Hiking Safely.

Hiking Safely.

Know where you are going and let someone know where you are going. Check the weather and dress accordingly. If you are hiking in unfamiliar terrain, always prepare for an overnight stay. Yes, just pack for an emergency. Be safe not sorry.
What to bring. It varies but there are some items you should consider.
Plenty of water ( 3 liters per person per day)
Flashlight (plus spare batteries and bulbs)
Rain/wind/cold weather wear (can be very lightweight)
Food. Think about it. A condensed package of energy food
Whistle
Watch
First-Aid kit
Compass/map of area
I. Knife
Fire starters
Cell phone (hopefully there is coverage) Save the charge and keep it off.

If hiking is new to you, please consider hiking with a hiking group at first to gain the experience needed to survive should you get lost. There are so many individuals who have lost their life because they thought that if they just stay on the trail there would not be a problem. Anytime you are out of your enviroment your survival always will depend on your knowledge and experience. Acquire that knowledge and experience.

Here is the following story, submitted by a victim of a search and rescue effort, illustrates the need to be aware of hazards in the outdoors. His actions not only endangered himself but those who responded to his aid. What began as an innocent day hike, to view one of Yosemite's natural wonders, ended in a traumatic experience at the edge of a waterfall.

Listen to his story:A bead of sweat rolls off the edge of my nose as I sit and rest, listening to the sounds of the most magnificent forms of Mother Nature I have ever seen. With great anticipation, I arrive and continue my climb trying to imagine what beauty lies ahead. With each step, my excitement excels. I am determined to reach the top.My strides stretch as I envision a most spectacular view at Upper Yosemite Falls, my temporary destination. I decide to take another short rest. I sit under a tree, enjoying its shade, and my attention becomes drawn to a powerful hum. A brightened smile appears when I realize that I am close to reaching the top. I shake off my backpack and pull out a water bottle to quench my thirst. I sip the mountain water and simultaneously my pores open, allowing the water to exit my body.As I feel my body cool down, I watch a group of Fresno teenagers make way from the trees returning to the main trail. The leader and I exchange smiles. He asks me how would a cool misty spray feel right about now. I answer with a slight nod of the head. He explains that he is a regular traveler in this park and behind that tree is a narrow path that leads to the base of the upper falls. He goes on to say that it is a great place to cool off. With a strong wind creating a cool, misty atmosphere, it seems like an innocent plan. I think to myself, "I have been hiking for a few hours and it's almost noon. Why not take a break?" I gather my things and head down the narrow path.A thunderous roar deafens my ears as I approach the sight of the waterfall. Standing next to a boulder, I set my bag down and let the cool mist saturate my skin. I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt so small standing in the presence of Yosemite Falls. I almost felt as if I were trespassing by invading Mother Nature's territory. Suddenly I felt very cold. I knew it was time to get on my way, but I thought a picture would capture this moment. The camera snaps, and I walk back to my bag.My first step proves the path was prone for disaster. My foot lost its traction on the wet, slimy rock as I fall on all fours. On my hands and knees I slowly slide down a long stretch of wet, algae-covered rock. My mind cannot even respond. My speed quickly increases. My body is sliding out of control towards the base of the upper falls. Before I even let out a scream, I plunge into the roaring rapids that are heading for the lower falls of Yosemite's main attraction. My body now is part of the water, and I honestly couldn't tell you how I was feeling. I was basically waiting for the unexpected. Submerged in the water for no longer than a few seconds, I a m tossed onto a rock that was right in the middle of the waterfall. I stood praying for a rescue and thanking the Almighty that I was given a chance. For several hours in hypothermic conditions, I waited.My positive and optimistic feelings started to drift away until the rescue crew appeared. I felt somewhat relieved. Their energy awakened me and gave me anew sense of hope. Although I felt relief, I wondered what they could do in these conditions. I thought the rescue would require a miracle. I tried to keep my eyes open watching them prepare to set up equipment. I regretted not staying on the main trail as I tearfully watched these people risk their most precious gift for me. Their courageous efforts are the reasons why I am here right now. I cannot express enough of my heartfelt appreciation. Man has destroyed much of Mother Nature and has polluted Her sacred land. I feel that by going off the main trail, I too had invaded Mother Nature's space. Maybe my accident was Her way of telling me to back off and respect Her territory. By staying on the main trail, we all can respect Her beauty and majesty without endangering our most precious gift - life.

The victim was cited into court for creating a hazardous condition. He was found guilty by a U.S. Magistrate. His sentence was to pay restitution and submit an article to the National Park Service summarizing his experience so that others might learn.