A Hiking Blog…

Trail signs alert hikers with directions, distances, arrows and information that prevent them from loosing their way while hiking. Trail signs reassure the hiker that he/she is in the trail. Trail signs are really useful to hikers when they have some confusion regarding turns, switchbacks, open woods and open areas with rocks. Elaborate trail signs with details of “do’s and don’ts” are definitely found where the trail begins and ends.

Trail signs are usually developed keeping in mind the universal method of interpreting signs and signals and it keeps very little chance for a hiker to misinterpret the signs. Sometimes trails are broken by intersections, missing bridges and many other obstacles. But with signs showing from where to pick up the trail is one development of trail signs.

About Trailhead signs

Signs with all information about the trail are generally placed at trailhead and access points. Trailheads feature essential information, signs, post or marker that marks the trail direction. In urban areas, trail signs are frequent and are also placed at parking lots for trail identification. Information is often found at trailheads that includes rules, map, special conditions, trail mileage, events and “friends of the trail” groups. Some more developed trailhead signs would include a bulletin board with safety messages, a trail register and wildlife alerts.

Trailhead signs are a way to teach and remind hikers of what they are supposed to follow in the trail. Not following the signs may prove fatal as well as compel the authorities to enforce laws on you. Signs also create awareness among hikers to conserve the area.

Appearance of trail signs

Trail signs come in different colors and shapes at different places. It can be a simple white rectangle of the Appalachian Trail or multicolored coding systems used for areas with many trails.

The frequency of trail signs depends on natural visibility of the route, local preferences and the amount of manpower available to maintain the trail. Trail signs should be always visible with clear message to help hikers in their way.

Some usual trail signs

Some of the very common trail signs usually mention:

• Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.
• The speed limit of vehicles per hour.
• No dumping or littering on park property.
• Motorized vehicles permitted on paved or gravel roads only.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed on park property.
• Riding on closed trails can result in a citation.
• No swimming allowed on park property.
• No firearms allowed.
• No hunting allowed on park property.
• No boating allowed in park without written permission from the Park Authorities.
• Disturbing habitat of animals prohibited.
• Fires in designated areas only – picnic areas and picnic shelters.
• Removal of plants is prohibited.
• Fishing is allowed, except where prohibited by sign.
• Cutting or timber prohibited

How to interpret trail signs

Most of the national parks use the same type of trail sign techniques but vary according to the area. There are some basic principles that can be followed everywhere. A blaze or a sign can be distinguished on the basis of color and shape. A sign will generally maintain the same color throughout the trail. Blazes are normally painted on trees and rocks but you need to keep your eyes open to locate it. Sometimes, blazes are painted with reflectors for night travel.

Normally, a straight trail will feature a sign every 100 feet. But when a trail has to turn or switchback, there will be another sign painted on top. Again, when a trail crosses another trail, there will be two signs painted. The first color represents your trail whereas the second one is the one you are crossing or turning onto.

Dangers of not following trail signs

Hiking is really an exciting past time. But sometimes you may face dangers if you don’t interpret or follow trail signs. The immediate impact will fall on you. You may be lost in the trail or face animal encounters. If there is a sign saying some danger is ahead, then try to follow it to avert dangers. Trail signs saying “loose rocks ahead” may not bother you in winter but you may find a whole lot of loose rocks during the rainy season, which may turn into dangerous mudslides. Seasonal trail signs are very important for hikers to follow. Many places take up a dramatic look during certain seasons. So, it is advisable to stay safe by obeying the signs.

When you are asked to follow certain rules and signs, you are actually saving yourself from danger as well as helping in preserving the environment. Hikers often tend to destroy the environment when they don’t follow signs. Again, protecting the trail and the nature is a responsibility of every hiker. Cleaning out the garbage made by you can help in the conservation of the trail.

Each individual hiker can help in preserving the ecosystem by not lighting campfire in restricted areas. Once in 2005, a Czech hiker burned 7% of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile by accidentally knocking over an illegal gas portable stove. By following and obeying trail regulations, you can actually save the environment.

