Handheld GPS For Your Personal Safety

| Thursday, May 12, 2011
By Calvin Jones


Me and my husband adore hiking in this very breathtaking location. Even mentioning the name sets us in an exciting state of letting loose and not be bothered by all the anxieties in life. We somehow feel like creatures of the wild, roaming around this superb place, scurrying beside creeks that curves it way down through the infamous Wild Horse Canyon.

The pathways rather has a vertical drop, rocky and edged with mosses and all various living things. It has a enormous waterfall at the peak of the trail, it's water flows into the canyon. Usually it takes about an hour to reach the top. We would trek our way down the ravine when the climate is not humid though it is not easy because of the even more sudden drop below. It happened a year before during spring, we went trekking into the canyon on that beautiful morning. Our backpacks were full of many things, a camera, our lunch and other stuff.

The first thing I saw when we were at the starting point of the trail was a stick inclining beside one of the enormous pine trees along the trail. I picked up the stick sensing that it could be useful for me during the trek. It was only the urge feeling that I had to use the stick and it would be my first. We hiked around streams flowing pretty full since we had a lot of spring rain. That day was so lovely. 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 realized I had sprained my ankle pretty seriously and the pain was agonizing. I rested for a while and contemplated. Then, I realized we still had to climb back up. Our cell phones had proven to be of no use to us at that time because we were at the bottom deep of the canyon. Fantastic. We had to take the quickest way to the road so that my injury could be tended immediately so we knew which path to go since we had gotten accustomed to the place. My husband and I began climbing after I persuaded him that he had to get the car while I take the route nearest to the road on my own. Anyway, thanks for the handy walking stick that some Samaritan had left for me. It was a big help. I never thought that it would be that hard, if not for that walking stick, I wouldn't be able to get out. 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.

Each time before taking that step, watch first. That would be the main rule for hiking safely and be alert all the time. First aid kit, water, snacks - these are important that you should have when going on a hike. Be sure that your hiking boots are durable that can protect your feet in case anything happens. I think that my boots saved my ankle from getting broken. Understand what you are about to do before actually doing it. If you stumble upon a rock or a tree root, or loose dirt, you could seriously injure yourself and even get killed if you tumble down the hill afterwards.

You will be able to avoid snakes if you know where your foot is landing on. A hiking buddy is important so that in case of emergency, he/she can be able to call for help or assist you like what had happened to me. Learn to take it easy and take the time to rest. To be able to recognize the magnificence of the scenery is for that purpose why you should take a break. 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. Pack only what is needed and some emergency items just in case such as a handy flashlight, and perhaps a sweater. Remember to check the weather first before going out on a hiking trip. In case of a chance of rain, include light rain gear.

Lastly, always have that handy walking stick!




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