Hiking - Do it Right or Not at All

There are few things as relaxing as a leisurely hike.  Done correctly, it can be a pleasant and safe experience; done incorrectly, you're just asking for trouble.

You would think there's really nothing to it.  Just pick a place you want to go and start walking.  I encounter many people who do just that every time I go out.  In the winter, I pass people who are dressed lightly and not carrying any water.  I'll admit my winter hiking is done in Central Arizona where the daytime temperatures are usually between 40 and 60 degrees, but last winter and spring I was snowed on during three different hikes and just about froze my toes off at the top of a 7,700-foot mountain.  The temperature at the bottom of that particular hike was close to 70 degrees.  It may appear I'm not dressed for cold weather in this picture, but I'm wearing three long-sleeve shirts and took off my heavy coat and gloves for this shot.

During the spring, there are new problems to consider.  On a hike along the Cottonwood Trail North of Cave Creek (March, 2007) we could see rain in the higher mountains but only felt a few sprinkles during the six hours we were out.  We crossed a stream several times during that hike and I was concerned each time because of the storms in the distance.  The concern turned out to be justified on the way back when the stream that had been about 6 inches deep and barely moving turned into a river about 30 feet across and knee deep.   Here are some before and after pictures of the same crossing (from opposite sides).
                                  

Summer is the time of year when I find myself asking my hiking buddy  "did you see that?" more than usual.  It's the time when people seem to think all they need to prepare for a hike is find a place to go.  We'll be miles into the Arizona wilderness and on our way back to my truck, halfway through our large supply of water, then suddenly pass someone coming toward us.  It's usually someone in their 20's, dressed in shorts and a tank top with running shoes or sandals with no backpack or water.  The best part is, they look at us like we're the ones who are out of place.  We both have hiking boots, hats and trekking poles.  My friend has a waist-pack full of water and snacks, I have a hiking backpack with an internal hydration pack and I'm carrying extra water as well.  My backpack contains snacks, Benadryl, Ibuprofen, a first aid kit, emergency blanket and rain poncho, matches, flashlight, cell phone, extra batteries, camera, knife, extra socks, a mirror, compass and whistle.  Without the water, this weighs about three pounds and I wouldn't consider hiking without it.

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