Koko Crater Stairs is our April 2010 Hike of the Month from our brand new hiking website, HikingInParadise.com. HikingInParadise.com features the best trails in Hawaii, and we hope you use our site when planning your next trip to Hawaii.

The Koko Crater trail has an interesting history. The ties in the trail were laid down as a part of an incline tram system during the World War II era. Start off slow in the trail to avoid fatigue. This trail offers great opportunity for a powerful cardiovascular as well as muscular workout. So it is a favorite trail for high-level endurance athletes like marathoners and boxers. However, you can enjoy the trail even if you are not an athlete.

From the parking lot, take the paved path that curves towards the crater. The trail is unmarked, so you need to be careful not to miss the steep and narrow dirt trail to the right. The trail begins to get progressively steeper.

Roughly halfway up the crater you will find a 15 foot deep gully. Though this does not pose too much of a danger, you could be seriously hurt if you misstep. Pauu Mai is the true summit of the crater, which is marked by a concrete powerhouse. The spot offers a unique vantage point from where you can get a breathtaking view of the Hanauma Bay.

To see the full hike, visit HikingInParadise.com: http://www.hikinginparadise.com/hike.asp?hid=Koko+Crater+Stairs

Knowing how to make fire is one of the primitive survival skills mastered by mankind. It can be termed as the flag bearer of ancient human civilization. Since ages, a well-built fire has proved to be bliss – it has given the necessary warmth to people around it; provided light in the midst of a jungle; and helped in roasting meat in a forest camp.

Fire has diverse use and by learning to build it you are on your way to master one of the basic survival skills of life. This article provides you some valuable information about the art and logistics of fire building. Read on.

Components of fire

Fire has four basic components. Absence of any one of them will either not allow the fire to burn, or, will prevent it from burning any further. The four components are:

1)  Fuel. This includes wood, coal, gasoline, or any other combustible material.

2)  Heat. The initial amount of heat necessary to ignite the fire is provided by matches or by the rubbing of two sticks.

3)  Supply of oxygen. A burning fire consumes oxygen for combustion from the surrounding air.  

4)  Continued chain of chemical reaction. During the lifetime of the fire, a chain of chemical reaction goes on that produces intense heat and keeps the burning process on.

Four Steps to Fire Building

If you want to build a fire, you will have to go through a four-step process.

First, you need an ignition source. Popular sources of ignition include – matches, lighters, firesteel etc. If you are experienced, rubbing two wooden sticks can also provide the necessary spark. When you go for an expedition, it is recommended that you carry at least three different ignition sources in your survival kit. Waterproof matches, for example are highly popular among adventurists.

Second, you should arrange for the tinder. The role that tinder plays is to catch the initial spark or flame from the ignition source and then transfer this flame to the kindling. Sometimes, the kindling might be wet. The tinder in that case has to burn long enough to dry the kindling first before setting it on fire. The probability of building up the fire quickly increases proportionately with the dryness of the tinder. Tree bark (such as paper birch), dry small plants, grasses, wax, paper, dry needles of coniferous trees are popular tinder materials.  

Third comes the kindling. If the surface to volume ratio of the kindling is large, it becomes easily combustible. When the kindling produces a hot flame, the bulk of the fuel catches the fire. Some of the best sources of kindling include dry twigs, small pieces of wood, and cardboards. Kindling can also be made by cutting a large piece of wood into smaller pieces.

The last, but most crucial component of fire that you need to take care is fuel. Fuel catches fire from the kindling and continues to burn for an extended period of time. Once the fire becomes well-lit, you need to simply add more fuel to the fire to make it burn for an extended period. Dry wood, dry grasses, animal dung, and coal are excellent fuels.

However, there may be different scenarios when you need to build a fire from absolutely nothing. The following are some ideas that can help you to deal such situations.

Create fire with a magnifying glass – If you have a magnifying glass, use it. Just gather some papers and small pieces of dry wood. Hold the magnifying glass in front of the sun to form a small dot on the paper. Within a few minutes you will get a flame.

