Читать книгу Afoot and Afield: Atlanta - MARCUS WOOLF - Страница 12
ОглавлениеComfort, Safety, and Etiquette
The trails within reach of Atlanta afford a wide range of hiking experiences. You can take a brief afternoon stroll on a flat, easy path or travel for days in rugged backcountry. Some journeys require much more planning than others, but a hike of any type and duration will be more enjoyable if you take a bit of time to consider things such as your route, the environment you will explore, and things you need to carry. Some knowledge and planning can go a long way in making you safer and more comfortable in the outdoors.
Weather and the Environment
Before you hit the trail, consider the weather you will face, and dress appropriately for the full spectrum of weather you might experience. Fall daytime temperatures in the Georgia mountains can reach the 70s, while afternoons can be quite cool. Dress in layers so that you can shed or add clothing to regulate your body temperature. Because weather is not totally predictable, it’s also a good idea to pack a waterproof shell when traveling in fall or winter to not only keep you dry in rain but also to shield you from chilly winds.
Spring is a great time to enjoy blooming wildflowers along the trail, but it’s also the season for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. If you are in the backcountry, avoid hiking and camping on exposed ridges when lightning is present.
Strong rains can also affect river levels, and some paths, such as the Jacks River Trail in the Cohutta Wilderness, may include several stream crossings. Before your trip, you can call the appropriate agency to check on water levels. You should take extreme caution when crossing swift streams, and it’s a good idea to use trekking poles to improve your balance.
Summers in Georgia are hot and humid, and the key thing to remember is to drink plenty of water. In the backcountry, stream levels are inconsistent, and drought conditions can leave a creek bone dry. On multiday trips, try to carry as much water as possible, and consult the appropriate agency to learn about current stream conditions. If you take water from streams, be sure to treat it by using a filter or by boiling it to avoid getting sick from waterborne bacteria.
Insects such as mosquitoes can be heavy along the trails in summer, so be sure to pack whatever repellent you prefer. An insect repellent with at least 30% Deet or 20% Picaridin will also ward off ticks, which are a concern during the spring. It’s recommended that you wear long pants during tick season, and you can ward off ticks by treating clothing with permethrin, which is available at sporting-goods stores. You should also check your body from time to time to see if ticks have hitched a ride. They tend to latch on to warm, moist areas and frequently hide out where the top seams of your socks meet your skin.
One thing a lot of people don’t think about is sun exposure. Many of Georgia’s trails are shaded by forest, but you can still catch quite a few rays during a day of hiking, so pack (and apply) a high-SPF sunscreen, preferably something that is water-resistant to hold up during heavy sweating.
Preparation
Many people, especially those new to hiking, have a difficult time knowing just how far they can walk in a day without wearing themselves out—especially when loaded down with a 40-pound backpack. Take an honest assessment of your physical abilities, particularly when you are considering a long hike over difficult terrain. And remember that heat, cold, rain, and the terrain can limit the number of miles you can hike. Before you set out, try to examine a topographic map of the area to see just how much climbing and descending will be involved. This book includes an estimate of the total elevation gain and loss for each trip—the higher the numbers, the more difficult the hike.
Examine maps to become familiar with the area you will visit. A little studying will come in handy should you get confused and take a trail that is not part of your planned route. Also, if you are planning an overnight hike, consult maps or the appropriate agency to identify available campsites, and prepare a plan B. If you wind up traveling much slower than expected, you may have to bed down somewhere other than your top campsite choice. If you are planning to use water from streams, be sure to examine the map and other information sources for reliable water sources.
Clothing
Another important step in the planning process is determining the clothing and gear you need. And there may be no more important piece of equipment than your footwear. An ill-fitting pair of shoes or boots can quickly ruin a day in the woods. Whether you choose to wear a lightweight pair of low-cut hiking shoes, a midweight pair of boots, or heavy, all-leather boots, get your footwear well in advance of your hike and test it before hitting the trail. You don’t want to find out halfway through a long day’s journey that your shoes don’t fit. For cold, wet conditions, people often seek out a shoe or boot with a waterproof membrane such as Gore-Tex. That’s a good idea, but keep in mind that, in the South, high levels of humidity limit the ability of waterproof footwear to breathe. Some people prefer to buy a synthetic or leather shoe without a membrane and then add topical waterproofing agents. Also, if you wear shoes while crossing streams, water will flow in through the top and they’ll get completely soaked. In this case, water can escape more easily from a shoe that is not waterproof, and it will dry more quickly. Usually, I carry sandals or water shoes for stream crossings, so that I can keep my main hiking shoes and boots dry.
It’s also a good idea to invest in a lightweight jacket, or shell, with a waterproof membrane. As with footwear, these products will not breathe as well in the South as they would in a less-humid western environment, but it’s better than having something than doesn’t breathe at all. Also, in chilly conditions, a shell will block wind and help you regulate your body temperature and prevent hypothermia.
