10 Ways for Seniors to Protect Themselves from Falls

As a senior, it becomes more important than ever to think about falls. After working so hard in our younger years to retire comfortably we don’t want to end up with an injury. My wife works in a nursing home and rehabilitation facility. My wife has seen many falls that have changed peoples lives and, unfortunately, in most cases injuries only get worse.

Seniors are more susceptible to injury because of slowed reflexes, vision issues, medication side effects, and muscle weakness. Also, pride and stubbornness get in the way of changing things to make the senior’s life safer. Believe me, giving a bit to change your household is much better than waiting for someone to help you to the bathroom every time you need to go!

These are some of my suggestions that will not only assure you a better quality of life but will also help to avoid some possible falls.

1. Prevent falls by avoiding common dangers – The best way to stay safe is to keep an uncluttered home. Many items like small statues and lamp tables can be tripped over. To avoid these falls and bumps keep these items along outside walls. Also, keep them at least 2 feet from doorways.Keep steps clear indoors and out. Keep your yard, garage, and closets clear. Watch for sticks, rocks, and other debris that may be hidden in grass causing you to fall. Also, keep the grass mowed so it makes walking through the yard safer.
2. Bathroom dangers – The bathroom is a highly dangerous area. It’s almost designed to fall in. Almost all bathroom falls can cause permanent damage and we need to think ahead. Shower falls, wet floor slips, slipping off the toilet, scale, bumping your head on the sink, even that darn laundry basket can be dangerous.Some simple and great options are putting in shower and bath guards. Not only do they save you from falling in the shower but putting one on the wall closest to the toilet can also help you stay steady.

   Some other great safety options are to put a non-slip adhesive on the shower floor. This easy inexpensive fix can literally help save your life! Walk-in showers are a great option and one of the best risk preventatives in dealing with shower slips.

3. Mats and rugs cause falls – Mats and rugs cause many trips and falls. Area rugs look great but can easily get caught up on your feet, shoes, and slippers. If you do need to have an area rug choose a heavy one that is non-skid. The ends of the rug should be tapered so it cannot easily be tripped on. The best option is not to have the area rug.Welcome mats and mats you put in front of the sink can also cause trips. Using some simple double-sided tape to keep them in place will go a long way to keeping them from slipping and causing trips. Some specially made mats will actually hug the floor so it can’t be tripped on easily.
4. Sensible foot ware – Some footwear like open toed shoes or flip flops will catch just about anything possible. Sometimes it’s a combination of things that will cause people and specifically seniors to fall. Flip fops will easily catch on stairs with the slightest of dizziness. This is why we need to keep you barefoot in the home or with a closed shoe.
5. Using a cane – Using a cane or walking stick is like giving you a third leg. Not that you might need one but it can help you in times where you may have vertigo or get up to quickly causing dizziness. Canes may even be stylish so getting one that suits your style will even look great!
6. Medical side effects – Medications always have side effects and they don’t always affect us the same way. Most seniors are taking some sort of blood pressure medications. They often cause low blood pressure and dizziness. We don’t know when a spell will hit up and it could be while walking or mowing the lawn. Always being prepared and having 2 points of contact on something steady will keep you on your feet.
7. Never be alone – The best advice I have for you is not to be alone. Seniors should always have a family member or friend with them. I have many senior friends and they all have horror stories of trips and falls. Some of them have even been trapped overnight in the garage or basement. This is why it’s so important to have someone with you just incase you are stuck. It’s much better to call out to a real person for help than to wait till someone notices you missing. The next option will help if you don’t have someone to stay with you.
8. Have a cell phone or emergency alarm – All seniors that stay alone should have some sort of emergency system that calls easily alert help to any situation. If you cannot afford one of these systems then carry a cell phone with you at all times. Have to speed dials for every person or agency that you may need. If the need arises you should be able to quickly call for help.
9. Live on one floor – Having multiple floors in your home gives you multiple ways to get hurt. Slips and falls down the steps may not only hurt you but may end your life. Either move everything you need on these other floors to the main living floor or consider downsizing.
10. Don’t shovel snow – When the bad weather hits don’t be tempted to shovel the snow. Many heart attacks, strokes, falls, and broken hips happen while trying to make a path to the mailbox. It makes much more sense to either ask a neighbor or hire help to deal with the snow. If you can’t get help shoveling, invest in buying ice melt. It will cost you much less than the hospital will and will be less painful than a broken bone. Just go out more often to spread salt and do it in a safe manner.

As we get older we have to make changes that we really don’t want to, to stay safe. I know you like that rug or plant where it is but consider how different your life will be after a serious injury. Making some sensible changes in your home today will allow you to stay healthier longer while living in your home.

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How to Find a Lost Hiker

Having to find a lost friend or loved one would be a scary situation. Thousands of people get lost each year while enjoying the outdoors. While most of them are found within hours, some aren’t found at all. Your life depends on your knowledge and how easy people can find you if you need help.

If you think someone you know is lost follow these few steps first;

1. Try and contact them by cell phone or radio if you have them.
2. Go to the parking spot and look for clues.
3. If you are familiar with the area, stay on the path and call their name.

Most of these simple options can help you contact your missing friend or help your friend find you. Contacting the authorities, a couple hours after you think someone is lost, may just be jumping the gun. The last thing you want is to take resources away from authorities if you don’t have a real lost hiker.

Report a lost hiker

If you are sure your hiker is lost, by all means, call authorities and report a lost hiker. Call the authorities and give them all the information you have along with the planned hiking information. Hopefully, you have the plan available that the hiker had made before going on the adventure. This should list a topographical map with the drawn-out route, times of departure and arrival with expected rest areas, and times of rest at each stop. All of this will help rescuers to estimate where the lost hiker could be.

