#timegoldtrail22

[timegoldtrail22]

Hiking Safety and Two Great Places to Explore!!

DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert and this list may not be all inclusive. Please consult with professional before embarking on any hike or event in nature.

General Safety:

-  If you hike alone, notify someone of where you plan to hike. 

-  That person should notify law enforcement if you don’t return on time.

-  Eating well is a must, don’t skip breakfast. Planning for sufficient and the correct foods and water could be essential to survival.

-  Remain on established trails.

-  Must dress correctly for the climate, sturdy, long lasting shoes or boots are critical.

-  Knowledge of local wildlife (i.e. venomous animals, bears, wild cats, potentially dangerous plants)

- Pay attention to weather forecast and know where to take shelter.

- Know your personal limits and don’t hike trails that exceed ability. (Research trails ahead of time)

- Hiking alone should be avoided. A rule I learned in scouts is to always travel in groups of three. If someone is injured or otherwise has an emergency one person can render first aid while the other seeks help.

- First aid is essential knowledge and right equipment.

- Know what your allergies are, pollen, bee stings, foods...

- hydration is fundamental. 

https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/8-hiking-safety-tips?page=1

- Wind and snow can reduce visibility

- hypothermia is a danger, getting lost

- Must carry extra clothing

- Hike during daylight hours

- More food and water than expected to need

- matches and other firestarting capabilities

- once again don’t hike alone

- Proper rain gear is also essential (ponchos)

- footwear is essential. plenty of extra dry, thermal socks

- Know the local climate and the weather forecast

- warm clothes and fire making materials to prevent hypothermia

- What are the active wildlife in the area you are about to explore? Bears, wolves, etc.

- If not sure of the trail ahead it may be best to retrace your steps to a known spot

- Know how to read and use a compass. GPS may fail and phone batteries die! Knowledge of a map and compass can prevent you from getting lost or help you find your way to safety if you get lost.

- too little water is probably the easiest and most preventable way to keep yourself from getting into real trouble. Please keep extra water and ways to purify water. You may find yourself in need of drinking stream water or rain water. 

- It seems to me that boiling water is the best way to purify water. Some things that come to my mind when using boiling as a purification method for drinking water. Obviously there will be a need to heat the water (fire). You will need to gather sufficient kindling, tinder and fuel. https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/campfire-basics.html#:~:text=To%20burn%20a%20successful%20fire,going%20long%20into%20the%20night.

The fire should be contained in a pit surrounded by large rocks or stones. The immediate area should be cleared of all debris (i.e. leaves, sticks, trash, etc.) so that the fire has nothing to burn should embers escape the fire pit

To prevent forest fires you will need plenty of water in case the fire gets out of control and to adequately extinguish the fire once you are finished cooking/boiling. 

You will need a container or containers large enough and made of fire worthy material.

It seems that one should boil sufficient water a day in advance at least. When finished boiling water will be in excess of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, far too hot to drink. It may take an entire night for the water to cool to a temperature that is safe to drink and cool enough to provide the benefit of cooling of the body.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert and this list may not be all inclusive. Please consult with professional before embarking on any hike or event in nature.

There maybe other essential things to consider when deciding what is the best way to boil water or other methods of purifying water please use this post as a beginning point and consult experts when deciding how to carry or obtain adequate safe drinking water to keep yourself and your company safe while in nature.

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Check out these great hiking trails for beginners!

https://www.reserveamerica.com/articles/hiking/the-15-best-hikes-for-beginners

As for number 6 on this list, Templeton Trail Hike, Near Oak Creek, Arizona, I can say that I have not been here but I have been to Arizona as I took my military training in Arizona.

Arizona has some great places to visit. I have visited Sedona, Arizona and have seen the Grand Canyon.

In the higher elevations Arizona has a very nice climate and monsoon season can bring heavy rains.

This is the Machu Picchu trail in Peru

https://www.alpacaexpeditions.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIiquY8oyz8AIVdWxvBB0KJQnMEAAYASAAEgIp0vD_BwE

I look forward to getting out and hiking soon after COVID lifts