NWOG - Part 2

Hiking and High Altitude

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

different kind of challenge in hiking is acclimating yourself to high altitudes. This especially holds true if mountaineering is your hiking brand-of-choice. It can be easy to forget that the air changes as you rise. You climb higher, the air gets thinner. Just because you’re still on terra firma does not mean the atmosphere remains the same. If you’ve ever read any mountaineering books, what can be most difficult about mountain climbing – aside from ascending any steep rock faces and escarpments – is getting used to the thinning air.

As you ascend and the air becomes thinner, you can feel almost asthmatic. No matter how deeply you inhale, you just can’t seem to get enough air. This is usually a sign that you need to stop, rest, and continue to get used to the thinning air. If you don’t rest and you continue to ascend without getting used to the new, lower levels of air and atmosphere, you may develop a case of Acute Mountain Sickness, or other types of Altitude Sickness, like High Altitude Pulmonary Edema or High Altitude Cerebral Edema. Though these sorts of things usually happen at over 8,000 feet, they can be fatal, and if you don’t take necessary precautions, they are almost inevitable.

When you’re high up, drink a lot of water, eat a lot of carbs, and maintain a steady pace. Don’t overexert yourself, don’t stagger your energy output, and try to avoid medications and inhalants to address the symptoms of high altitude. Everything is more potent, and has different effects, at high altitudes. Alcohol, for example. It is easier to get drunk at high altitude, and someone with a normally high tolerance becomes an everyday lightweight above 8,000 feet.

The key to high altitude is pacing. If you have a long climb in front of you, rest a day or two at logical stopping points so you can get acclimated to the new air. A little deliberation could save your life

Tags: High altitude, High Altitude Cerebral Edema, Hiking | Posted in Adventures, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

All About Caving!

Friday, July 30th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

One of hiking’s subtypes is underground – literally. Caving. It’s exactly as the name implies. Hiking in caves. Like mountaineering or canyoning, caving (or spelunking) can involve a variety of hiking and climbing technique, and depending on where you are caving, it might even involve a bit of swimming or kayaking too. It’s an outdoor sport with a truly indoor mentality.

In caves, you will get chances to see wildlife and mineral formations you may never get to see on the surface of the earth – bats, spiders, worms, and even fish. And to the educated eye, a journey underground is an exploration of earth’s diverse and often violent past. Underground you can see millions of years into earth’s history, with fossils, sediment lines, and formations that have taken millions of years to arrive where they are now.

You should never go caving alone. Some cave systems have hundreds of miles of complexity, and if you get lost, there may be little or no chance of survival. Light is your best friend underground, and without a guide, and especially without light, one wrong step could mean a hundred-foot plummet.

Some caves are more well-explored than others, and there are usually guided tours through some of the more popular caves in the world. A lot of American caves, for example, have already been explored and you can see their tour advertisements listed on billboards for tourist attractions along most of America’s cross-country highways. Though, despite the casual appeal, there is a serious pursuit behind the practice, and new ways to challenge yourself as a hiker, climber, and caver.

If you’re caving, having a good light source and cave-map are extremely helpful. Cave systems are like earth’s capillaries, and are just as three-dimensional. If you’re not sure where something goes, don’t go there. It’s a simple rule to follow as you plummet into the bowels of the earth.

Tags: Cave, Caving, Show Caves | Posted in Adventures, Seasonal Hiking, Sports | No Comments »

Important Things to Bring on a Hike

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

The best and most rudimentary form of exercise is a good, long hike. It’s easy to lace up your shoes, step out of the door, and wander into the woods. Some trails are easier than others, and some are more secluded. One of the reasons that anyone would want to hike is for the seclusion and to silence the outside world for a long morning afternoon.

However, weather can turn, you can twist your ankle, or get dehydrated easily depending on how hard you’re hiking or how dry the weather is. While it’s tempting to leave everything behind as you walk into the outdoors, there are a few things you can bring along to aide in your journey without bringing too much of the noisy world with them.

