Some Tips for Spring Hiking
Getting an early start to hiking season is what most hikers want but it forces us to hike in wet spring like conditions and in snow sometimes. Here are some tips to start the season off early:
1) Crossing streams – With melting snow and milder conditions, streams are higher this time of the year and more of them. Tips – a) wear gaiters – gore-tex are the best, waterproof hiking boots (gore-tex) , wool socks – plus take an extra pair. b) Use poles to cross streams & walk softly on rocks. I learned how important poles were in Scotland hiking the West Highland Way and crossing so many streams, c) Make sure your hip belt and chest straps are on to avoid your daypack to sway. d) Double bag your camera gear with dry bags or ziplock bags.
A stream on Red Island Hiking Trail
2) Hiking in snow on trails – Tips – a) hike with gaiters on, waterproof hiking boots and wool socks. b) take your trekking poles and use them. Don’t forget your baskets….
3) Take an extra jacket – Important to dress in layers this time of the year. It is colder and you do not want to get chills. Make sure you have a base layer, mid-layer and jacket a) wear your jacket when you stop for snacks, lunch and water breaks…. you do not want to get cold…take short breaks and keep moving.