     |
Hiking Is A Popular Form Of Exploring Primitive Woods and Climbing MountainsLove to go hiking? You can find excellent trails to explore through at the campgrounds. Get those boots out of the closet, and let's go. Check your map of the area to see where these trails are located. Get your backpack and fill it up and GO! Did I really say backpack? Yes, I did. You will need to carry some important stuff in there. Let's make a list: map of the area, flashlight, gloves, spray repellant, first aid kit, wet wipes, bottled water, snack, rope and bright colored cloth strips for path marking. If you are new to this hobby, take along a friend that knows the basics. They can teach you what to do and what to expect when you are by yourself the next time. Find you a stick to help support your walking and keep you in balance. Most walking trails are uneven with rough terrain and you may have to climb mountains. Make sure your boots are equipped to handle the type of terrain you are attempting to cross. Stay away from boggy land. This harbors leaches, mosquitoes, snakes and even poisonous water. If you stay on the trail, you will not encounter that kind of hazzard. Be on the lookout for unusual trees, rocks, animals and maybe even wildflowers. Taking along a disposable camera will give proof of those "you'll never believe what I saw" stories. Don't stay out after dusk. It is easy to lose your way in the dark. Use your flashlight when needed. If you do get lost, don't panic. Get out your map and retrace your steps. Look for those cloth strips you tied on tree limbs along the way. Be sure to remove them as you come out so the next hiker won't get confused. He may have the same color strips! Try to remember land marks on the way in. Stop along the way in every few hundred feet and look for something to identify where you are.
It is a good idea to take a walkie-talkie with you. Leave the other one with a family member. A cell phone (if you have coverage) is also a good idea. You may want to pack some flares just in case you are really too deep in the woods to get out. Make sure you tell someone where you are going and the direction of your planned hike. Be extra careful and have fun!!
|
