| Some people have fought many years of their | | | | 3. Wear clothing that works and fits the |
| lives to preserve the rich heritage of the | | | | terrain and hike conditions. There are many |
| outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That | | | | options in your clothing arsenal, to keep |
| dedication and effort have been rewarded by | | | | yourself comfortable, here are a couple of |
| fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, | | | | pointers: |
| state, and national parks systems. In honor | | | | |
| of their efforts, let's break out of our | | | | - Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, |
| winter hibernation and venture into the | | | | look for synthetic and natural fibers that |
| crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of | | | | pull moisture away from your body, or at |
| those dirt trails. | | | | least stay warm when wet. - Also, go for |
| | | | layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying |
| Here are 4 steps to an enjoyable hike, no | | | | around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a |
| matter where your feet decide to take you. | | | | freak snowstorm. - The two most important |
| | | | pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good |
| 1. Know the area you will be going into. | | | | socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the |
| Although many states, like California, | | | | pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable |
| Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking | | | | shoes and socks. Finally, a hat in cold |
| hot spots, even your local park will have | | | | weather is a great addition, since your body |
| some kind of useful information. Whether it's | | | | loses over half its heat through your head. |
| a website with information and trail details, | | | | |
| or a map at the park office, trailhead, or | | | | 4. In addition to knowing the weather |
| visitor center, always check before you head | | | | conditions, you will need to be prepared with |
| out on your hike so you know what to expect. | | | | a first aid kit that matches the hiking you |
| | | | will be doing. In most cases a simple kit |
| 2. Know the conditions you will be facing, | | | | will do. You can pick up a simple first aid |
| wherever you go. Nothing is worse than | | | | kit at a local department or sporting goods |
| traveling to a hiking destination only to | | | | store. Or you can build you own, which should |
| miss the hike, because it was raining or | | | | include these basics: - Different sizes and |
| freezing and you weren't prepared. If the | | | | shapes of bandages and gauzes. - Various |
| trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions | | | | types of tape for wounds or fixing tools. - |
| have shut it down for an extended period, you | | | | Suntan lotion. - A light emergency blanket |
| should be able to find this out as well. It | | | | (preferably with some kind of water |
| is also good to know if there are any plants | | | | resistance). - Aspirin, allergy, laxative, |
| or animals to watch out for at your hiking | | | | and anti-diuretic medications. - Small |
| location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel | | | | multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a |
| good in the morning. | | | | needle and thread. - A cell phone can come in |
| | | | very handy in emergencies. It is recommended |
| Think about what you've read so far. Does it | | | | that you pack all of this in a waterproof bag |
| reinforce what you already know about hike? | | | | or container. |
| Or was there something completely new? What | | | | |
| about the remaining paragraphs? | | | | These tips should ensure a comfortable, short |
| | | | hiking adventure. |