Baker's Outdoor Blog

Sunday, March 22, 2009

First Hike of the Season

After a very quiet winter with me at war with my lower back I am finally able to get out and hike.

Today I went up the little Pilot Knob Ridge preserve that I am a volunteer for and did my first loop around all the trails. I was very happy seeing all the trails in excellent shape. I won't have to spend the first few weekends up there hacking blowdown.

I am looking forward to getting up north and we are planning a 5 day trip on the NPT so I have a lot to look forward to this summer.

I was happy with my winter conditioning program, I was out of breath in a couple of spots, but not bad really. Of course I was taking it easy the first time out. I will push it a little more next week.

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Practice the 7 Rules of leave no trace

1. PLAN AHEAD AND PREPARE Know the regulations and special considerations for the area you'll visit.Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.Travel in groups of less than ten people to minimize impacts.

2. TRAVEL AND CAMP ON DURABLE SURFACES Hike in the middle of the trail; stay off of vegetation.Camp in designated sites where possible.In other areas, don't camp within 150 feet of water or a trail.

3. DISPOSE OF WASTE PROPERLY Pack out all trash (including toilet paper), leftover food, and litter.Use existing privies, or dig a cat hole five to fix inches deep, then cover the hole.Wash yourself and dishes at least 150 feet from water.

4. LEAVE WHAT YOU FIND Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.Let photos, drawings, or journals help capture your memories.Do not build structures or furniture or dig trenches.

5. MINIMIZE CAMPFIRE IMPACTSUse a portable stove to avoid the lasting impact of a campfire.Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings and only collect downed wood.Burn all fires to ash, put out campfires completely, then hide traces of fire.

6. RESPECT WILDLIFEObserve wildlife from a distance.Avoid wildlife during mating, nesting, and other sensitive times.Control pets at all times, and clean up after them.

7. BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER VISITORSRespect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.Let natural sounds prevail; avoid loud sounds and voices.Be courteous and yield to other users on the trail.