Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Advantages Of Getting A Magellan GPS Unit

By Henry James


Me and my husband adore hiking in this very breathtaking location. The name itself already puts our minds into turbo mode for fun not worrying about the problems and pressures in life. This location is so breathtaking that we become like the off-springs of nature's wild, dashing next to the creeks that zigzag its way down into the canyon, the prominent Wild Horse Canyon that is.

The pathways rather has a vertical drop, rocky and edged with mosses and all various living things. At the top of the trail is a large waterfall that pours all its water into the canyon. To get there, it will take you almost an hour. Sometimes when there is a dry season, we can hike all the way to the bottom, which is even steeper and harder to navigate. It happened a year before during spring, we went trekking into the canyon on that beautiful morning. I packed a picnic lunch and loaded everything including a camera into our backpacks.

The first thing I saw when we were at the starting point of the trail was a stick inclining beside one of the enormous pine trees along the trail. I thought to myself, what a neat and perfect walking stick, so I grabbed it on the way into the trail. At that moment, it was just my whim taking over me though I have never utilized a walking stick before. Days before, the rain had been pouring near the trail as evident with the pretty full streams that we came across during the hike. We were lucky that the weather that day was doing well for us. My husband and I had roughly gotten below or the top of the waterfall so to speak. My companion got across first at the shallowest portion of the tiny pool. The first cardinal rule when hiking is to look at your steps. At that point, I forgot to do that as I was about to get across. It was a tough fall. I had placed my foot on a rock when I passed through and it caught me off-balance because I was looking above. I was aware that I had seriously injured myself, my sprained ankle was throbbing in pain. After resting a moment and trying to gather my thoughts, it suddenly dawned on me that we were at the bottom and had to climb back out. We realized our cell phones did not work that deep into the canyon and hills. Wonderful. Since we had hiked there so many times, we knew of a short cut to the road. We started mounting up the ravine as soon as I assured my partner that I could carry myself to the road as he had to bring the car over. Besides, I had someone to thank for, somehow that stick was left for me. I could not have gotten out not for that stick that aided me. At that time, I never thought that I was in a really tight situation. In conclusion, I went home with a gravely injured ankle and used crutches for numerous weeks.

Therefore, the number one rule for hiking safety is to look before you step. Constantly be on guard of your vicinity. Bring your little first aid kit, water and some little meal to munch on. Make sure your footwear is suitable for the outdoor activity. Mine was strong enough to protect my ankle from getting the worst possible thing that would have happened. Think, think, think before you step. Even a simple fall due to a rock or a tree root, or loose dirt could be fatal if you end up rolling down the hill.

You will be able to avoid snakes if you know where your foot is landing on. A hiking buddy is important so that in case of emergency, he/she can be able to call for help or assist you like what had happened to me. Learn to take it easy and take the time to rest. Anyway, with the both of you taking breaks during intervals, it allows you to actually observe your environment and appreciate its beauty. Stay on the trail and don't venture off into the wild places unless you absolutely know what you are doing. Let someone know where you are going. Do not jam-pack your bag with so many unnecessary items, take only what you need and some handy material that can be of use in case there's an emergency. Also, know if it's okay to be out with whatever climate you have at that time. If you think that rain will pour anytime soon, pack your light rain gear also.

Remember, to bring along a stick, it could really come on handy!




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