Backyard Adventures

BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2017 PIKE PUBLISHING 3D Safety first is the best rule to follow when hiking. There are beautiful places to explore, but sometimes the most beautiful views come with some amount of danger. First, let someone know where you're going and plan to keep in touch. Social media posts are a great way to let friends and family know where you are. YOU SHOULD TAKE EXTRA WATER—ALWAYS! Without enough water, your body's muscles and lungs do not function well. Becoming dehydrated also causes muscle pain and leg cramps. Drinking too little water can also make you susceptible to hypothermia and altitude sickness. Invest in some good BPA water bottles. GOOD HIKING SHOES ARE ESSENTIAL That means no flip-flops or smooth-bot- tomed tennis shoes. Hiking sandals that have a great grip and no-slip bottoms are also good if the trails are well-maintained. Trail shoes are great for a short, day hike that doesn't involve a heavy pack or rocky terrain. Hiking boots offer more support for harder hikes. Hiking footware varies in price so choose per hiking preferences and not necessarily to your budget. Those boots could save your life. If you hike a lot and on difficult terrain, a good pair of footware is essential. Make sure your hiking boots are not too tight. Wearing too small of a boot or shoe can cause blisters, toenail loss and very sore feet! A GOOD DAYPACK OR BACKPACK IS NECESSARY Good packs are made with breathable material, several waterproof compartments and water-bottle holders. You can get a daypack for less than $15 at department stores or online. Choose one that you can carry comfortably and has the features designed to keep you hiking smartly. A loaded pack weighs 15 -20 lbs. and it does get a bit heavy. In addition to a camera, carry at least 48 ounces of water, a first-aid kit, a map, raingear and a flash- light. HIKING POLES Good hiking poles help if you are ar- thritic or have unsteady balance or back is- sues. These start out at $14.95 at discount department stores but can run beyond $100. Poles make it a lot further and more comfortable. They help keep your balance, help clear spider webs and they take pres- sure off your back and legs. They also help you burn up to 60 percent more calories. MAP AND COMPASS If you are going on an unfamiliar trail, stick in a map and compass. Some hiking poles have a compass built in the handle grips. A map and compass not only tell you where you are and how far you need to go, it can help you find campsites, water and emergency exit routes. GPS units are also useful, but you may not get good reception. MAKE A SNACK PACK You should take extra snacks or pack a lunch. Frozen pineapple is a great choice because it's sweet and helps give you energy. Many things could keep you out longer than expected such as getting lost, enjoying the view from the top, an injury or difficult terrain. CHECK THE WEATHER Check the weather for rain and if neces- sary take rain gear and extra clothing. Keep in mind that the weather forecaster is not always right. Try to avoid cotton be- cause it holds heat, and always carry a hat. FIRE, LIGHT AND SAFETY Pack a lighter, flashlight and a whistle. A warm fire can help prevent hypothermia. Fires are also a great way to signal for help if you get lost. Make sure to completely extinguish your fire. If you get lost, the whistle is more effec- tive than using your voice. Just use three short whistles. It can also help scare off wild animals. In case you're out later than planned, a flashlight or headlamp will help you see your map and where you're walking. FIRST AID A prepackaged first-aid kit for hikers are available at any outfitter. Get one that includes bandages, antibiotic cream and other emergency items. It's a good idea to take a first-aid class with the American Red Cross. This is a great course for every- one to have. It could save a life. POCKET KNIFES ARE VERSATILE TOOLS A scout's knife or a similar multi-pur- pose tool is another must. These gadgets have scissors, file, bottle opener and other tools that can assist with backpack repair or come in handy to remove splinters. PROTECT YOUR SKIN Carry some sun screen, lip balm and sun glasses, even during cooler weather. Snow in sunlight is very bright and can harm your eyes, and sunscreen will help protect your skin. KNOW YOUR LIMITS The best tip of all is to make very sure of how far you can hike. If you think you can do 2 miles, plan on a 1.5 -mile hike. Trail markers are not always accurate and you may get lost. It's important to know that trail miles do not take into consideration the level of difficulty. SAFETY TIPS AND ESSENTIALS FOR HIKING SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL MAP

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