There is the most wonderful place my husband and I love to hike. Just the name of it gets our minds in the mode of running free and unencumbered by life's problems and stresses. This magnificent place transforms us into children of the wild, running alongside creeks that wind down into the so-called Wild Horse Canyon.
You can see mosses and a variety of growing little species clumping alongside the hiking trail. The big waterfall situated at the top that drops into the canyon is just an hour walk away. The even steeper trail below the canyon is more complicated to pass through, however we still do this when the weather is dry. One day last year we decided to take a hike into the canyon on a beautiful spring morning. There were so many things that I placed in our knapsacks, including a camera and our meal for lunch.
I noticed at the beginning of the trail that there was a stick that someone had leaned up against one of the gigantic 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. It was only the urge feeling that I had to use the stick and it would be my first. Days before, the rain had been pouring near the trail as evident with the pretty full streams that we came across during the hike. The day was so magnificent. My husband and I had roughly gotten below or the top of the waterfall so to speak. My partner went first and had gone across at the lowest portion of the small 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. I had looked up and stepped on a rock and landed hard in the water. 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 recognized that our cell phones were useless because we were way below in the canyon, so there was no signal. Terrific. Since we had hiked there so many times, we knew of a short cut to the road. So, after convincing my husband I could make it to the road by myself while he went for the car, and after all, I had a walking stick that some kind person had just 'happened' to leave for me, we started the climb. 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. To conclude what happened that day, I got an ankle that was seriously sprained that led me to use crutches for quite a few weeks.
For safety purposes when hiking, first rule - watch where you go. Always observe your environment. Carry a small first aid kit, water and a little snack. If not for my good pair of hiking boots, I believe I would have permanently injured my ankle. So, wear your sturdy hiking boots. 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.
Being aware of every step will also help you avoid stepping on any snakes. Always hike with a buddy, take breaks to rest and pace yourself. Besides, taking a break gives you an opportunity to really look at your surroundings and "smell the flowers". Do not divert from the hiking trail especially if you are out in the wild except if you completely 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.
Oh - and don't forget the walking stick!
You can see mosses and a variety of growing little species clumping alongside the hiking trail. The big waterfall situated at the top that drops into the canyon is just an hour walk away. The even steeper trail below the canyon is more complicated to pass through, however we still do this when the weather is dry. One day last year we decided to take a hike into the canyon on a beautiful spring morning. There were so many things that I placed in our knapsacks, including a camera and our meal for lunch.
I noticed at the beginning of the trail that there was a stick that someone had leaned up against one of the gigantic 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. It was only the urge feeling that I had to use the stick and it would be my first. Days before, the rain had been pouring near the trail as evident with the pretty full streams that we came across during the hike. The day was so magnificent. My husband and I had roughly gotten below or the top of the waterfall so to speak. My partner went first and had gone across at the lowest portion of the small 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. I had looked up and stepped on a rock and landed hard in the water. 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 recognized that our cell phones were useless because we were way below in the canyon, so there was no signal. Terrific. Since we had hiked there so many times, we knew of a short cut to the road. So, after convincing my husband I could make it to the road by myself while he went for the car, and after all, I had a walking stick that some kind person had just 'happened' to leave for me, we started the climb. 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. To conclude what happened that day, I got an ankle that was seriously sprained that led me to use crutches for quite a few weeks.
For safety purposes when hiking, first rule - watch where you go. Always observe your environment. Carry a small first aid kit, water and a little snack. If not for my good pair of hiking boots, I believe I would have permanently injured my ankle. So, wear your sturdy hiking boots. 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.
Being aware of every step will also help you avoid stepping on any snakes. Always hike with a buddy, take breaks to rest and pace yourself. Besides, taking a break gives you an opportunity to really look at your surroundings and "smell the flowers". Do not divert from the hiking trail especially if you are out in the wild except if you completely 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.
Oh - and don't forget the walking stick!
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