Like Hiking The Fields?

Whether your just hiking or doing field experiments, you need
to keep a few things in mind, you are NOT at home in a recliner
watch your favorite TV program. When a person goes out into
the field or woodland hiking for pleasure or working, there are
a few things to remember. One, you are in somewhat of a
wilderness, not sitting in a nice, safe room looking at papers
or a computer screen. Remember that! Anything can happen
in the outdoors.

In today’s world, people usually hike on well prepared and
maintained trails. These trails are often patrolled by Rangers
or Game Wardens. But, what about the individuals that go
out where there are no maintained trails, no Rangers on
patrol, and where the chances of injury or being lost are
high?

If you are out hiking in a field or the forest, or even just a
few feet from the highway, always remember to keep your
mind on what you are doing and your surroundings. Do not
let problems at work or at home or the angry person on the
highway that passed you and gave you, a one-fingered salute
distract you. Being outdoors in the woods can sometimes be
dangerous if you do not use common sense and think about
the objective, your hike, your photos, or field research.

If you park beside the highway as you begin your fieldwork
or hiking, pay attention to what is going on around you.
Always look around your feet when you are getting out of
the car or truck. Is the ground rocky or muddy? Are there
any wild dogs or snakes around you? Is there Ice on the
gravel or rocks? When you step into the tall grass, is there
really ground under the grass or some hole being hidden by
the grass. Take your time and look around thoroughly. Your
time out there is important to you or you wouldn’t be there,
so use all of your senses.

Look, Listen, and even smell. Many encounters with wild
creatures have been associated with strong and sometimes
foul smells. Next, before you walk into the grass or trees
know where you parked your car! This might sound odd,
but in the past, I have been on trips and came out of the
trees and brush almost ¼ of a mile from where I parked
my truck!

Always carry a compass in your pack and know which direc-
tion you are going away from your car. Then just go the
opposite direction on the way back and you should have no
trouble coming out of the trees close to where you entered
the woods.

TELL someone where you are going to be at and about when
you think you will be coming back. There are enough missing
person's reports without rescue teams having to add you to
the list. Cell phones do come in handy. A survival kit (small
one) is needed. Even if you are conducting an experiment or
doing a report in a High-rise building, or gated community,
always think ahead.

In the Woods, remember while you are out there in the woods,
even a grassy field, you will not always be able to see what is in
the grass. From a puddle of water to a rabbit hole, to a rotted
log you just happen to trip over. Stepping in water in February
is a sure way to put a damper your spirits. Wet feet will slow
you down every time, as well as blister your feet.

Always try to be in good physical shape. Walking up a steep
hillside is a big difference from walking in a parking lot. You
do not want to get out 5 miles from nowhere and have a heart
attack right. Think about what you will need. Water, snack,
Binoculars, note pad, video camera (and a back up camera in
case something happens to the first one). Are just a few things.
Do not wear sandals to go walking in snow or mud. Just use
your head and common sense and you will have a fantastic
experience that you can enjoy.

Stop every few minutes and look hard at where you are and
WHAT is happening around you. Don't always keep looking
at the ground, look around yourself. Don't let your emotions
or pride ruin what could be good quality time. So many times
pride has ruined a good field trip. Leave your anger and
worries at work and just enjoy the hike.

Don't try to be Superhuman in a bad situation. I have run
into some very difficult situations and went running to the
car or truck and locking myself in, is not something to be
ashamed of. Enjoy your time spent outdoors and be safe.