For late fall, winter, and early spring, I also carry a lightweight jacket with synthetic insulation or down. This type of jacket won’t add much weight to your pack and it will help keep you warm if you take a break while hiking, or if an injury or other circumstance forces you to stay out in the elements longer than you expected.
For your other layers of clothing, opt for things made with synthetic fabrics or wool, rather than cotton. Synthetic fabrics will dry quickest, and in cold weather they will not suck warmth away from your body as much as cotton would. In recent years, wool clothing has become more popular for cool and cold conditions because modern merino, a fine wool, is much softer and more comfortable than wool of the past. To prevent blisters, I typically wear merino socks because they will pull moisture away from my feet, whereas cotton socks just get soaked. You can also wear a synthetic hiking sock, as these will also wick moisture and help keep your feet dry.
The key to staying comfortable on the trail is to regulate your body temperature so that you are not too cold or too hot for long periods. The trick is to dress in layers. For the fall and winter seasons, or even early spring, pack a thin top and bottom, a light or midweight layer to wear over that, and an insulated jacket to top it off. The final piece is your waterproof shell.
We lose much of our heat from our extremities, such as our head and hands. One of the quickest ways to warm up (especially if you’re cold at night) is to put on gloves and a synthetic fleece or wool hat.
Equipment
If you’re headed out for a morning trail run, you may not need to carry more than a bottle of water and a light snack or energy gel. But, if you plan to spend a full day or multiple days on the trail, consider packing the following items.
WATER AND FOOD
When day-hiking, plan to carry all the water you will need for the entire day—typically 1 to 2 quarts, depending on the weather (you may need more on a hot, humid summer day) and the difficulty of the trail. Do not count on drawing water from streams and springs unless you have confirmed that they are flowing. And be sure to filter or treat all water taken from natural sources.
When hiking in cold weather, keep in mind that you should bring a stove or other heat source to make a warm drink in case you get wet and chilled. It’s also a good idea to carry energy bars that can deliver quick fuel to increase your energy level.
MAP AND COMPASS
Even experienced hikers can become disoriented in the outdoors, especially at the end of a long, tiring hike. And in some places, such as designated wilderness areas, trails may not be marked with signs. Whenever possible you should carry a map to aid in your navigation. I realize that more people are using electronic devices to navigate, but it’s still good to have a non-digital compass and a paper map because electronics can lose power. Before you set out on your trip, learn the basics of reading a map and matching contour lines and other map features to your surroundings while traveling in the environment. You can give yourself some peace of mind by learning to use a compass and to properly orient your map.
Agencies responsible for trails in an area can generally provide you with the most accurate map available. USGS 7.5-minute maps also offer good detail, but you should be aware that you might need several maps to cover the entire area of a route.
Often you can download and print maps from websites, and software companies even provide high-quality topographic maps that you can customize and download to a device or print at home. Outdoor gear shops also provide excellent maps for particular trails, such as the Appalachian Trail. These sometimes include helpful features such as elevation profiles that give you an idea of the type of terrain you’ll encounter along the way. Many maps also have waterproof coatings, which can extend the life of your map in wet weather.
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers are popular because they make land navigation easier. But, like any tool, a GPS receiver is only helpful if you take time to learn how to use it and realize its limitations. First, remember that batteries can fail, so you should not rely solely on a GPS receiver—always carry a map and compass.
More and more hikers are now using smartphones to navigate the backcountry, and you can find excellent software with detailed, preloaded topo maps for your phone. One good idea is to use software that allows you to use maps and navigate without a satellite signal, because Georgia has deep ravines and thick tree canopy that can block a signal.
FIRST-AID KIT
You can put together your own first-aid kit or purchase one from a gear store. Modern kits come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate different types of trips and various group sizes. No matter what type of kit you carry, be sure to understand how to use its components, and always carry any manual provided with a kit. It’s tough to take a crash course in an emergency situation.
For low-risk hikes lasting a day or less, a basic kit is fine. A basic kit should include:
Manual
Bandages, including gauze and medical tape. Moleskin is very handy for treating hot spots and even preventing blisters. Tincture of benzoin will help moleskin adhere to skin better.
Antiseptic to clean wounds
Drugs, including something to reduce fever (like acetaminophen), something to reduce inflammation (like ibuprofen), electrolyte tablets to overcome dehydration, and antacid tablets
Prescription medicines
Cutting tools, like scissors or a razor
Hydrocortisone cream for skin irritations
Tweezers
Duct tape
The amount of bandages and drugs will depend on the size of the group. Many preassembled kits indicate the number of people a kit will serve over a certain amount of time. Note that these numbers may be inflated, meaning the kits include twice as much stuff as you’d actually need. But some buffer is built in so you will have enough supplies to handle the unexpected.
For longer trips that go well out of range of medical attention, a more sophisticated kit is needed. The big question is whether the kit can deal with at least one major injury or laceration. An advanced kit should include:
Large bandages to stop bleeding
Extra bandages
Drugs to treat burns and skin irritations, and possibly prescription drugs for serious pain
Tools to immobilize limbs, such as a splint and sling
INSECT REPELLENT
The most effective insect repellents include Deet, though you can choose products with higher or lower levels depending on your skin sensitivity. You might also consider repellents containing Picaridin. Natural alternatives, such as repellents with certain plant oils, can also work, but you might need to apply them more often.