Authorities will contact all the organizations needed, such as rescue associations in the area and medical services, if needed. The rescue organization in the area will most likely organize separate groups to search areas dependent on the information provided by the person that contacted authorities. This is always the first step, and then as they search these starting points, they will fan out.

Signals

Not only are searchers looking for the hiker; they will be looking for key signals that may have been left by the hiker.

• Shoes and specifically the tracks of the hiker
• Signs that the hiker may have left the trail
• Why the hiker may have left the trail
• Broken branches and even bent over blades of grass
• Signs of injury like blood, drag marks, and gear left behind
• Trail signals like rock groupings or stick arrows
• The help signals of groups of 3
• Sounds that may be made by the lost person
• Smell of a campfire
• Sight of smoke

These are just a few of the common things good rescuers look for. It also depends greatly on the clues of the hiker and their experience.

What Can You Do?

While rescue authorities are on the search, it’s best to let them do their job. Getting other people lost while trying to help just takes away resources from the lost person. When the search crews are not searching, feel free to organize your own search party. With proper equipment, you may be able to help. Some of my suggestions are as follows.

• Megaphone to help lead the person to you
• Medical equipment
• Use your ears to hear the call for help
• GPS
• Maps both topographical and satellite maps
• Groups of people

Stay organized; having a lone wolf take-off into the woods is not a safe way to handle a search. Remember, the most important person of the situation is the lost person. Staying united in teams searching area by area is the fastest most thorough way to find them.

Search Dogs

Search dogs are an invaluable tool. A well-trained canine can track and smell things you won’t be able to notice. Rescue teams use these amazing animals to help look or go where we can’t. Many rescue operations have been successful because of man’s best friend!

Not only are the search dogs amazing. The dog handlers can read the dogs’ movements and barks just as if they were speaking the same language.

Aerial Search

Authorities will use helicopters and airplanes to search. This can be really difficult to find people this way unless they are in a clearing. Aerial searches are most productive at looking over river banks, lake edges and tree clearings. Some of the things they will be looking for are international calls for help like groups of 3 or 3 sounds (three shots from a firearm) and smoke or things that shine (signal mirror.)

Now search crews are also using drones. Once a toy, drones have quickly become an invaluable tool for search and rescue. Drones can get to places where other aircrafts can’t go. Drones cost less to operate, and that means more can be used in areas to speed up the search process.

Is the Lost Hiker Coherent?

Remember, you may not always be looking for a coherent person. They may be unable to call for help or signal. You could possibly be feet away from the lost person, and unless they signal, you may pass right by them.

Don’t leave anything to chance. Look on all sides of fallen trees, boulders, ledges and even bushes. A weak person could sleep through an army going by. They may have even used leaves and branches to protect them from the elements.

This information is meant to help you understand the process of finding a lost hiker. You can understand that you can assist in the effort to find your loved one. Working together with authorities will assure the best turnout in finding that lost hiker.

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What is a 14er and why does it matter

A 14er is a term used to describe mountains that are at 14,000 feet or higher. Mountain climbing enthusiasts seek out these natural wonders to hike, climb, and simply enjoy. At 14,000 feet you have the normal challenges that you have on any other hike along with the added potential to get Altitude sickness.

Altitude Sickness

While living life at sea level, a good percentage of thrill seekers will find that going above 14,000 feet is not all that fun. What happens is that the hiker cannot get enough oxygen from the air at that altitude. The air is thinner at 14,000 feet above sea level. The symptoms of altitude sickness are,

• Fast breathing
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Sleeplessness
• Loss of appetite

Altitude sickness is caused by the elevations changing quicker than the body can acclimate to it. If you hike or climb slower and rest in between elevations your body will have a smooth adjustment. If, however you do get altitude sickness symptoms, they should vanish once your body gets accustomed to the new elevation.

Preparing for the Journey

The excitement of the 14er doesn’t begin at the climb, it begins with training. A few things you will want and in my opinion, need to do is to prepare for the hike. I suggest if you live at sea level, get to a higher elevation for a day or more. Getting your body acclimated to a higher altitude will make breathing easier along with minimizing the chances of dealing with headaches, stomach issues, and fatigue.

In my opinion exercising should also help. The 14er’s will take between 5 hours to a full day. That is taxing on even seasoned hikers. Getting a training regimen and sticking to it will help to assure you a successful hike.

Do your research and find out the time it takes for your chosen 14er. Now you can prepare for that long walk. Start in your immediate area and build up your ability to walk for that time period while also being geared up as you would make the real walk. This will not only build your resistance but will also wear in your boots and other gear you will take with you.

Why a 14er

Most 14ers offer convenient access for almost any level of enthusiasts. Families like them because children who can climb can join in on the fun. A day on a 14er can include hiking, photography, and even skiing! People just enjoy the clean air and environment on hills that can be hiked in a day.

For solo hikers, the 14er offers an adventure without as much danger that other mountains have. Some of these peaks offer more of a challenge than others, offering you an option to fit your skill. Hiking these mountains will allow you to push yourself and grow your skills.

The challenge of the hike is what the 14er is about. Pushing yourself to fight altitude sickness and fatigue on the journey to the top. Then the long walk back to tell your friends about it. The success of the challenge will just feed the need to conquer other 14er’s and possibly all of them.

Follow the Switchbacks

Most of the trails on 14er’s are well marked. Switchbacks are your best option and safest even though they may be longer than taking a direct route to the top. Staying on these marked routes gives you a safer path, keeps you from getting lost, and keeps the ecosystem from damage. The last thing you want to do is trample all over, damaging plant and animal life.