Create a spark with steel wool and a battery – You need to hold the piece of steel wool and the battery on different hands. To get the spark, touch the end of the battery to the steel wool. This would act as the ignition source for the tinder. With a few attempts you can get a flame.

Create a spark with rock and a knife – Find a flint rock or a quartzite rock that has a point on it. Hold the rock on one hand with the point aimed toward the knife on the other hand. Strike the knife with the rock and sparks would fly. Create a pile of tinder and use this method just on top of it. Soon you will get a flame.

How to ignite wet matches – If you have a flashlight, you are saved. Surprisingly, you can light a wet match stick with the reflective part. Remove the reflective part of the flashlight and push the wet match stick through it. Position the head of the match stick where the bulb is located. Now hold the thing directly facing the sun. Generally it takes some time to get the flame as the process has to dry the match stick and then ignite it. Remember to keep some tinder nearby so that you can set fire to it as soon as the match stick catches the flame.

Thus, now you can now create fire when you do not have a lighter or any ignition source or even if you have a wet match stick!

Every serious hiker has a dream – to hike the Grand Canyon. People who have hiked the Grand Canyon usually express one of the two opposite feelings. They either want to come to the Grand Canyon again at the earliest, or, they swear not to come to it again! Though hiking the Grand Canyon is a different ball game altogether from other hiking trips, it is a wonderful way to experience the rich natural wealth of the king-size canyon. 

Mental Attitude

For hiking the Grand Canyon, you need the right mental set up. The hiking trip is so demanding that people with excellent physical condition, often emerge fatigued. Hiking the Grand Canyon is a test of your physical and mental endurance power. Children, aged persons, and even people with physical disabilities are known to have hiked the Grand Canyon with success. Undoubtedly, these people had rock-solid, never-say-die, positive attitude.

Early Explorations

The first recorded exploration of the region occurred in the mid 1800s, when an army unit led by Lieutenant Joseph Ives came to explore the area. According to Ives, the locality was “profitless” and “valueless.”

Much later, John Wesley Powell became the first to raft the Grand Canyon in 1869.
He, along with his team traveled more than 1000 miles through the canyon in wooden boats. Powell made a second attempt to visit the unexplored part of the Grand Canyon in 1871. He later founded the U.S. Geological Society. In the course of time, the Grand Canyon attracted more and more explorers.

Grand Canyon–a Geographical Overview

The Grand Canyon is in the northwestern corner of Arizona, in the vicinity of Utah and Nevada borders. The Colorado River, flowing through the canyon, drains water from seven states of the U.S. But the hiking site (actually what is known as Grand Canyon) is entirely in Arizona. The major portion of the Grand Canyon is within the Grand Canyon National Park.  The mile-deep Colorado River bisects the National Park into north and south rims. The two rims are different in elevation and have different climatic conditions. The vegetation types are also different.

Tips for Hiking the Grand Canyon

The first and basic activity prior to any exploration is planning. It is all the more crucial for the Grand Canyon. Do not hike alone. You have to get the weather forecast ahead and the places where water will be available. You have to hike intelligently and never ever fall into the trap of over-ambitiousness. You have to climb high in dry, desert-like conditions. Be conservative in planning your hike. If you are suffering from diseases like asthma, diabetes, or heart ailments, you should limit your exertion and exposure to heat.

You need to travel light. Food and water should consume the bulk of your travel pack. You need a pair of well-fitted hiking boots. A flashlight with spare bulb and batteries might prove to be highly effective. You will require sunglasses and sunscreen to beat the heat of the sun. A map, a compass, and a signal mirror will help to prevent you from getting lost. A whistle will help you to alert other hikers in case you are in distress. A first aid kit is an absolute necessity in such rigorous explorations. Waterproof clothing is another essential item. Keep spare dry clothes too in case you get wet.

Do not increase your speed unnecessarily and exert yourself too much. You should be able to talk while walking. Walking along with talking ensures that your legs and body are getting adequate supply of oxygen for proper functioning. You have to take a ten minute break after every hour of hiking. This measure will ensure that the metabolic waste products that are built up in your legs get removed. During the break, eat some food and drink some fluids.

