BLOG #53 DO NOT FAIL TO PLAN

You’re probably thinking, why would anyone plan to fail?
I would bet all of us at one time or another, found ourselves in deep doo.
Arriving at a detour, or forgetting a key piece of clothing, or after driving 2-3+ hours to get to a trailhead, that has a closed road, are some problems with planning an outing.
However, having said this, I included in each hike’s write up……..
COOL PLACES CLOSE BY:
If for some reason your plans don’t happen as planned, the hikes listed in this section, are close by and somewhat like your original selection.
This BLOG will tell you what I’ve experienced over 6 decades of adventures. And hopefully you will not make the same mistakes.
SKILLS
Of all the things we carry with us, the most important thing to take alone, weighs absolutely nothing.
KNOWLEDGE
What you don’t know, or plan for, can ruin a great day in Nature.
And the most important thing to learn is navigation and orienteering.

Batteries die. Phones get lost or broken, No reception.
Having a map and compass will work around the clock.
But you need to know how to use a compass. And you need to refresh that knowledge every few years.
PLD, RECCO & AIRFLARE
I carry a power supply that I can use for charging my devises, if necessary.

Personal Location Devise
These items are the best choice if you are going way back in Nature. Most PLD require a subscription to activate and use it. There are those PLD that all you need to do, is replace the battery every 5 years. No subscription.
But they are the most reliable.

AirFlare
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/blog/airflare-rescue-app-for-your-phone
Along with knowledge, an AirFlare App, can save you.
This app when activated, send your GPS coordinates to the local authorities. All you have to do is stay put and wait for the rescue crews to get to you.
An easy rescue on the NE ridge from Stevens Peak, took 5.5 hours to get the injured person out, and a helicopter did all the hard lifting.
Two Bear Air Helicopter Service came over from Kalispell, Montana, to extract the injured person.
The AirFlare app is for your smart phone, hence it weighs nothing.
The good news is, it cost a mere $4.99 a year.
There are more features, but the S.O.S. button calls for help.


RECCO
RECCO is a battery free reflection strip that bounces the RADAR beam, back to the helicopter, alerting them of your whereabouts.
Modern technical clothing has the RECCO strip sewed into the item.
You can order the strips online, to attach to your pack.
All of our area ski resorts and the Spokane Count use RECCO and AirFlare


WEATHER
Because I’ve ended up drench more that once, I have become very aware of the weather, and how to read it.
NOAA is the go to website to get the most up to date info that is more accurate than any other source.
Log onto the below url to read about all aspects of weather, and to learn about NOAA’s HOURLY WEATHER FORECAST.
This graph will tell you when it will rain, sun, be cold and much more.
This ski season, I referred to this graph hundreds of times, to plan my ski days.
If you don’t know when or if it will rain, how can you properly plan a successful outing?
Please read the below url to help you plan and succeed, in your adventure.
https://www.inlandnwroutes.com/weather-thunderstorms-and-lightning.html


CREATING A GROUP AND PLAN 
I call my hiking partners and let them know about a hike. From there, we can build our group.
Pick your hiking partners carefully. Make sure each person has their own equipment, 13 ESSENTIALS,  map, and knowledge to do the trip.
When you go into the mountains, YOU are solely responsible for YOURSELF.
Each person must have their own 13 ESSENTIALS, and know how to use them.
The reason I say that, is because if one person gets separated, and they don’t have food, headlight, water and ESSENTIALS, they could be in trouble.
A couple of years ago, a father daughter team went to the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness to backcountry ski.
The father fell with a broken cornice, and his daughter had to spend the night out, WITHOUT ANYTHING.
Fortunately, all ended well, and they were united. But remember she had nothing to get her thru the night.
​
On our website there are two section called RESOURCES & HINTS.
​I encourage you all to read both of these sections.
The more you know, the better your chances are to succeed.
Make sure each person has a their own supplies.
It’s very important that each hiker has a first aid kit, and knows CPR/FIRST AID.
Plan your trip with the other members. Being involved in the planning, give each member as sense of belonging and responsibility.


PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY 

As you prepare for the outing, it is your responsibility to have the proper equipment and knowledge to succeed.
I have lists of all the things I need to take, on whatever type of outing I’m planning.
Start accumulating your gear. Check off the item on your list.
Add or remove things as needed.
And of course, make sure you have a person at home that can call authorities, if you don’t make it home by a certain time.
On all of our activity write ups, are the phone numbers of the Ranger District, and the local Sheriff’s office. But not call the sheriff if it’s absolutely necessary.


USFS RANGER DISTRICT

At least three days before your trip, call the Ranger District, and inquire about any road closures, fires, washouts, etc.
In our trip write up for your chosen outing is the phone numbers for the Ranger Station, and the Sheriff, only if needed.
They can be found in RESOURCES under MANAGING AGENCIES.

ALSO, if you scroll down the HOME PAGE, you will find each area FOREST ALERTS, URL’s.
These alerts tell you of closures, fires, etc.
BE AWARE….
Going into an officially closed area, is a fine of up to 5,000$ and possibility of up to 6 months jail time. 
Do not take chances.


Benjamin Franklin once said… 
"IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU ARE PLANNING TO FAIL."

David and I wish that your day in Nature is a great success.


         Chic                      David

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