Lessons Learned

"The lessons learned from the wild become the etiquette of freedom."
-Gary Snyder

Your descent marks your entry into a world in which planning and preparation,, self reliance, and good choices are crucial.

Here are some tips from the last group of hikers:

• Know where your destination will be and how to get there.



• Don't overestimate your capabilities-stay within your training, physical limitations and abilities.



• the less you carry, the more enjoyable your hike. (the heaviest items should be food and water.



• use hiking sticks to take the stress off your knees.



• wear well fitting and broken in hiking boots


• wear comfortable socks (the fabric closest to your feet has the most impact on them. Moleskin is great when you feel like you're getting a blister.


• underwear that doesn't chafe (there's nothing worse than getting rubbed raw in your nether regions.)



• wear sunscreen, (reapply often), sunglasses and a hat.



• bring a first aid kit.



• walk at a pace that allows you to be able to walk and talk-it means that your legs and your body are getting enough oxygen to function effeciently. Baby steps when the trail is steep means your energy reserves will last longer, and you'll feel better the next day.



• take a ten minute break at least once every hour-many more when ascenting. (in the long run, breaks will not slow you down.) Sit down, prop up your legs, eat some food, drink some water, appreciate the view.



• drink frequently and eat often- eat before, during and after your hike. Eat before you are hungry, drink before you are thirsty. (for every hour, you should drink 1/2- 1 liter of water or sports drink. (you may want to think about filling up your water container with 1/2 part water to 1/2 part sports drink on more strenous hikes.)



• salty snacks high in carbohydrates are good during hikes, apples, energy bars, dried fruit, and pb&j are good ideas. Fresh oranges really hit the spot, peel one before you go.



• eat a healthy breakfast with enough protein, complex carbohydrates and fats.



• watch your time-coming back is hard, plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down. (a small flashlight is helpful in case you end up hiking in the dark)



• things you might wish you had brought on a hike: Immodium (speaks for itself), cell phone, two way radios, cell phone, extra water, chapstick with sunscreen, tissue paper, ziplock bag, tylenol or ibuprofen, comb (useful for removing cactus), elastic bandage for sore knees, powdered electrolyte replacement beverage.

These tips can bring more joy to your hike.