Taking food and drinks adequately and frequently is a must. You have to eat and drink more than you usually do. After every hour of hiking, you need to drink at least a liter of water or sports drinks. To supply the necessary energy, you should have a wholesome breakfast, full-course lunch, snacks every time you drink, and a fulfilling dinner. Remember, the level of exhaustion is so hard that this is not the time for dieting.

Coming back from the hike can be harder than ascent. Plan 1/3 of your time to descend and 2/3 to ascend (for every hour you hike into the canyon, plan on spending two hours to hike out). As a matter of courtesy, give uphill hikers the right of way.  In case you need expert help, you can take the help of guided hikes from the Grand Canyon Field Institute.

Additional Information

Write To

Grand Canyon National Park
P.O. Box 129
Grand Canyon, AZ 86023

Visitor Information
(928) 638-7888

Website: http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm 

Hiking in the winter can be a great experience, but it is quite different than hiking at other times of the year. You will need to take extra caution and use gear that you don’t need during the other seasons. If you are contemplating winter hiking here are some things you should know.

First, never take your first winter hike by yourself.  It is always best to set out with someone who has some experience hiking in winter weather.  Even late winter can be cold, windy and snowy.  Learning from hikers who have winter experience will make for a safe, enjoyable hike. If you can, start by trying shorter winter hikes first.  Do a few before heading out on a long winter hike. This will allow you to get used to winter hiking and learn the tips and tricks that will allow for a smooth hike.

As you begin to prepare for your winter hike, know what gear you will need.  Without proper winter gear you could find yourself in trouble and even freeze to death.  Here is a list of items to get your started.

Boots:  The most important item for winter hiking is a pair of warm boots.  Many hikers choose insulated leather boots, but no matter what your preference, make sure the boots are large enough to fit at least two pairs of socks.  Always take extra socks, preferably made from wool, and layer them.

Layers:  Not only are layers great for keeping warm but they also allow you to remove clothing if you are getting too warm.  Yes, even in the winter you will sweat.  Your base layer should include long underwear, your middle layer should be some type of fleece jacket and your outer layer should be waterproof and breathable to protect you from winter winds and other weather.  Never choose cotton as a fabric for any of your layers as it can get wet, freeze and simply will not keep you insulated.

Hats, mittens and other protective wear: A light hat is recommended for when you are warm and hiking and a heavy hat that will cover your ears is needed for when it is windy and bitter cold.  You should also have some type of face mask.  You should wear gloves first with mittens layered over the top.  Make sure you bring several pairs.

Snowshoes and trekking poles:  If your hiking will take you into deep snow, snow shoes are a must.  There are different styles to choose from, but newer varieties made of aluminum or plastic tend to be easier to use.  Trekking poles help to keep you moving and balanced.

Snow shovel:  If you will be hiking in deep snow, especially if there is any threat of an avalanche, a show shovel is a must and everyone in your group should have one for safety.

Other recommended gear:  Don’t leave without your water bottle, plenty of nourishment, goggles, emergency gear and a first aid kit. Pretty much everything you would take along on your hike during other seasons should be with you in the winter as well.

Finally, as you hike in the winter, there are some easy techniques that might help you out.  One of the most important is how to make a snow shoe track.  When using snow shoes take turns leading to break the trail, this will help disperse the hard work of being the leader.  If you are in front make sure you are taking small enough steps that others can easily follow.  If you are following, try your best to stay in the track.  This will keep you moving at a faster pace.

Many hikers fear cooking in the backcountry thinking that cooking will be difficult and that food options will be dull and tasteless.  This however, could not be farther from the truth.  Cooking in the backcountry can not only be simple, but also very tasteful.  You will just need to take a little time before you head out to plan your menus, prepare your ingredients and make sure you have all the right gear.

Let’s start with the gear you will need.  Most hikers prefer a stove to an open campfire.  Some places you might not be able to start a camp fire and a stove will provide for easier cooking.  There are basically two types of stoves that work well and can easily fit into a camper’s back pack.  The first is a canister stove which is small and lightweight.  It is user friendly and runs either on propane or butane.  It however does not work so well in cold weather, which is something to keep in mind if you plan to do winter hiking.

