Hiking Safety

It is the most wonderful place of my husband and I love the camp for hiking. Just name it becomes our mind in the mode of operation and unimpeded by life's problems and constraints. When we go to this special place, we are like children wild along streams winding down and the so-called Wild Horse canyon.

The trails are fairly steep, rocky and lined with moss and all sorts of little things more and more, not far from the site. It takes about an hour to reach the top of a huge waterfall that flows into the canyon. Sometimes, when there is a dry season, we can ride all the way down, which is even steeper and more difficult to navigate. One day last year we camped there for a weekend and decided to hike into the canyon on a beautiful spring morning. I packed a picnic and everything a loaded camera in our backpacks. I noticed at the beginning of the runway there was a stick that someone had pressed against a huge pine tree along the trail. I told myself, what a clean stick and perfect working order, so I grabbed on the way to the runway. I have never used a walking stick before and it was purely impulsive. We traveled some rivers flowing comprehensive as we had much rain in spring.

It was a beautiful day. We had almost reached the bottom or so to say, the top of the waterfall. My husband had already taken the lead and crossed the small pool at the shallowest part. Just as I was about to cross, I broke the cardinal rule number one of the ride - watch where you go. I looked up and stepped on a rock and a hard landing in the water. I knew I had a sprained ankle badly and was in excruciating pain. After a moment of rest and trying to gather my thoughts, I suddenly realized that we were at the bottom and had to go on. We conducted our cell phones do not work that deep into the canyon and the hills. Great. Since we had traveled there many times, we knew a shortcut to cut back where we could get a car. So after convincing my husband I could do myself to the road while he went for the car, and after all, I had a walking stick like a person had "happened" to leave for me, we commenced the ascent. I do not know how difficult that would be and would not have done without the walking stick. The end of the story is that I had a severe ankle sprain and had to use crutches for several weeks.

So the first rule of hiking is safe to watch where you go and be aware at all times of your environment. Bring a small first aid kit, water and a snack. Wear a good pair of hiking boots (I think it has really saved my ankle from breaking). Think, think, think before you step. A stone or a tree root, dirt, could cause a life threatening injury if you were to travel down and towels. Be aware of each step will also help you avoid stepping on snakes. Always hike with a buddy, take breaks to rest and pace. In addition, taking a break gives you the opportunity to really look at your surroundings and the scent of flowers. " Stay on the trail and not venture out in the wilderness unless you absolutely know what you are doing. Tell someone where you go. Do not fill your backpack overflow - Just take what is necessary and "just in case" items like a small flashlight, perhaps a sweater, and be sure to check the weather. Having a small emergency kit preparedness or first aid kit is always a good thing, even for short walks. If chance of rain, especially light rain gear.

Oh - and Don.