As always, a compass is a hiker’s best friend. Some trails dwindle and disappear and it’s easy to get lost in the woods. If you get lost, you can spend hours walking in circles without knowing it. If you know where your roads are and which direction is ‘out,’ then a compass get you out of an otherwise sticky situation.

Equally as important is remembering to bring along some water. Fill up a canteen and strap it around your shoulder, or invest in a backpack-style water bladder, which makes it easy to drink and easy to carry. If things get rough, you need to be able to think clearly, and staying hydrated is key.

Finally – and people don’t often consider the usefulness of this – bring a whistle. Say you’re hiking, you twist your ankle, and fall into a small ravine. You’re fine, but your leg is too hurt to crawl out. Yelling repeatedly can harm your throat and dry you out. You need to conserve energy and water incase someone doesn’t come by for a while. Whistles are louder than your shouts for help, and while they may annoy you, having one could possibly save your life.

Hiking can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. Preparedness is key for enjoyment.

Tags: Hiking securty, Hiking stuffs | Posted in Adventures, All About Hiking, Seasonal Hiking | No Comments »

Basic Hiking Courtesy

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

: Image via Wikipedia

On various trail systems, you will encounter all varieties of hikers, each with different skills sets and expectations for what the behavior should be like between one hiker and another on the trail. Despite the inherent humility and kindness endemic to the idea of hiking, there are always people who harbor certain pretensions and suppositions about what is and is not permissible on the trail.

When you’re out exploring nature, it’s best to know what is expected of you and of other hikers, though the question whether or not you should moderate the behavior of others is entirely up to you. Nobody likes a preacher, but sometimes, a sermon is what is needed.

Some basic things to know about hiking etiquette start with a respect for nature. When you’re in the woods, you should bring nothing out that you didn’t come in with. This means you shouldn’t destroy plants, trees, or even dislodge rocks when possible. Additionally, you shouldn’t leave anything behind. Bring what you need, and don’t leave yourself or the woods wont for anything.

If you’re on a longer hiking trip that involves camping, don’t make a new site if it’s not necessary. If you’re on trails already made by other park districts and hikers, most chances are that someone has already camped out there before you. Stay within the boundaries of the campsite, avoid spreading out, and be sure to bury your waste. Doing these things make life easier for the people after you and more pleasant for the surrounding forest and its intricate eco-system.

Above all, when it comes to hiking, be considerate. Nature has its own rhythm and music. Don’t interrupt it with boisterous yelling and loud music. This is disrespectful to nature as well as other hikers trying to enjoy it. And if the trails are narrow, or you and your group are moving at a more deliberate pace, don’t hold up or block the trail for the faster-paced hikers.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Following a few basic principles of hiking etiquette can make your trip better for everyone.

Tags: Camping, Hiking, Trail | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Hiking Can Be As Dangerous As It Is Beautiful

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Though nature and its beauty has been romanticized by poets, photographers, and other artists for thousands of years, it can also provide a wide host of dangers. For the safety-conscious hiker, being aware of these dangers can – in some cases – make the difference between life and death. Different areas of the country pose different types of threats, so preparedness begins with one simple maxim: know where you are.

A lot of people have been deterred from all types of hiking altogether, as a fear of nature seems to be an endemic philosophy in our technological society. It is often portrayed in modern films as dominating, terrible, and absolutely unforgiving. While nature does operate with its own medium and mode, it is partially nature’s indifference which makes it so beautiful. Though it may be a bit abstract, it is important to regard nature as having a mind of its own, and approach it with respect and awe. In other words, serve it, and let it serve you.

Part of the process of respect begins with familiarizing yourself with the flora and fauna of the area. For example, diamondback rattlesnakes are much more of a threat in the Arizona deserts than they are in the Pacific Northwest. The English Yew, on the other hand, with its poisonous evergreen branches and toxic touch, is all over the Pacific Northwest, but nowhere to be found in the hot swamps of the Florida Everglades. Knowing what plants are poisonous, being able to identify toxic berries and mushrooms, and knowing venomous and non-venemous animal species involve a lot of research, but for the serious hiker, this knowledge can save your life.