Another great option is the liquid fuel stove. This one is just a bit heavier and slightly more bulky.  It is easy to use, however and can be used in all types of weather.  It can run on a variety of fuels, but most often is run on white gas.

After you have your stove you will need to get cookware and utensils.  Cookware should be stainless steel or aluminum.  Many choose aluminum because it is lightweight and easy to clean.  Many find it easiest to purchase a cooking kit, that comes with pots and lids that double as frying pans.  The size of the kit you purchase should depend on the number of people you will be cooking for.

As far as utensils go you will need bowls to eat out of. A plastic container with a lid works best.  You can even find ones that collapse to save space.  Silverware is also important with a spoon and knife being essential.  You may also want to take along a spatula and serving spoon. Many hikers also like to carry with them an insulated mug.

Once you have all your gear it is time to plan your menu, shop for your ingredients and package what you will be taking with you.  Try to avoid glass containers and cans.  Whenever possible repackage items in zipper bags, and include the ingredients and directions inside.  Small plastic bottles are a great way to take along liquid items like syrup and cooking oil.  It takes a lot of energy to hike so make sure you are bringing along enough food to stay properly nourished.

There are some other tips you will want to keep in mind.  Always supplement any meals you have planned with high energy snacks.  Never cook inside your tent.  Prepare as much of your food as possible before turning on your stove.  This will save on fuel.

Finally, you can find some great recipes for your backcountry cooking all over the internet.  Here are a couple of simple recipes you will find at http://www.onepanwonders.com

Split Pea and Bacon Soup
Serves 1-2

1/3 cup green split peas (either soup mix or cooked and dried)
2 tablespoons shelf stable bacon
1 tablespoon dried carrots
1 tablespoon dried potato shreds
1 teaspoon onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried celery (or 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds)
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Before leaving home combine all ingredients into a zipper bag.

When you are ready to prepare, place all contents of bag in a pot and cover with water.  Stir well.  After cooking let stand 5 minutes before eating.

Bacon Mushroom and Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
2 servings

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
3 tablespoons shelf stable bacon crumbles
1/8 cup dried mushrooms, broken up
1 teaspoon dry basil
1/8 cup sun dried tomatoes, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon butter powder
½ tablespoon dried parsley
¼ cup powdered milk
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Before leaving home combine everything but the parmesan cheese and put in a zipper bag.  The parmesan cheese should be put in its own bag.

When you are ready to prepare, place 2 ¼ cups water into a pot and boil.  Add the zipper bag of combined ingredients and cook until the pasta is to your liking.  Top the dish with the parmesan cheese.

For our first post about a hiking trail, we have decided to go with the February “Hike of the Month” from pnwhikes.com.

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located in Olympia, WA and is easily accessed from Seattle or Portland. The refuge is located just off of exit 114 of Interstate 5. The refuge is made up of 2,818 acres and has three separate trails:

Nisqually Estuary Trail: A half mile of this trail was opened on November 12th, 2009. This trail boasts great views of the estuary and sits atop the new exterior dike.

Brown Farm Dike Trail: This 5.5 mile has been permanently closed as of May 4th, 2009.

Twin Barns Loop Trail: This 1 mile loop takes you into the heart of the refuge, and provides prime location for wildlife viewing.

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was opened in 1974 for the protection of migratory birds. The grounds are used as nesting areas for migratory waterfowl, songbirds, raptors and wading birds. The trails in the refuge are almost completely flat, and make the perfect all-season hike.

Additional Information:

Map:

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
100 Brown Farm Road
Olympia, WA 98516
Phone: (360) 753-9467
Fax: (360)534-9302

U.S Fish & Wildlife Service Website: http://www.fws.gov/Nisqually/

pnwhikes.com: http://www.pnwhikes.com/hike.asp?hid=88

We’re excited to bring you this brand new blog. We plan on writing about everything hiking related, from trails, the latest gear, weather and everything else we can think of. We hope you find “A Hiking Blog…” useful, informative and fun!!!