SOURCE OF FIRE
In an emergency situation, a fire can provide warmth, serve as a signal to rescuers, and improve your state of mind. Carry waterproof matches or some other fire source, plus small candles, to help ignite kindling.
KNIFE OR MULTITOOL
Whether you need to construct a shelter or repair a piece of gear, a knife or multitool can be a critical piece of gear. You probably don’t need a massive tool with everything except the kitchen sink, but a locking blade, screwdriver, and tweezers (if there isn’t already a pair in your first-aid kit) are good implements to have.
WHISTLE
Should you become injured or separated from your hiking partners, a whistle is a great help in attracting attention. Its sound will generally be much louder and travel farther than the sound of your voice. There are many lightweight, durable plastic emergency whistles on the market, and first-aid kits often include one. Plus, many backpacks now have small whistles integrated into the sternum strap.
TREKKING POLES
Over the course of a long journey, trekking poles help to distribute your weight and reduce the accumulated pressure and weight put on your legs and knees. They are especially helpful in reducing fatigue on steep descents. Also, trekking poles stabilize your body during stream crossings. If you use them, be sure to adjust and use them while maintaining good posture.
GAITERS
Southern trails can get pretty muddy after a good, hard rain, and a pair of low-profile gaiters can help keep moisture, mud, and trail debris from sneaking into your shoes or boots.
SANDALS OR WATER SHOES
Slip on some sandals or water shoes for stream crossings to keep your hiking shoes or boots dry. They are also good to wear around camp because they allow swollen feet to breathe and recover.
CELL PHONE
I don’t really hear much debate anymore over whether cell phones belong on the trail, especially since people are using them as navigation devices. But if you carry a phone, don’t get a false sense of security, thinking that you can just call someone to bail you out of a jam. Rather, consider your phone a last resort for communication, not something to rely on. There’s always the possibility that the battery will die, so you might consider packing a portable charger (or an extra battery) if you pack a phone. Also, remember that you won’t be able to get a signal on many trails. If you pack your phone, avoid using it to call someone just to chat, and silence the ringer. A ringing cell phone is a real bummer for those trying to escape the noises of civilization.
Safety Measures
There are many precautions you can take to stay safe when traveling in the backcountry. One of the most important is to let someone know where you are going, particularly if you’ll be hiking alone or plan to be gone for more than just a few hours. Provide a friend or relative your itinerary, including the day you plan to return. Provide that person a phone number for the appropriate agency responsible for the area where you will be hiking. Notify rangers or other authorities of your itinerary. (You can do this when getting required permits.)
Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. Trailhead break-ins are not frequent in most areas, but they happen. If you are in bear territory, do not leave food in your vehicle. You would be amazed at the things bears have done to rear windows and even car doors while trying to get to food.
I love to hike solo, but if you’re new to hiking, consider going with a partner or even a group. This not only adds security, but if you get lost, you will feel safer if you are not alone. Plus, in an emergency situation, it’s best if someone can remain with an injured person while someone else goes for help.
The key to not getting lost is to be aware of your surroundings. It’s easy to miss a trail junction or accidentally take the wrong path. If your map indicates you should be ascending, and you find yourself on a long descent, stop to examine your map and the terrain around you. If you get lost, find a comfortable spot with shelter (or construct a shelter) and stay put. A rescue team can find you more easily if you are not wandering.
Campfires can liven up a camping trip, but take extreme caution around them. During times of drought, or when there are posted warnings of high fire danger, avoid building one. Always use available or designated fire rings or pits, and only use dead, downed wood. Never leave a campfire unattended, and always thoroughly smother and extinguish any campfires before going to sleep or leaving camp.
Trail Etiquette
The good news is that more and more people in the Atlanta area are getting out and enjoying the many beautiful trails. The bad news is that some popular and easily accessible trails are suffering from overuse and neglect. Some camping spots have been highly eroded, trees have been chopped down for fires, and you might even see toilet paper littering the ground beneath bushes. When you hike, be considerate of those who will follow you. They deserve the same high-quality experience you are seeking. To minimize your impact on the environment, follow these guidelines created by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics:
Plan ahead and prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit. Schedule your trip to avoid high times of use, and visit in small groups when possible.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces, such as established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow. Camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams when possible. Avoid altering a campsite, and try to use existing trails and campsites.
Dispose of waste properly. If you pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite before you leave for spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
Leave what you find. Examine but do not touch cultural or historic artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them. Do not build structures or makeshift furniture or dig trenches.
Minimize campfire impacts. Consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern or battery-powered headlamp for light. (A candle lantern can double as a source of heat and light in an emergency.) Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings. Keep fires small, and use dead and downed wood. Put fires out completely.
Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance, and do not follow or approach any animals. Never feed wildlife—feeding damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous and yield to others on the trail. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
