Hints & Tips
Safety
Getting out into nature is both fun and healthy, provided that you take some care to ensure your own personal safety. With that in mind, here are some tips to make your forays into nature healthy and enjoyable, rather than major disasters.
Be aware of your environment
It is very easy to become complacent about your environment, particularly when you visit a place on a regular basis. Unfortunately, environments change. Always pay attention to your environment, whether visiting a location for the fist or the fiftieth time, and act appropriately for the evironment - that slope that has always been dry could now be wet and slippery and a one way trip to the river at its bottom.
Be aware of your personal limitations
As a sixty year old, my body takes great delight in constantly reminding me that I'm not as yound as I once was. There are plenty of occasions when you need to be aware of your own personal limitatons, especially around water, as an accident could prove to be fatal.
Always carry a stick
My walking stick is probably the single most useful thing that I carry and whenever I forget it, I always end up regretting it.
- Use it is a third leg to provide additional balance when navigating difficult trails;
- Use it as an advanced warning sensor when the ground is not visible - a stick is essential for checking for hidden holes in snow;
- It is not uncommon, when chasing waterfalls, to have to cross a creek or stream by jumping from rock to rock. A walking stick is invaluable for testing that next rock to see if it will tip and dump you in the water when you step onto it.
Dress for the weather
This should go without saying, but if the weather is likely to be cold, wear extra layers; if it is likely to be wet, wear something waterfproof.
Crocks, plimsoles &c are not suitable footwear, particularly if you are planning to go off trail. Walking shoes are an absolute minimum requirement, but you can't beat a pair of decent hiking boots - they are made to be comfortable when walking longer distances and provide better protection and support to ankles.
Ticks...
When walking in long grass always be on the lookout for ticks. Most Conservation Authorities post notices when ticks are present. Always check yourself and your companions (be they human or otherwise) for ticks. Wearing clothing that doesn't leave skin exposed (trousers as opposed to shorts, long as opposed to short sleeves) will make it more difficult for ticks to attach themselves. Wearing light coloured clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
Photographing Waterfalls
Cameras
Long Exposure
Tripods
