Ultimate Playtime

STAY SAFE PART TWO!

In the October edition we discussed preparation for the trip, and in this edition the dynamics of the days walk have to be considered.

Many of us want to get out there and burn those calories!

But before you rocket off, heed some advice from a person who has been there done that!

Start slowly, allow your body to warm up by doing an easy pace for 15 minutes, after which you should stop and adjust your clothing. Either add more layers if you are cold or remove some if you are too hot. Why not take a few minutes more to stop and stretch, relax and take a look around you. At this stage I always encourage everyone to drink some water and take a snack. It is important to maintain energy levels throughout the day and frequently snacking and drinking will ensure your energy levels stay optimum. Just ensure your snacks are healthy and loaded with goodness!

The pace you hike at is important and if you are busy watching your own feet or those of your companion you are probably walking too fast. Slow down and save your energy, consider what sights you will miss with your eyes constantly glued to the ground. I know many people are walking to stay in shape but consider this, Eric Langmuir mentions in his book; Freedom of the Hills, that the average person hiking with a pack will burn up to 500 calories an hour. So there is a very real danger of exhausting oneself by setting off too quickly and becoming tired too early in the day. Use your energy wisely, ensuring you have enough to get you back to the parking lot at the end of the day feeling slightly tired but not exhausted. In other words, 500 calories an hour can add up in an 8 hour hike, but if you make it a 5 hour hike, you burn out, cause damage and won't enjoy the day if you are exhausted. But if you are still just itching to get fit and/or stay in shape, consider that you are burning calories for 8 hours instead of 5!

Objective Hazards.

There are many considerations that should be kept under constant evaluation as you hike along. First there are objective hazards which are those that are outside of human control:

Weather: Always take enough gear for all weather conditions; on many occasions I have experienced all four seasons in one day while hiking. Be prepared to turn back if the weather gets worse, especially if a thunderstorm moves in. Being up high while surrounded by striking lightning is extremely dangerous.

Animals: Know what to do if you are confronted by a bear or mountain lion. Consider carrying Bear spray. The national parks supply quality videos and literature on this subject. Just remember if you buy Bear Spray, you may be required to sign a waiver, and it is absolutely imperative to not only know how to use this defense spray, but it is essential that you also know when to use it. There are two reasons that a bear would attack, one is for predatory reasons and one is because of stress (yes I can hear you say "but what about protecting cubs," or "food concerns," or "surprising one?" Yup that is all under stress) and spraying a stressed bear is dangerous!

Technicality of Trail: Many times I have picked a route from a hiking guidebook only to find that on some sections I'm scrambling (using hands for balance), so beware that so called 'tricky section ' casually mentioned in the guide book could lead to a 300m drop. My advice is, if you have to use your hands to balance, you are most likely on terrain where you could slip and fall, so unless you are experienced in scrambling, turn back.

Subjective Hazards.

The next factor that requires constant consideration are subjective hazards. These are risks considerations that are within human control.

Safety in Numbers: For many reasons, don't hike alone. Many of us guides have literally stumbled across injured people who have been out alone and gotten into a situation that led to injury, being lost or getting ill among many of the things that can happen out on a trail.

Fitness: Stay within your own fitness level. Don't go too fast. Don't get dragged onto someone else's agenda. Tell them if they are going too fast and ask them to slow down. If one of your party decides to go back down, don't let them travel back alone (safety in numbers). 'One down, all down' was the cry of one my climbing mentors, because that person is now exposed to a whole multitude of risks by traveling alone.

Health: If you feel ill or are injured, don't go out on a hike. It is risky and you won't enjoy it. If you have any chronic health problems, make sure that your companions or guide are aware of them.

Food and Water: Carry at least 2 liters of water and a plentiful supply of snacks for a full day hike. e.g. Sandwich, granola bars, fruit leather etc.

Clothing: As I mentioned earlier, take enough gear for all seasons. Please don't wear cotton in the winter. This is so dangerous, especially if you are sweating. Cotton strips heat from your body faster than if you were bare. Many times when I've been out cross country skiing, I've seen people out in their jeans, miles away from the trail head!

Getting Lost: I've saved this for last. I never get lost! Ok I'm not telling the truth. But to be very honest, I have never been truly lost. This word describes a person who has no idea where they are or how to get to a place of safety.

I have been geographically embarrassed or mal-located for brief periods of time, but the difference is that you know roughly where you are or which direction you are heading in but not to the exact location to within 100m.

To stay on course there are a few rules of thumb:

• Look behind you to see what your return trail looks like (saves a lot of confusion on the way back).
• If you become confused or mal-located, don't continue (blundering around haphazardly will result in you becoming lost). Return to a known point on the trail to relocate, then continue.
• Keep in contact with the map, spotting where you are at all times.
• A useful skill is to keep a note at all times of which direction you are going to N,S,E,W.
• The sun rises in the east, sets in the west. It is more or less due south at midday.
• If you become truly lost, don't panic, stay where you are and wait for assistance. (Of course you will have alerted your friends or an authority on your whereabouts and expected return time).

Plan for the worst and you will be sure to have a safe day. Be aware of all the hazards and don't be in a hurry.

Remember, this edition is about love, and love can mean self love. Take care of yourself by taking time out to enjoy a safe day out in the Canadian Wilds. You can do it!

By Brenda Holder