Staying Alive (July 26, 2006)
On this particular adventure there are several risks we take into consideration every day. Below is a list of factors and what we do to promote safety.
Bears: we hike with bear bells, keep all food stored in the car, wash dishes far from our sleeping area and carry bear spray. Also, because the bears have plenty of food without us (summer is their time of plenty), they are not likely to be hungry or cranky if we encounter them, and they are not out much during the day.
Getting stranded: our car is our home so we have supplies for a week at least, and as it is tourist season, there is a steady trickle of traffic on all roads, it is unlikely we would be stranded for more than a few hours. However, we always keep our fuel at at least half a tank. We check the oil level, windshield wiper fluid and air pressure frequently
Weather: we carry rain gear when we hike, and we have plenty of clothes for cold weather. We also have a copy of Mountaineering, Freedom Of the Hills bookmarked on Chapter 23: Mountain Weather.
Getting lost: We carry any relevant map with us when we hike. We also sign in and out at each trailhead. We have practiced using Holly's GPS system, but rely mostly on landmarks. We frequently stop to examine our surroundings from all angles so that we can recognize the path for the return trip. Most of our hiking has been in the tundra, so our view is uninhibited by trees. Also with continuous light, we finally eliminated our headlamps from our packs. I do carry a strobe light in the off chance that we got lost in a storm.
Food: One of my favorite subjects. We have quite a cache of quickly prepared meals. Oatmeal is a staple. When we are car-camping, we eat tuna for lunch (once we each got our own can, we were so hungry). For dinner, we have instant soups, couscous, dried produce, dehydrated meals, etc. We carry granola bars with us on hikes
Water: we have a pump, but so far have been able to fill our reservoirs at gas stations or restaurants.
Shelter: we have a two-person tent. Sometimes a friend will take us in to their home (these are not strangers, but people we know from before).
Hygeine: rivers are cold places to wash in, but when you're dirty enough, you can be quick enough. Dr. Bronner's biodegradeable soap helps us minimize our impact on the environment. There are also showers you can pay for--we have not done that yet. Also, we use Mary Kay's facial care system every morning and night and brush and floss as well.
Mosquitoes: sprays, netting, as much clothing as possible. We also have a "skeeter stick" to take away the itch.
Crazy People: there is only so much you can do. Bear Spray would probably work.
When it's all said and done, though, accidents happen. I like what John Muir said: "For every one or two that the wilderness kills, it heals thousands more." I think we aren't just surviving, we are thriving in the joy of exploring, and discovering. We will keep staying alive with the best use our resources and common sense and the benevolence of a God who "looks out for fools and drunkards."
Here Holly demonstrates our safe, responsible approach to hiking. She is sporting rain gear from the Summer '06 line. She carries a hydration pack with bear bell attached. She is referencing the trail map where any messages or warnings are posted by the officials, and we have signed in to the trail log which the authorities monitor.
Bears: we hike with bear bells, keep all food stored in the car, wash dishes far from our sleeping area and carry bear spray. Also, because the bears have plenty of food without us (summer is their time of plenty), they are not likely to be hungry or cranky if we encounter them, and they are not out much during the day.
Getting stranded: our car is our home so we have supplies for a week at least, and as it is tourist season, there is a steady trickle of traffic on all roads, it is unlikely we would be stranded for more than a few hours. However, we always keep our fuel at at least half a tank. We check the oil level, windshield wiper fluid and air pressure frequently
Weather: we carry rain gear when we hike, and we have plenty of clothes for cold weather. We also have a copy of Mountaineering, Freedom Of the Hills bookmarked on Chapter 23: Mountain Weather.
Getting lost: We carry any relevant map with us when we hike. We also sign in and out at each trailhead. We have practiced using Holly's GPS system, but rely mostly on landmarks. We frequently stop to examine our surroundings from all angles so that we can recognize the path for the return trip. Most of our hiking has been in the tundra, so our view is uninhibited by trees. Also with continuous light, we finally eliminated our headlamps from our packs. I do carry a strobe light in the off chance that we got lost in a storm.
Food: One of my favorite subjects. We have quite a cache of quickly prepared meals. Oatmeal is a staple. When we are car-camping, we eat tuna for lunch (once we each got our own can, we were so hungry). For dinner, we have instant soups, couscous, dried produce, dehydrated meals, etc. We carry granola bars with us on hikes
Water: we have a pump, but so far have been able to fill our reservoirs at gas stations or restaurants.
Shelter: we have a two-person tent. Sometimes a friend will take us in to their home (these are not strangers, but people we know from before).
Hygeine: rivers are cold places to wash in, but when you're dirty enough, you can be quick enough. Dr. Bronner's biodegradeable soap helps us minimize our impact on the environment. There are also showers you can pay for--we have not done that yet. Also, we use Mary Kay's facial care system every morning and night and brush and floss as well.
Mosquitoes: sprays, netting, as much clothing as possible. We also have a "skeeter stick" to take away the itch.
Crazy People: there is only so much you can do. Bear Spray would probably work.
When it's all said and done, though, accidents happen. I like what John Muir said: "For every one or two that the wilderness kills, it heals thousands more." I think we aren't just surviving, we are thriving in the joy of exploring, and discovering. We will keep staying alive with the best use our resources and common sense and the benevolence of a God who "looks out for fools and drunkards."
Here Holly demonstrates our safe, responsible approach to hiking. She is sporting rain gear from the Summer '06 line. She carries a hydration pack with bear bell attached. She is referencing the trail map where any messages or warnings are posted by the officials, and we have signed in to the trail log which the authorities monitor.
posted by bettyflies at 12:13 PM
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