Having these well-marked trails is a big draw to hikers that want an adventure without ending up on the late-night news. Have respect for nature and the people that maintain these trails by keeping them clean and undamaged.

What Else

Ok, so you may not have thought about it, but what do you do if you need to go? Well you won’t find porta-potties along the trail. You will become closer to nature than some are used to. Especially if it’s your first 14er. Modesty is challenging on some of the 14er’s because of the popularity. Walk a safe distance off the trail and wait until the coast is clear. Make sure you bring a roll of toilet tissue anleak-proofroof container to take back your used toilet paper or other personal products. Keep the mountain as you found it and do not litter!

Keep Hydrated and Nourished

Staying hydrated will not only keep the energy up but will also aid against altitude sickness. Bring plenty of water probably more that you think you will need. I would also try and bring a drink that has electrolytes to help your body recover.

High energy foods that are light should be brought along, as well. Some foods to bring are jerky, nuts, energy bars, and dried fruits. Foods high in fats and energy will feed your body under stress while keeping you fairly light. Other foods may wear you out and slow you down. Do some research on the proper foods to take if you are unsure.

Weather

The weather can change quickly and vary depending on the elevation. Pack extra clothing so you can layer up or down to maintain your temperature. Keep from getting cold and keep from sweating. Also bring rain gear to keep dry. It’s sometimes hard to predict the weather and getting caught in rain without the proper gear can lead to hypothermia.

The heat can also wreak havoc on your body. Keep breathable clothing and use a hat to protect your head. Sun glasses and sunblock are also needed not only in the summer but in the winter.

All of these elements and challenges is what makes these 14er’s so popular. People just want to push themselves and see if they can make the peak. So, if you want to test yourself find a 14er that matches your skill. I may find you there enjoying the sights from the top looking down on the people below!

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What to Do If You Get Lost Hiking

Even the most experienced hiker can find themselves [HOW TO FIND A LOST HIKER] in a bad situation. One of the worst situations hikers can get into is losing their bearings. I was lost once in the woods while hunting and can tell you from experience how scary it is.

The main thing you want to do as a hiker or outdoors person is to make sure you don’t get lost during a hike. Some of the steps you can take during a hike are to either follow a trail or make one. Most hikers run into trouble when they go off the beaten trail. Trails make it easier to hike and keep you on the right path. When you go off the trail everything starts looking the same and if you haven’t left markers or have a gps you may be getting into trouble.

So, if you have to get off the trail for some reason, make some markers. One tip all outdoors lovers should do is carry a roll of flagging tape. Flagging tape is just a plastic ribbon with a highly visible color. As you walk through the woods just tie a piece of flagging tape every 25’-100’ depending on what you can see. This will make it easier for you to find your path back or help someone find you if needed.

An old-time way to leave a marker is to bend over branches and you walk your path. It takes an experienced person to make a trail like this or follow one. Make the branches obvious and practice this skill before you need to use it.

If you find yourself lost you will have a host of feelings that can make your situation worst. Fear sets in and the brain can shut down. Most of the time people will start moving quicker and get tunnel vision moving them into a wrong direction. Every step in the wrong direction does 2 things and neither is good.

• You get harder to find every step you take while lost
• You make it harder for yourself to find the way out and every step is in the wrong direction

Thinking about these 2 points the lost hiker needs to make the most important decision. Do you continue, or do you stay in one spot and wait for rescue? I assure you that this will feel like the most important decision of your life at the time. In fact, it may be the most important decision you ever make.

Choosing to stay in one spot

Choosing to sit and wait is almost always the best option. Hopefully you notified friends and family of your plans and time schedule. If you don’t show up at a certain time they will come looking for you. It might just take someone within ears distance to shout your name to get you on track. That would be the best scenario. If you had kept moving you may be hours or even days from rescue. It could end up a media spectacle at that point. So, sitting and waiting if you are absolutely lost is the best option.

Searching for a way out

If you are in a situation where you have not told anyone your plan or timeline sitting and waiting may not be an option. In this situation, it may take some time for coworkers or family to alert authorities of your disappearance.

A good hiker will research the area and landmarks. If you are new to hiking it’s time to step up your game. Get a topographical map of the area you are going to and burn it into your memory. The map will show you hills, mountains, cliffs, creeks, ponds, rivers, and much more. Once you learn to read them properly you will even love your adventure more. Don’t wait to get lost before you try and figure out how to read the map.

Google maps can also be a great tool. There you might be able to see other landmarks like tree clearings and even types of outcrops. Anything you can see will help you understand the environment. Knowing the area before you get out there will help you make smarter and more educated decisions.

Follow the water

If you find a creek or river follow it out. Most creeks will feed into larger bodies of water. Following one downstream will usually bring you to civilization. Again, if you have studied your route you may even know how far towns are from the body of water.

Follow your compass

Always bring a compass and take a bearing while going into the woods. If you go into the wood in a southern direction just follow the compass in the northern direction. This won’t get you out in the same spot but will get you back to the road eventually.

Using a compass is not that hard but if you never used one it may be useless. Practice this skill or take a boy scout with you! It’s one of the most important skills a boy scout is taught and that is for good reason. Many people are boggled by the idea but it just takes a little practice.

GPS

Having a GPS and knowing how to use it makes staying on the trail and getting home easy. I have a GPS and can plot my way in as I go. I find that depending on it can diminish your awareness of nature so don’t depend on it, but rather use it as a tool. Keep a spare set of batteries because you will need it.

Walk the line

Most people walk in circles. Everyone has one leg a bit shorter than the other. This tends to make us turn slowly in length distances. To combat this, try and look as far into the distance and pick a reference point. This could be a mountain, tree, or manmade object. Following the sun or stars won’t work because the earth rotates making them look like they are moving. Experts that know the path of objects in the sky can calculate the right movement but those people would not be lost, to begin with.

