finding your way back. Things look much different in reverse!!
This next section is really about being considerate of your fellow citizens:
- Be aware that you are not the only person using
the trail. Keep dogs and your speed under control. A fellow hiker
/ biker could be just around the corner.
- Overtaking - If you are being overtaken, pull off the trail. If you
are doing the passing, make sure that you slow down, hail the people
well in advance to warn them that you're coming. That will give them
the chance to get out of the way.
- Avoid trails that are very soft. Getting
muddy can be fun, but it is also the quick way to damage a trail.
- Be mindful of the environment and pack in what you pack out. Human
waste should be buried FAR OFF THE TRAIL.
- Give horses a wide berth. Neither you nor the rider want the horse
to spook!
- Respect private and public property. Stay on the trails.
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