There is the most wonderful place my husband and I love to camp for hiking. Just the name of it gets our minds in the mode of running free and unencumbered by life’s problems and stresses. When we go to this special place, we are like wild nature children running along with the creeks that meander down and into what is called Wild Horse Canyon.
The trails are somewhat steep, rocky and lined with mosses and all sorts of little growing things and not far from the campsites. It takes about an hour to get to the top of a huge waterfall that empties into the canyon. Sometimes when there is a dry season, we can hike all the way to the bottom, which is even steeper and harder to navigate. One day last year we camped there for a weekend and decided to take a hike into the canyon on a beautiful spring morning. I packed a picnic lunch and loaded everything including a camera into our backpacks. 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. I have never used a walking stick before and this was purely on impulse. We hiked around streams flowing pretty full since we had a lot of spring rain.
It was such a beautiful day. We had just about reached the bottom or as it were, the top of the waterfall. My husband had gone ahead and already crossed the little pool at the shallowest part. Just as I was about to cross, I broke the number one cardinal rule of hiking – watching where you are going. I had looked up and stepped on a rock and landed hard in the water. I knew I had a very bad ankle sprain and was in excruciating 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. Great. Since we had hiked there so many times, we knew of a short cut back to cut where we could get a car into. 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 didn’t realize how difficult that was going to be and could not have made it out without that walking stick. The ending of the story is that I had a severe sprained ankle and had to use crutches for several weeks.
So, first rule of hiking safety is to watch where you are going and be aware at all times of your surroundings. Carry a small first aid kit, water and a little snack. Wear a good pair of hiking boots (I think this really saved my ankle from being broken). Think, think, think before you step. A rock or a tree root, loose dirt, could cause a life threatening injury if you were to trip and tumble downhill. 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.” 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. Don’t fill your backpack too full – just take what is necessary and ‘just in case’ items like a small flashlight, maybe a sweater, and don’t forget to check the weather. Having a small emergency preparedness kit or first aid kit is always a good thing, even for short hikes. In case of a chance of rain, include light rain gear.
Oh – and don’t forget the walking stick!
The Secret Course