Listen to the environment

Listening carefully as you walk can save you. Actively listening can give you clues as to the way out. The sound of a school bus, dog barking, church bell, or any other sounds will lead you to people. Less experienced hikers may just rely on their eyes and this is a mistake. Even the smell of burning wood may lead you to a person’s house in the winter.

Like I said, I have been lost before and I had to tell myself to keep calm and use my wits. Many people will resort to a cave man mentality and just freak out. This is the worst thing to do. Keep calm, use the skills you have, and think before you move. Only move when you are certain it’s the right thing to do.

I hope this is not a situation you will get into but almost every outdoors person will eventually come into this situation. To keep the risk down, stay on the path and know your environment!

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David Pelow’s Favorite Hike

Our most exciting adventure to date has been hiking the narrows in Zion National Park in Utah.

It is an amazing river hike through a slot canyon at times only 18′ wide and 1500 feet straight up. It can be 100 degrees in the town of Springdale Ut where Zion is located but 50 degrees in the canyon where little sunshine reaches.

About 4 miles in starts a journey through an area called Wall Street.

This is truly a magical hike. This should be on everyone’s list of hikes.

There are many other outstanding hikes in Zion if waters not your thing check out Angels Landing.

 

Dave Pelow
Happy hiking!

 

 

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Becky and Jessa’s Favorite Hike

If you know Becky McCabe, you know she loves video games, studying, and her cat. As you can tell, being indoors is preferred by Becky.
After receiving her bachelor’s degree Becky packed up from New Jersey to head down to Tennessee for her master’s and doctorate.
In Tennessee Becky studied harder than ever, putting all her focus into school. That is until she met Jessa.

And luckily for Jessa, it was easy to persuade Becky into “taking a hike”.
The two decided to go to Sugar Loaf Mountain in Heber Springs Arkansas.

“Jessa says it was her favorite hike because I went camping for the first time with her. There was some mild rock climbing involved that definitely got the adrenaline up, but it was definitely worth it for the incredible view.”

Camping? Not really something Becky ever thought she’d do. Once a year her family goes to Pennsylvania to spend some time in their cabin, but pitch a tent? Start a fire? Certainly not things that were in her studies.

 

Somehow, everything worked out. The hike had beautiful views and the camping turned out to be fun. Who would have guessed? (Probably Jessa!)

“We camped at John F. Kennedy Campground, which was beautiful right on the river. We managed to survive camping through a severe thunderstorm with some of the loudest thunder I’ve ever heard. Other than that, the weather was absolutely perfect. All in all, 15 s’mores later, my first camping trip was definitely a success!”

 

And with that Becky had survived! Plans for future hikes and camping trips are always in the girls’ minds.

 

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We will get back to you and let you know if your article will be considered for inclusion. If it is approved, we’ll let you know. If it is approved, we’ll let you know if it will be posted on our blog or our website.

When you are ready to submit an article please contact us here or email us at support@montemlife.com

 

Here are a few topics that we write about:

• Camping
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How to Deal with Hiking Knee Pain

Most active people eventually have to deal with aches and pains. A common pain almost all hikers have is knee pain. All the wear and tear of climbing, bending, weather, and age can contribute to pain. Well, the good news is that you have many options to overcome your knee pains!

Knee pain is caused by swelling of the joints. This can be from the damage you have incurred, age has a lot to do with it or even the early onset of arthritis. Regardless of the cause, we have 2 basic options. First, we can try and mask the pain. This will give you quick relief and should be the first option. The second option is a more long-term option that includes therapy, vitamins, homeopathic medications, and even acupuncture.

For now, I want to focus on controlling pain while on the trail. Most hikers understand that pain is a natural part of the sport. Knee pain usually starts later in life after years of wear and tear. Here are some options you can take to quickly give yourself relief. Some of the options I recommend are over the counter painkillers like Ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, and Capsaicin Creams.

Willow Tree Tea

If you find yourself on the trail without some of these pain medications, then we can use some natural options you can find in mother nature. Did you know that aspirin was created from the bark of willow trees? The bark has acetylsalicylic acid and controls pain. A tea can be made from the bark and is actually probably safer than taking aspirin which is a much more concentrated version.

If you do not know how to identify a willow tree then don’t use this option. It is easy to identify a willow tree but there are 4 basic types and they all work. If you have positively identified the tree it’s time to start to cut. Cut about a 2”x3” section all the way through the inner layer of bark. You will know if you have it right if you see the pink inner layer of bark come off with the outer layer of bark. Harvest all the pink layer of the tree and don’t worry this wound will heal and won’t cause any long-term damage to the tree.

I find that the best way to get all the medicine out of the bark isn’t to boil the bark. Boil a cup of water first and pour it into a drinking cup. Now put your bark in it and cover the cup for 20 minutes. This will work the acetylsalicylic acid out of the bark without damaging the medicine. You can actually cook the medicine out of the bark making it useless.

Now either strain out the bark or just sip it carefully. You don’t want to end up choking on your willow bark tea! Sip it slowly and you should soon feel some relief. You can drink these 3 times a day but don’t go over that. Acetylsalicylic acid just like aspirin can cause stomach bleeding if overused.

Wild Lettuce

Wild lettuce (opium lettuce) is a great pain reliever. This has no relation to opium but has the name because of how well it treats pain. I will warn you that this is really hard to swallow. Wild lettuce tastes like latex and is really bitter. In the 19th-century people were hired to collect the leaching liquid for healers to use on patients.

