Читать книгу Urban Trails East Bay - Alexandra Kenin - Страница 24

Whether you’re crossing Sausal Creek in Oakland’s Dimond Park, climbing a stairway in Berkeley, or standing at the top of Mount Diablo, it’s always good to know you have the Ten Essentials (developed by The Mountaineers) in case of an emergency.

Navigation: Stay on track by using the maps in this book as well as park maps or a smartphone app. If you’re relying on your phone, even if you may think you’ll have cell service for your entire hike, it’s always a good idea to download maps that you can use when offline in case you end up without coverage. Some apps like Gaia GPS rely on a GPS signal, which you may still have, especially on open ridges or summits, even when you do not have a cell signal.

Sun protection: The East Bay can be a sunny place; it’s always best to be prepared for the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen, and a good hat. Some outdoor clothing comes with built-in sun protection.

Enjoy expansive vistas from hilly grasslands in places like Coyote Hills Regional Park (Hike 34).

Insulation: Layering is essential in the Bay Area, where the temperature can be very different in the sun versus the shade and during the day versus at night. Depending on what the weather forecast looks like, you may want to bring extra clothing, like wool arm warmers, a long-sleeved shirt, a coat (rain jacket and/or windbreaker as well as a fleece or other insulating layer), a hat, a scarf, and gloves.

Illumination: In winter the days are shorter, which makes a headlamp or flashlight handy, but even in summer, you may find yourself on the trail as the sun sets. A headlamp takes up very little room in your backpack and can help you stay safe if you end up hiking after dark.

First-aid supplies: Trips, falls, and other accidents can happen to anyone at any time. Be prepared for the unexpected by carrying a small first-aid kit with items such as band-aids, gauze, antiseptic cream, and an elastic bandage for ankle sprains. If you have allergies that require medication, particularly to bees, bring your EpiPen or other personal medication. And make sure your hiking buddies know about your allergies and medications. A little prep can go a long way.