Tips for the hike

1. Check your gear. Take protective clothing no matter how hot it might be. Something light to get out of the sun.
2. Make sure someone knows where you are, when you began your hike, and when you expect to return.
3. Don’t hike alone.
4. If you’re trail blazing, don’t.
5. Ensure that our mobile device is fully charged, and the GPS tracking is enabled. Consider a personal locator beacon or satellite messenger for extended hikes in remote areas. A mirror and a whistle is a good idea as well.
6. Make sure you have adequate water. Each adult should have at least one pint (2 is better) of water per every 1-hour hiking. Remember, when half your water is gone, half you hike is done. (First sign of dehydration is thirst……….yes, simple thirst.) Take a snack with you. Power bar, trail mix.

What to do if you’re lost

Even an experience hikers can find themselves disoriented on occasion. Whether hiking forest, desert, or mountains, the rules of survival are basically the same:

• Don’t let pride or embarrassment keep you from calling for help, IMMEDIATLY.
• Once you realize you’re lost, stop, stay were you are, call and text someone immediately.
• Use common sense, keep you head, don’t panic.
• Stay on the trail. Fight the urge to take shortcuts. Using common sense, where do rescuers have the best chance of finding you?
• Avoid seeking shelter in ravines and areas where you are not easily seen.
• Conserve your water.

Where I live, hiking is desert hiking. Desert hiking has it’s own special perils. Heat, dryness, plus everything you encounter either stings, sticks, or bites. Remember, in the desert the temperatures can reach 115 degrees in the summer. But also remember you can die of heat stroke at much lower temps. Generally, caution should be taken if the heat index is over 77 degrees (Fahrenheit). Above 82 degrees is considered ‘extreme caution’ — heat-related illness is possible with long exposure. Over 85 is dangerous — heat illness is likely and heat stroke is possible.