This plant is easy to identify especially when you run your nail across the stem and it starts leaching a milky substance. It is tall and has small dandelion type flowers all along the plant. You can find this all along roads and trails. It likes disturbed areas and construction areas. It is a cousin of the common lettuce. The difference here is that the wild lettuce contains lactucopicrin and lactucin which are both pain relievers. This plant has been studied and proven to relieve menstrual cramps, headaches, muscle pain, and knee pain. This is a great plant to help us relieve the knee pain that we are talking about.

So, we have 2 ways to use this plant. One is by drinking the liquid either by chewing on a stem or putting about 2 oz. of the stem in hot water to steep for 20 minutes. I find this really hard to drink because of all the bitterness. The preferred way to use it is to smoke it. If you can chop it up and leave it to dry then smoke it in a pipe. You could make a pipe if you are already hiking or construct one.

The pain should lessen shortly and if needed you can use this process up to 3 times a day.

Burdock Root Tea

Burdock is known to just about any hiker. It’s that plant that has the balls that stick to you when you walk through the woods. It’s also the plant that Velcro was modeled after. This plant is a really important medicinal plant. I won’t get into all the best but will talk about its pain relieving properties.

Burdock root tea has been used by the Chinese and American Indians since man has made teas. It may not be as quick a response as the above-mentioned options but it should be an option. Burdock root tea should be taken daily to help with swelling and knee pain. The tea is made by boiling water and adding about 2oz of sliced burdock root in a cup of boiled water. Let it steep for 20 minutes to extract but not kill the medication.

You can also chop or mash the root and steep in just a bit of water for 20 minutes like the tea. Put the mashed burdock root into a cloth and while still warm apply it to the affected area with swelling or pain. This will bring down the swelling and help control some of the pain.

These 3 plants are easy to find almost anywhere and are a must to learn. If you find yourself in a situation where you need help with pain, you will be able to treat yourself or a loved one just by heating some water and getting some help from mother nature!

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Ken Rainka’s Favorite Hike

 

This hike was probably in 1986, or around then, most likely in July. I would usually take my hiking trips around that time. Normally, I would take two weeks off because I would always drive. For reference, I would have to leave from NJ.
I was alone on this trip in Glacier National Park in Montana so my hiking was confined to day hikes only for safety reasons.
I don’t use much gear on my day hikes, like this one. All I probably had was a canteen, medical kit, snake bite kit, and bells on my laces. I always have worn Timberland hiking boots.
I have always liked the more strenuous trails and decided to take the trail to Iceberg Lake.
The trail was a half mile climb up and then an easier 2.4 miles into Iceberg Lake.

The views along the way were spectacular.

 

I headed back to the trail junction and decided I would take the other fork to Ptarmigan Tunnel hoping I would have enough daylight to make it to the tunnel and back to the parking lot.

 

The trail to Ptarmigan Lake at the base of the wall up to the tunnel was a harder climb of about 1.5 miles. The views all around including those of Ptarmigan Falls were beautiful.

 

When I reached Ptarmigan Lake it was late in the afternoon and there were only two hikers who had come down and were on there way out. They told me the view from the tunnel was worth the climb but I might not get back before dark.

 

I did carry a trail flashlight but decided it was too risky and started back down the trail towards the parking lot.

 

I kept looking back up towards the tunnel and decided this whole trip was what this hike was all about. I had never really taken a trip alone like this. I turned around and made my way back to Ptarmigan Lake and then headed on up towards the tunnel.

 

The tunnel itself is almost 2500 vertical feet from the lake and with the switchbacks is about a 2.5 mile hike up. I took the hike up to the tunnel (which goes through the top of the wall) and was rewarded with some of the best views Glacier had to offer.

 

I stayed only about a half hour before heading back down. I had to use my light to get back to my truck. The moral of the story is never give up at the end of any hike. The rewards are too great to miss.

 – Ken Rainka

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Jeff Cunningham’s Favorite Hike

How to build an emergency Fire

Everyone should know how to build an emergency fire

It’s one of the most important of basic survival needs. It doesn’t matter where you live or where you may be. Some people think they may never need the skill, but I guarantee at some point in your life you will think one of two thoughts: “Thank goodness I learned how to build a fire.” or “Oh, no. What now?” 

Building a fire isn’t natural at all. Even watching some of these ridiculous survival shows you see that many people cannot start fires at times. I hope to guide you in the right steps to take so that you can increase your odds of surviving in a desperate situation. This is one of the skills that need practice, so don’t read this article or watch a video and think “OK, I can do that without ‘doing that.’ ”

Currently, thousands of homes in the United States are flooded and destroyed. People are displaced, and clean water is nowhere to be found. Imagine sitting on your roof, tired and exhausted, surrounded by water that will kill you if you drink it. You would have to find safe drinking water for you and your family. The fastest way to make it safe is to boil the water.

The smartest thing you can do is prep a bit before you ever need to start a fire. Lighters, lighters, lighters! I am a firm believer in having two lighters in your pocket, cars, purses, boat, camper, and a dozen or so in the house at all times. Even lighters are not foolproof, but the only way you can get a better edge on what may happen is to carry a flamethrower. For less than $10 you can buy all the lighters you will need, it’s probably one of the best ways to spend a few dollars.

How to start your fire

Kindling is key! All fires need kindling to start. I like to use a cotton ball saturated with petroleum jelly for my initial start, with these ingredients your fire will burn for a long time. Put the saturated cotton balls in a little Ziploc bag and roll it tightly. Make sure to put these items in storage with your other fire starting gear.

I also like to use manufactured synthetic logs that you can buy at the store and cut into 1”x1”x6” pieces for kindling. These pieces will also burn for a long time and make it easy to start your fire or even to cook with or boil water.

