Pre-Plan Your Trip
Having a safe and memorable outdoor experience can never be guaranteed, however, there are some things everyone should do to when contemplating such an adventure. By taking the time to pre-plan and follow a few basic rules, a hike or camping trip can be an experience you can remember with great joy for a lifetime!
1. Take time to lay out your trip. Decide where you are going, how far you will travel each day, and how long you plan to stay in one a rea. Learn about your personal limits. How far can you walk in your physical condition considering the topography and weather? Adjust your plan to allow enough time for you to enjoy the trip without placing excessive stress on your body. Make very sure that you plan enough time for day trips to prevent you from having to travel after dark. Real dangers exist to anyone who attempts to travel after dark with less than the proper gear in hand. Even familiar ground that you know well in the daytime becomes risky at night, unless you are prepared. Don't attempt your first night travel without someone with prior experience. If you determine that you are not going to be able to get back to your campsite or vehicle before dark, DO NOT PANIC! Find a comfortable location and gather wood for a fire (you'll need a lot more than you might think). Build that fire before it gets dark and stay put! Most of the people who get lost do so when they keep going after they have become disoriented and confused. Have confidence that there will be people out looking for you who will get you out safely. You can help by staying in one place, especially after dark.
2. Leave a written copy of your plans with someone else. Let them know that you will call when you return. If they do not hear from you they can contact the proper authorities and a search can be started. Never worry about being a bother or being embarrassed, Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals would always rather stop a search because it became unnecessary (you got home a little late!) than to have waited hours after one could/should have been started. Leave a copy of your plan in your vehicle too! If you are lost and your vehicle is located, it can be opened by SAR personnel, they are trained to do that to look for clues as to where you might be, the plan can drastically shorten the time they need to get you out! Caution! Do not leave the plan out on the dash or seat, where it can be seen. There are some people who might use that information to your disadvantage and break into your vehicle to steal whatever they can find. If they do not know where you are or when you might return, they just may be afraid to start and be caught. When you park, do it right, don't block gates and be completely off the roadway.
3. Follow your plan!! Stay on marked trails. Learn what the trail markings are in your area. Generally you will find that a single blaze or mark indicates that the trail continues straight ahead. Two blazes mean that the trail turns. Look for more single blazes further on to be sure you turn the right direction. Most trails will have blazes that are of the same color and size for the entire length. Be alert for side trails joining the one you are using! They may not be marked at all or may have a different color. Pay particular attention to avoid being drawn off a hiking trail for people onto a game animal trail. Many areas have large populations of deer and their trails often cross human hiking trails. If you must leave your intended route for a time get back as soon as possible or try to leave some indication of your new route. Pile stones to make a log arrow, anything that shows which direction you have gone.
4. Cell phones and GPS units need good batteries. Cell phones do not always work in remote areas. Never heavily depend on these things for your safety. They are just not that reliable.
5. Your very best piece of equipment is your common sense, use it! Never take risks and avoid obvious danger. A cheap thrill is never worth your life and that is just what you risk when you challenge Mother Nature. She will always make you pay for your mistakes.
Experiencing the wonders of the great outdoors is always fun and reasonably safe if you follow some basic rules. Anyone can become lost; it's not a crime! The crime is that far too many lost people could have prevented it from ever happening.
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