BLOG #85 START PREPARING YOUR PACK FOR SPRING HIKING

Hi Readers,
As Winter begins to fade, Spring hiking is about to bloom.
Below are some ideas for us all to consider this year.
Because the USFS is being gutted, we as users have to step up.
Think of the great outdoors, now as our outdoors. , yo take care of.
Let’s treat Nature with respect, love, and kindness.
After all, it is the very best playground we have.

THINGS TO PACK AND DO THIS YEAR 
​
A) Plastic Grocery Bags
In 2024 as I hiked into lakes to have dinner with a view, I came across three smoldering campfires.
It was scary, but when I realized these campfires were from the weekend, and I was there on Wednesday night, I’m so happy to have stumbled on them.
In a sandwich size ziplock fold up a dozen grocery bags. Fold them to fit in a ziplock, then weight them to flatten and release air.
Each bag weights about 6 grams, and can save a forest.

B) But there’s more. 
These light bags can hold pounds of your and others trash.
It is now our job to clean up others messes.
Does that sound gross to you?
Try this…..pick up all around the area you hike into. By the time you are done, you will have a warm feeling.
You will have done what all Mothers have asked us all, our young lives. To clean up.


THE TRAIL
The trails we hike, take us to the most amazing and beautiful places.
Caring for our trails must fall on us, the users.

As you come upon downed twigs, branches, rocks, and other trail debris, use your poles to flick them off the trail. 
Years ago, I didn’t, and tripped on it on the way down.

If you find some downed trees that cross the trails, let the local hiking or other sports clubs know.
Our better yet. I carry a 14” saw to clear trails when I’m out.
A bow saw is light and can do a 12” tree, with lots of effort.
But that effort pays off when you walk back to the cars after going on your hike, and cross your work on the way out.
I always take before and after images.
The feeling you get from doing trail work, builds esteem and pride in doing your part.

PARKING AREAS
First and foremost…
DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR THAT IS OF VALUE!
Trailheads are notorious for car break ins. PERIOD!

When I lead trips or do solo hikes, I get to the parking area at least 30 minutes early. I carry grabbers to pick up trash at the trailheads.
Hikers may not notice it, but I do.
The experience other hikers will have, or maybe even you, is worth the effort.

The reason I ask hikers to do this, is because these lands are our lands.
If you come across messy campers, don’t say anything. Just hope they clean up after themselves.
Confrontation in the mountains is ugly.


SEE THE PREVIOUS BLOG #84 
For trail organizations in our area.

If you come across road closures, slides, floods, construction, or what ever will keep us from getting to the trailheads, email me.
Please be very specific in your details. 
Use the envelope at the bottom of each page on the website to contact me.
Your input can help others. Or maybe you may enjoy others work.


ORIENTEERING
https://www.ewoc.org
GPS is cool, but stuff happens in the woods.
If you don’t have a quality back up, you could be in peril.
The above url is the Eastern Washington Orienteering Club.
They offer classes and outings to practice your skills.
Do not be embarrassed, Be safe.
The use of map and compass does require a memory and practice. 
But ask yourself…what’s your life worth?

Try this….the next time you are on a hike, ask your fellow hikers to instantly point and stay pointing……north, or any of the other three directions.
By polishing that skill, you may be able to get unlost.


FIRSTAID KIT
Every hiker, young or geeezery, must carry the 13 ESSENTIALS, and their own pack.
If you get separated from your group, and you don’t have a pack with the essentials, lives could be at stake.


Every Spring before my first serious hike, a pull out my ESSENTIALS POUCH, and restock, or replace as needed.
If this container ever gets wet, dump it and replace what’s needed.

BLISTERS
If you’ve ever suffered from blisters miles from the trailhead, there is relief. And it’s light weight.
I have treated hikers with two heels of severely popped blisters on top of a mountain.
She hopped and skipped along the ridge after.

SPENCO 2nd Skin BURN PADS. Not the precut patches.
Blisters can appear anywhere on your body. These burn pads work.
You will need to take athletic tape to secure the burn pads.
I once had a pack that blistered my lower back above my belt.
After applying the pad, I didn’t feel it until I showered.

Gather all the things you normally take in your pack, and clean them. Then rebuild it, changing out perishable and used items. Including 13 ESSENTIALS
Add the grocery bags, and be prepared for a great Spring.

April and early May are great hiking months. And you may not need snowshoes. Traction devises are wise.

Be safe and play often.
And Thank You for using and reading our website.


Chic       David


InlandNWRoutes.com