Other fire-starting techniques are great skills to have but should not be your go-to methods for starting a fire. I have used every method I came across to start a fire. Take the time to learn how to make flint, electrical, chemical, sun or friction fires but don’t depend on them as your first methods to start a fire. I would only use other methods if I have lost my lighter. Time is key in an emergency; why take an hour to get a fire started when it can be done in 2-3 minutes with proper kindling and a lighter?

Now that we have the fire source and kindling down we need fuel to burn. Some fuels are better than others, and depending on your situation you really need to use your head. Some of the best fuels come from tree wood. Branches can be collected off the floor if you have access to them. Even if you live in the city you can find wood to burn in parks, playgrounds, and front yards. If you are lucky, they may even be dry.

In some situations, you may not have access to that sort of wood. I made it through a terrible snow storm once by burning furniture. You won’t go long on burning pine furniture, but in my case, we made it through a night until I was able to get more wood. Like I said, you never know where the emergency will be and this one happened to be right in my home.

In the woods, more often than not, the wood will be moist or wet. Dry wood is a luxury that is not usually available in emergency situations. Some ways to find dry wood is under dead trees, under ledges of banks, rock cropping’s or even manmade structures. When you have collected the wood you think you need, go back and triple it. You can never have enough wood!

Some types of wood will burn wet or moist. Pine branches go up like they have gasoline in them. The trick with wet pine branches is to break them up and concentrate the branches to as thick a pile as possible. Fill the pile with plenty of thin kindling and wood before you start the fire.

Once you set it up the fire burns fast and will only last seconds, so don’t skimp on the kindling. After you see the kindling has caught fire use really thin branches and build your fire, slowly. Keep it hot because, as you add wood, it will have to first dry out then catch fire.

If you need to burn other wet woods make sure to strip off the bark. The bark holds much more water when it’s wet or humid out. After you strip off the bark, strip off slivers of wood to burn. They must be thin in order to dry out and burn. Larger, thicker pieces of wood will just steam and stay wet, letting the fire burn out.

Again, depending on your location, you have some choices of how to contain the fire. In an emergency the last thing you need is a fire getting loose on you. Always try and contain the fire with a pit of stones. Fires, especially wet ones tend to spark and pop, sending embers shooting. If you are in your house make sure not to start any fires unless you have a chimney. Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that comes with fire and will kill you!

If I were in one of the many flood situation that the US is currently experiencing and stuck on a roof or attic, I would bust a hole in the roof for the smoke to exhaust out of. Then I would use a roasting pan that has a lid for a fire pit. After that, place another baking pan upside down under the roasting pan creating air space so that your floor won’t catch fire. The roasting pan lid can be closed so that the fire will go out when needed, saving on fuel (wood) and turning it into charcoal which will start faster the next time. 

Fuel in this situation could be found in pieces of flooring, untreated furniture, banisters, and even picture frames. If you can’t leave your house to find wood, make do with what you have but don’t remove any structural wood.

Here are a few more methods to starting fires:

• Battery and conductor (steel wool, wire) – Regular batteries and even automobile batteries can be used to start a fire. Either the spark of making the battery contacts can be used or the heat from maintaining battery contact against the negative and positive could be used.
• Chemical (glycerin and antifreeze) – Chemicals can be used to start fires. Some are really dangerous, but Glycerin and anti-freeze are the easiest and safest to come by. Just mixing equal parts will start a hot fire to get kindling burning.
• Flint and steel – This old classic is tough for anyone that doesn’t practice with it. Flint and steel are best utilized with char cloth.
• Friction fire – Friction fire is really glamorous, and what most people imagine when thinking about survival fire starting. So many styles of friction fires exist, and even in idol conditions, success is spotty.
• Solar rays – With a clear bag and water, sun light rays can be focused on one spot to ignite dry tinder. Magnifying glasses and even the bottom of a shiny can can focus the rays of sun, if you are lucky.
• Matches – Matches are good but still tough to use in moist conditions. You may get waterproof matches or even dip your regular matches in wax to try and keep them dry.
  
  

With all the ways that you can start a fire, give yourself the best chance by pre-planning with a lighter and tinder. Putting little Ziploc bags with fire needs in a jacket pocket, cars, purses and book bags is just plain common sense!

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How To Keep Your Gear Dry

How to Make a Survival Kit

Need a Hiking Buddy? Use These Tips and Tricks to Convince ANYONE to go on a Hike With You!

How to Train for a Long-Distance Hike in 5 Easy Steps

Helpful Tips and Resources for a First-time Hammock Camper

How to Backpack with a Toddler           

 

Backpacking is not an easy task by ourselves or with another adult and adding a toddler to the mix can make life even more difficult. Luckily, there is no need to get stressed! Bringing a toddler is completely doable and will even be a lasting lifelong memory that you can share with your child.

The Problem

A toddler is around the age of one to three. With this age range, a lot of problems can arise. For example, temper tantrums may arise, diapers must be changed, and the child will get bored. These are all potential problems that anyone must plan for when brining a toddler along for the hike. Toddlers are going to bring up problems along the ride but it’s all about expecting the unexpected with them and figuring out ways to keep them interested.

Bring a Carrier

            One of the best things you can do for yourself when bringing a toddler is to bring a carrier. There is no way that a child in the age range of one to three is going to be able to walk alongside you nor can you carry them a mile nevertheless for a five-mile backpacking trip. To avoid this problem, bring a carrier so that the child can sit in the carrier. You can choose to get a front carrier that would attach to the front of you or a back carrier that attaches to your back and you can still carry your pack as well. By simply bringing a carrier, you will see that you will decrease potential problems arising majorly.