For example, the difference between the highly venomous Coral Snake, marked by its red, yellow, and black rings, and the non-venomous, eerily similar Erythrolampurs Aesculapii, or ‘False Coral Snake,’ marked by its red, black, and yellow rings, is one that can keep you on the trails and out of the hospital.

Tags: Beautiful, Dangerous, Hiking | Posted in Adventures, All About Hiking, Sports | No Comments »

How to Start Finding the Best Hiking Footwear

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Investing in a solid pair of hiking-specific shoes or boots can make the difference between a day enjoyed and a day in pain and discomfort. A cheap pair discount shoes probably won’t hold up to a twelve-mile hike through the Appalachians, and an expensive pair of boutique boots with crampon attachments is a bit much for the trail around your local apple orchard, so when considering your hiking footwear, it’s best to take a few key factors into consideration.

First, what kind of hiker are you? Are you new to the practice, or have you been doing it a while? If you’re new to it, don’t buy the most expensive pair of shoes. Like an expensive guitar doesn’t make you a better guitar player, an expensive pair of shoes won’t make you better at hiking. Try your own shoes first, and move on from there.

Second, what are your trails like? Are they flat, paved with crushed limestone or mulch? Or are they dirt trails? Are there lots of roots and rocks? How much climbing will you have to do? Depending on the terrain, a heavier-duty shoe might serve you better. But if the trails are too light, a heavy-duty shoe might end up weighing you down. Know you trails.

Third, you need to know your feet. Going to your local hiking expert and having them help you find a good pair of shoes can make a huge difference. They might even know your feet better than you do, and because they’re the experts, they’ll know what is right for your hike. It doesn’t hurt either to go to a podiatrist, if you’re serious about the sport, and have your foot doctor recommend what kind of support you need. Walking can be hard on the joints, and having the right kind of support is necessary for enjoying a long day on the trails.

Now get out there and explore!

Tags: Best Hiking Footwear | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Hiking With Your Dogs

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Most animals love being outdoors – especially dogs. That’s why it is important to bring your dog outside whenever possible. Let Rover run around, catch the frisbee, play in the water, chase birds and squirrels, and let him get the workout that he needs. But you don’t have to stay at the park with him. You can take him into the woods on your next hike too.

But there are a few important things to consider when hiking with your dog. Since not all dogs are created equal, you want to make sure your dog gets along with other dogs. Especially if you pick a trail that is populated with a lot of other hikers and their dogs, a canine tiff is never fun to get into or break up, so do your best to make sure your dog is obedient and behaved when out on the trails.

Also, despite the temptation – even if you are absolutely sure you have the trails to yourself – keep your dog on a leash. A mountain biker could whizz by or a wandering animal might be lolling in the woods, and your dog could get into a collision with the mountain biker, or run off into the woods following only his animal instincts.

You should also bring some plastic bags to pick up after your dog. The temptation might be strong – you’re in the woods, and animals go to the bathroom in the woods – but just like you’re in the city, pick up after your dog. It’s cleaner, it’s more sanitary, and it smells better. And it’s considerate to other hikers.

Finally, consideration is key. Not all trails are open to people with dogs, so don’t think that you and Rover can be the one exception. No dogs means no dogs. Respect the rules.

Tags: Dogs Hicking, Hiking | Posted in Hiking Techniques, Sports | No Comments »

Hiking, Camping, and Fires

Friday, May 21st, 2010

If you are an avid hiker, chances are, you are a fan of camping and other outdoor activities too. And if you’ve ever been camping, you’ve probably had a fire going. Perhaps you were making some dinner, toasting some marshmallows, or maybe even boiling some water for some coffee. If you’re in the woods, having a good fire can be your best friend, but left untended or improperly prepared, it can quickly turn into your worst enemy. There are a few important precautions to take when you’re out spending a day in the woods, hiking, camping, and everything else.

First, whatever spot you pick to make a fire, do it away from brush, dry trees, and other fire hazards. Your best option is an open area in a clearing where sparks won’t jump from the fire onto a tree or a pile of dry leaves. To ensure the fire stays controlled, make a perimeter around it using rocks, dirt, sand, and whatever else might be used as a retardant. Finally, when you’re done with the fire, douse it amply with water and dirt to ensure that once it’s out, it stays out.

