Take a hike
EVERY so often we’ll see ads for hiking trips, whether for the Cockpit Country or the Blue Mountains. It’s a great way to be one with nature, but before you even set foot outside, there are a few rules to follow.
Twenty-year veteran to the Jamaica Conservation & Development Trust’s (JCDT) Ranger Corps, Herma Nathan-Dawes, has 10 tips for women who plan to take a hike.
1. Bring a waterproof knapsack with comfortable adjustable straps. Ensure that when it is packed that it is not too heavy, as this can dictate how fast you are able to walk up the trail.
2. Ensure that eat a good breakfast the morning of the hike. It is also a good idea to bring light snacks with you, example energy bars. Be sure to bring water (with or without ice) along as the trail may be long and you don’t want to get dehydrated.
3. Ensure that you are able to protect yourself from the elements, the rain especially. It is advisable to bring a rain coat as well as plastic bags to put your electronic items in to prevent them from getting wet.
4. Ensure that the clothes you decide to wear for that day are light — jeans and a T-shirt are great. You should definitely wear some comfortable shoes as well. If you have waterproof hiking shoes then all the better. Wear socks if possible as the constant walking may cause blistering. Take along a change of clothes as you may be soaked from sweat or rain by the time you reach the end of the trail.
5. Ensure that you walk with your medication especially if you have a condition like asthma. As you go higher, the oxygen levels change so you may not be able to breathe as well. Let the tour guide and the medical team present know about your medical condition so that they can be on standby if something should happen to you along the trail. Ask your doctor before going if you are fit enough to participate in these hikes.
6. Ensure that during the actual hike you walk at your own pace. Try not to compete by trying to keep up; instead take time to enjoy the scenery. This is important to remember as enjoying nature is one of the main purposes of your hike!
7. Bring a pair of binoculars or a camera if you want to take pictures of the scenery.
8. Taking along hand sanitizer or wet wipes is an excellent idea. Whether it’s before you sit down to have a meal or after just chowing down on some fruit along the way, remember to always keep your hands clean.
9. A Swiss army knife is an excellent tool to have on your person. Not only will you be able to sample any fruit along the way, but you can also cut away at any twigs that may impede your ability to continue along the trail.
10. A flashlight is a very useful device to have especially if you don’t reach the camp site by nightfall.
Jamaica is the land of wood and water. Very seldom do city dwellers get to see this. The next time you decide to go on a hike, follow these simple steps for an enjoyable experience.