Bring Snacks

            To keep your toddler interested, it is always a great idea to bring snacks that they love. Snacks are something that can keep your toddler distracted and keep them full. A hungry toddler is an angry toddler, so make sure you give them snacks often. Also keep in mind to bring snacks that can hold without refrigeration because they will most likely not stay good for the duration of your hike. Good snacks to bring would be dry cereals, bananas, cookies, and trail mixes.

Take Breaks

            Having a carrier that your toddler can sit in through the backpacking trip is a major asset but they will not want to sit in there the whole time. Just like adults don’t like to sit in the car for five hours straight, neither do toddlers. Toddlers also have a lower threshold so they will most likely fuss around more often than we would for a long trip. To avoid tantrums, stop here and there to let your toddler out. You can sit in a safe enough area with you toddler to look and show them flowers, the wildlife, or any streams. Stopping to smell the roses will keep you toddler in good graces and facilitate fewer tantrums.

Start Small

            When you are going on your first hike with your toddler, it is important to start small. Do not go on a two-night backpacking trip for the child’s first hike. Just like when training for anything you start with maybe thirty minutes a day to get adjusted and used to the feeling. With toddlers, you must do the same thing. Go on thirty minute hikes on a trail a couple times. See how the toddler reacts and if you could bring anything to help them through the trip. This is a good trial run that will help you and your toddler get adjusted. The next step would be to go on a backpacking trip, only spending a day overnight. Once you have done this a couple of times, guaranteed your toddler will get used to it. You are basically training your toddler to be patient, tolerant, and to be adjusted to doing long backpacking trips.

Keep them Entertained

            Along the hike it is important to remember that you actually have your toddler with you. By this I mean to acknowledge them and get them really involved along the hike. Talk to them constantly and point out anything along the trail that may interest them. Things like colorful flowers or streams can really amaze a toddler and keep them distracted for the next thirty minutes. Also, just talk to them now and then. By doing this you will keep them distracted and not cause them to spaz due to epic boredom.

Bring Anything Important

            A major step that is important to take when hiking with a toddler is to bring everything they (and you) need. You will want to bring wipes, diapers, a bottle or sippy cup, juice/powdered milk, extra clothing, a footy to keep them warm, blankets for sleeping, and food. You also do not need to pack a whole week’s supply of all this gear or else you will have a huge pack, so only bring what you need for the designated length of the trip.

Stay Safe

            When going on a hike with a toddler it is also vital to stay safe. You not only have to care for your life but also your precious toddler. Choose a trail that is very safe and does not have any potential hazards. Stay away from trails that require you to cross bodies of water or go down steep hills. Luckily there are lots of trails to choose from and most of them are very safe. If any situations that are dangerous do arrive, because life is unpredictable, just keep in mind to make the safest choice possible. If you have to just go back another day or choose a different trail, then do so. Don’t risk it!

            By following all of these tips, you are sure to have a great time with you toddler! Also keep in mind to take care of you along the trip as well. You are not only going to be carrying your pack but also your child as well so it is important to keep hydrated. You are also going to be burning a lot of calories, so bring high calorie food for you as well to keep up. Good luck and happy backpacking!   

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How to Build a Permanent Shelter in the Woods

            Having a shelter to be able to go to whenever needed is an amazing asset that anyone can have. Having a shelter located in the woods is an even better asset as the woods harbors food, which you can hunt, and other additional resources that can be utilized. By creating a permanent shelter, you will see the benefits of doing so in having a reliable location outside your home to hunt in or stay hidden when needed, especially in a doomsday situation. In building a permanent shelter in the woods, there is steps needed to be taken to have the best shelter in the best location.

 

 

     1. Choosing a Location (As they say, location, location, location!)

            The very first step in building a permanent shelter is choosing the location. Location is important in that you want to pick an area that has all the resources you are looking for. Some important aspects to look for in choosing a location is access to a water source, local predators, accessibility, location dangers (like flash floods), and exposure.

            When picking a location, a water source is import so that you can have access to water whenever needed without having to rely on the water you can get from your house or the store. Any water source that can be used for safe drinking after filtration is a huge asset to the permanent shelter you choose to build there.

            Considering local predators is very important, as well. When choosing the location for your shelter look for signs of what animals are nearby. Look at tracks or droppings to find out what animals are living in the immediate area. If you find superfluous amounts of bear droppings, for example, you may want to choose a different location so that you are not in risk for being attacked or the shelter being destroyed.

            Accessibility is also important in that you need to be able to get your shelter easily and with little trouble when you really need it. If there was an SHTF moment, then it would be important that you choose a location where there are little obstacles to get to your safety spot before there is mass hysteria across the globe.

            Other dangers you may want to look out for are areas prone to flash floods, flooding, avalanches, or other potential location dangers. You do not want your shelter to get damaged or for yourself to get hurt so choose a spot that is safe and free of environmental hazards.

            Lastly, exposure is another important aspect of choosing a location for your permanent shelter. By exposure I mean finding a spot that doesn’t let the whole world know that your shelter is where it is. You want to pick a spot that not many people can see and that only you and your family know about. This will keep from you shelter being destroyed by looters or menacing individuals.

 

 

     2. Choosing the Best Permanent Shelter

            After you have found just the right spot for your permanent shelter then it is time to decide on what shelter you want. When choosing to build a shelter, especially a permanent one, then you want to pick a shelter that can withstand your local elements. You also want to choose a shelter that is in your price range. In the end, you can only build what you can afford but luckily there are many shelters that do not require a lot of money and many even use some of nature’s materials. Shelters that can be utilized permanently include lean-tos, wickiups, and cabins. These three permanent shelters are all great choices and anyone can use at least one of these shelters for their climate.

