Recession-chic activities: Hiking

By Whitney

by Whitney

This weekend, I led my troop on our first family hike. It was a loop of about one mile, the perfect length for my two- and four-year olds (Yes, the two-year old did ask to be carried at various times along the path.). We saw turtles and a wild turkey. It was a fulfilling way to spend the afternoon together, and it cost nothing.

I had done this loop before, but I was with another adult, and we were talking so much that the time flew by. We completed the circle twice before hopping back in the car. With my kids, the trek was much longer. Toward the end, I experienced a moment of panic: “We didn’t tell anyone we were going hiking,” I thought to myself. “How will they know where to look for us?”

In this case, my fear was absurd, as I was about 50 yards from the parking lot when I had this thought. But, having recently asked Jeffrey Trust, an old classmate of mine who is a park ranger at Yosemite National Park, what mistakes he sees hikers making, I knew that telling someone you are going for a hike is simply a safe and sensible habit.

Jeffrey shared these other hiking tips as well:

Wear footwear and clothing appropriate for your hike. We often see people on difficult, slippery trails without hiking shoes/boots. Be sure to have warm clothing in case it gets cold or rains. Avoid cotton because it makes you cold when wet.
Have a map and compass … and know how to use them. It’s also smart to stay on the trail unless you’re experienced at off-trail travel.
Bring and drink/eat plenty of water and food. Most people don’t drink nearly enough while hiking, resulting in dehydration, fatigue or worse. In warmer places, some people are careful to drink plenty of water but don’t eat, which also can be dangerous.
Bring a bright flashlight/headlamp with extra batteries for each person. Lots of hikes take longer than planned, especially if someone tweaks an ankle or knee.
Be very careful around water. Flowing water is deceptively powerful. In Yosemite, drowning is the most common cause of death after car accidents. So, drive safely to and from your hike, too!
Don’t feed or approach any wildlife. Even the tamest little (or big) critters are wild and dangerous. Enjoy them from a distance.

Jeffrey told me that he could go on and on with more safety information, but, really, most accidents result from poor judgment. His final piece of advice? Be smart and have a good time!