The embers at the root of the fire have a tendency to roost and reignite, so when you’re putting out a fire, mix it around and get it as wet as possible. And if you don’t have any water you want to spare, you can always urinate on the fire site too. It doesn’t smell the best, but it’s economical.

Finally, you should avoid making new fire sites whenever possible. The whole point of trail systems and prior camping sites is that you try to leave as little of a footprint as you can when you are out exploring the wilderness. The woods are to be respected, as are all the forces of nature, and nothing is more naturally destructive than fire. Therefore, in the woods, fire only when necessary.

Tags: Camping, Fires, Hiking | Posted in Adventures, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

Making Your Own Trails

Friday, May 21st, 2010

Hiking almost always involves following established trails. But what if there are no trails? Then what do you do? Make your own.

Of course, as with anything, there are certain parameters that must be followed when blazing your own trails, and if you really want to get involved with this hand-dirtying job, it’s always best to consult your local park district first. Parks are usually maintained by a paid team of workers who often have backgrounds in forestry, geology, and other earth sciences. They know how nature works and what works best in nature. If you don’t know what you’re doing when you cut a trail, you could be stirring a brewing recipe for erosion, cut through poisonous species of plants or even happen upon a buried gas or electric line without knowing it.

So, first thing’s first – consult the park district. Often times they will be looking for volunteers to help cut and establish new trails, and if you want to be involved in your community, there is no better and more fulfilling way to do it than to know that your handiwork is what went in to creating these trail systems.

But let’s say you’re a landowner yourself. First thing you will need to do is chart a path, which involves surveying and staking out where the path is to go. You may need a machete or small chainsaw for this preliminary charting session. After you’ve selected your trail, you will also want to investigate what plants you may be cutting through. You don’t want to cut through a patch of poison oak and inhale the dust from the saw. Once you cut all of the trees and plants (which shouldn’t be done too liberally), you’ll need to upturn some of the earth and lay down mulch or gravel to at least hold off the weeds and plants for a while.

Trail blazing is a lot of work, and requires a lot of continual upkeep, and trails keep people on the path and lessen the human footprint in the forest.

Tags: Blazing, Trail | Posted in All About Hiking, Sports | No Comments »

Urban Hiking and Exploring

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

There are other types of hiking beyond simply walking in the forest. Even hiking’s more obscure sub-types: canyoning, mountaineering, rogaining, backpacking, and others do not explain the limits of the sport. Furthermore, these types of hiking overlook the greatest and strangest jungles and forests of them all: cities.

Over the past number of years, urban exploring has become an increasingly trendy physical activity, which isn’t such a bad thing. And in some ways the urban exploring trend is an extension of modern civilization’s self-view, that we can see ourselves in such a curious and alien way. Urban hiking and exploring is therefore much more than simply walking down suburban sidewalks and downtown malls, but it is actually discovering the complexities of the world’s greatest cities.

For example, some cities have long neglected tunnel systems, abandoned buildings, and long-reaching industrial parks with now useless, monolithic machinery. As nature recaptures these items, or as the dregs of the city slink down into them, they start to look otherworldly and ugly, though beautiful in their own neglected way.

Urban exploring therefore necessitates accessing some of these archaic systems and forgotten monuments, in some forms more legal than others, but if you are seeking not to vandalize, but to simply document and explore the city’s degrading architecture. Some movies have also managed to further romanticize what the world would be like without people, and what would happen to the cities and industrial parks, but for hikers looking for a different kind of adventure, urban hiking and exploring offers just that.

There are websites online that have urban explorers for their own cities, and sometimes they will post new destinations or urban exploring ideas. Sometimes it’s best to explore with someone who has done it before, and there are often communities of people looking for new experience, so it’s a good way to make new friends, too.

Tags: Exploring, Urban Hiking | Posted in All About Hiking, Hiking Techniques | No Comments »

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