 

 

     3. Lean-to Shelter

            The first shelter that you can build is a lean-to shelter. A lean-to shelter is a great option as it is low cost and is not hard to build. The basic materials you need are branches for the frame, something to lean the frame upon such as two trees or a wall, and a tarp or coverage to cover your frame. This shelter is perfect even for rainy conditions, windy conditions, or sunny conditions by positioning the shelter against the sun or wind.

 

 

     4. Wickiups Shelter

            A wickiup shelter is a shelter that many have never heard of but is a great option for a long-term shelter. It is a shelter similar to that of a teepee and is made with materials from the forest. That being said, this shelter is definitely great for individuals looking to not spend so much on a shelter. To build this shelter is also very easy! Another benefit of this shelter is its ability to have a fire built within it without burning the shelter down. Once you have chosen your location for your shelter make sure the area is clear of debris. Then build the tripod with three long strong branches which will bear the bulk of the weight. Then start to add more branches to the shelter as you see fit. All the spaces do not need to be filled yet as it will be filled with insulation later on. Lastly, it is now time to add the insulation. The insulation you are going to use is any forest debris you can find like leaves, pine needles, or debris such as this. When installing the debris begin at the bottom and then work your way to the top. By putting the debris in from bottom to top it does not allow the rain to get in the shelter. After the insulation is all put in, then you are all done!

 

 

     5. Cabin Shelter

            A cabin is definitely the costliest out of the three shelters mentioned, but it is also the most permanent shelter you can make. If choosing to go the most cost-efficient way, you can make the cabin with your own two hands and lots of time. Most likely if you are building a cabin you will have lots of tress around your chosen location and you can use the tress around you to build the cabin. It will take time and patience to build the cabin but when finished is something that you can be really proud of and you can be sure that the cabin will be around for a while. When picking the design or direct instructions for a cabin there is plans that you can purchase online or you can enlist the help of someone who has successfully made a cabin themselves.

            A cabin is also great for cold climates especially since you can install a woods stove. The cabin would also be able to keep in the heat and block out wind.

            If looking to build a permanent shelter a cabin, wickiup, and lean-to are all great choices. Remember to choose a good location first and pick a spot that encompasses all the features mentioned. Once you got the perfect location you are ready to build your permanent shelter!

 

 

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Bear Canister Basics: A Bear-Country Necessity

How Many 14ers Are There in Colorado?

Ok, so don’t kill the messenger. This long-debated question of “How many 14ers are there in Colorado?” can get heated, but let’s go by the ones that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation and have at least 300 ft. of topographic prominence.

Putting aside the debates on the final count, our research shows 53 of these mountains that can crush the average hiker. Only the brave will take on the toughest, but luckily most people can find one that will be on their level. Starting with Bierstadt, this can be hiked in as little as 4 hours or up to 2 days depending on your route.

According to many hikers, they say the hardest 14er is one of the following.

• Capitol Peak
• Little Bear Peak
• Longs Peak
• Mount Wilson
• Pyramid Peak

Now, these hardest 14ers take a serious climber to reach the peak. Don’t try these mountains unless you have the experience to take them on.

The 53 can be found all over Colorado and give hikers and climbers the difficulty level you need. This is the list, according to wonderful Wikipedia.

Mount Elbert	Mount Massive	Mount Harvard	Blanca Peak
La Plata	Uncompahgre Peak	Crestone Peak	Mount Lincoln
Castle Peak	Grays Peak	Mount Antero	Torreys Peak
Quandry Peak	Mount Evans	Longs Peak	Mount Wilson
Mount Shavano	Mount Princeton	Mount Belford	Crestone Needle
Mount Yale	Mount Bross	Kit Carson Mountain	Maroon Peak
Tabeguache Peak	Mount Oxford	Mount Sneffels	Mount Democrat
Capitol Peak	Pikes Peak	Snowmass Mountain	Windom Peak
Mount Eolus	Challenger Point	Mount Columbia	Missouri Mountain
Humboldt Peak	Mount Bierstadt	Sunlight Peak	Handies Peak
Culebra Peak	Ellingwood Point	Mount Lindsey	Little Bear Peak
Mount Sherman	Redcloud Peak	Pyramid Peak	Wilson Peak
San Luis Peak	Wetterhorn Peak	Mount of the Holy Cross	Huron Peak
Sunshine Peak

 

 

You will find upwards of 140 routes on these mountains, so customizing the ultimate hike or climb is up to you! Choosing a leisurely hike or a couple days’ worth of climbing while making memories is your choice. Just be prepared and bring the gear you need to complete your expedition.

When you’re taking on any of these 14ers, pack at least these essentials.

• Water
• Food
• Watch
• Hat and sun screen
• Flash light/head lamp
• Pocket Knife
• Cell Phone
• Maps and Compass
• First Aid
• Lighter

While hiking, wear layers of clothing, so you can take off or put on layers to keep from sweating. Hiking shoes or proper footwear is paramount to keep your feet from blistering, your ankles from twisting, and help to relieve fatigue.

Another consideration is AMS- Acute Mountain Sickness. You will be in a low-oxygen situation that can make you really sick. AMS can be as minimal as fatigue or as bad as Cerebral Edema. Training slowly in these high elevations is key to be able to take on higher climbs. If you don’t have experience in dealing with these elevations, bring an experienced hiker/climber with you until you build up your conditioning.

Most importantly, when you go out hiking or climbing, you should have a plan and share it with someone trustworthy. Make 2 sets of plans documenting when you plan to start to climb and when you plan to be back. Map out the route and go over it with someone back home (parent, friend, wife or husband).

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