Staying Found
It is easy to head out for a casul walk in the woods and find yourself lost, no I mean really lost. Just ask Robin Zammas who was recently rescued by Atalaya Search and Rescue after a short dog walk out of the Ski Basin truned into 2 days in the woods.In reading the article about Robins long walk and subsequent rescue, I felt the need to share inforamtion applicable to all who travel into the wilderness and are lucky enough to walk out with the help of our devoted local volunteer search and rescue teams or even on ones own.
There are some really basic guidlines for travelling in the backcountry whether you are alone or with freinds, going near or far.While we are lucky to have a volunteer based local SAR service in Santa Fe,many states are begining to demand payment from lost hikers and climbers for reparation on there rescue. Often people innocently get turned around in the wilderness like in the case of Santa Fe local Robin Zammas other times people get in trouble because they lack the sense and ability to measure and assess the decision they are making.By Following these easy steps, everyone can stay found even if they get lost.
Hiker Responsibility Code
You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.
3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
4. To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
5. For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
6. To share the hiker code with others.
hikeSafe: It’s Your Responsibility.
By Foloowing these easy steps you are on the way to a successful backcountry adventure. For more information on hiking visit sdcmountainworks.com
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