I was going to name this article Leadership, but the material is more general than that and is aimed at all hikers, not just leaders.
Man is ill-equipped to go into the wilds without some planning and preparation. We cannot “live off the land” as we are not naturally equipped to do so.
There is an insert in this newsletter listing the various items of equipment, clothing and food necessary to make an overnight trail an enjoyable success. So lets look at the other aspects which help us to find pleasure in hiking.
When joining the Club you are asked to attend a few day hikes before attempting backpacking or tentpacking trips. Much of our hiking is over rough ground with steep up and down stretches totally different to our daily walking routine. Muscles need to be trained to handle the unusual stresses and to build up stamina for long hills with a backpack as extra luggage.
Some form of regular exercise such as walking, cycling or gym, several times a week, will keep muscles in tone and improve stamina. Taking part in occasional hikes will not keep you fit. For this, more regular exercise is required. Remember that the fitter you are the more enjoyable the hike. Lack of fitness makes the hike an ordeal and you will find little pleasure in the scenery as you trudge along, head down, wishing it would end!
A hazard which is ever present, especially in summer, is dehydration and its complications such as heat exhaustion. As hiking in hot conditions causes a rapid rise in body temperature your body starts sweating which has a cooling effect.
It is essential to replace this lost fluid by drinking sufficient water, otherwise dehydration results, causing physical and mental deterioration. Do not wait for thirst to alert you to your body’s need for water as dehydration can occur without undue thirst.
Drink frequently from the start of a hike, taking small amounts (150—200ml) every 15-20 minutes, rather than large amounts later. Large amounts tend to be lost in urine.
You will note that only water is mentioned. There is no substitute for water. Fizzy drinks, fruit juice and even isotonic drinks (too concentrated) are no substitute. These have their place as they may replace lost energy, salts and electrolytes, but those 2 litres of water which you start off with are more important for replacing lost fluids.
Heat exhaustion (Hyperthermia) can follow dehydration unless timely action is taken. Symptoms are feeling light-headed, exhausted, with hot and dry skin. Or the person may feel clammy and experience sudden changes of body temperature, from sweats to shivers. A person showing such symptoms must be shaded from the sun and cooled, as well as being given sips of cold water.
So, be wise and drink up!
|
|
