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BURLINGTON LAND TRUST

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FCE Hiking Notes

THINK SAFETY FIRST!

1.    We will assemble at each meeting place at 8:45am, and leave at 9 am. We will generally try to finish by 12:30, but sometimes we may run over, so please try to schedule accordingly.

2.    Severe weather, especially threat of lightning, heavy rain, ice, or other unsafe walking or driving conditions will cause a postponement. If the hike has been canceled due to weather, by 7:15 a.m. the day's leader will send out an e-mail to all registered hikers. Postponed hike(s) will be tacked on to the end of the schedule. 

3.    Good hiking boots or other footwear with good gripping power are required. Wicking socks suggested - multiple thicker pairs improve cushioning. 

4.    Wear layers of clothing and avoid cotton (which does not wick moisture) to be prepared for all conditions. Bring rain gear when appropriate. 

5.    Apply bug repellent and sun block. 

6.    Bring a snack and lots of water – at least a quart – and hydrate before getting thirsty.

7.    Walking sticks or poles are helpful for balance and it puts less pressure on your knees on a downhill trail.  Highly recommended - sometimes Ocean State has them very inexpensively. 

8.    Tuck pants into socks and check for ticks after each hike. Connecticut is the worst state in the country for Lyme disease.  

9.    Please stay together as a group. Make sure you can see the person in front of you.  A volunteer on each hike will be “sweep” and wear the orange whistle, and carry a whip if necessary. 

10.  Carpool to the hikes if possible -- sometimes parking is limited. 

Contact information:

PACKING & SAFETY NOTES

The Ten Essentials for Hiking/Backpacking

The "Ten Essentials" is a list of items that can save your life in the event of an outdoor emergency. You probably don't need these items on a Greenways walk or urban hike but we strongly urge you to carry them with you on any backcountry outing. Consider the Ten Essentials as an insurance policy against the unexpected. You will not use these items on every trip but at some point during your hiking career you will be glad you have them along.

Ten Essentials

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Flashlight/headlamp (be sure to have an extra set of batteries that fit your flashlight/headlamp)
4. Extra food (enough for one extra day)
5. Extra clothing including socks and mittens/gloves
6. Rain gear ( jacket and pants-always carry rain gear even if the sun is out)
7. First aid supplies (be sure to include an extra day of any medication you are taking or might need in an emergency)
8. Pocket knife
9. Matches (stored in a water tight container in addition to matches or a butane lighter)
10. Fire starter (can be candles, chemical fire starter, backpack size fire logs)
For a more detailed discussion on the Ten Essentials, go to:
http://www.twohikers.org/Gear/TenEssentials.htm

Other Essentials
11. Space blanket (used as windbreaker, heat reflector, signaling device)
12. Sunglasses
13. Toilet paper
14. Extra socks/liners
15. Head covering (for rain/warmth)
16. Duct tape
17. Insect repellent
18. Iodine tablets or water pump (carry extra water if water location is a potential problem)
19. Trash bag
20. "In case of emergency" card (list name and number to call in an emergency, medications, medical conditions and whether or not you are a contact lenses wearer). You may want to pack your driver's license and insurance card in a plastic bag for protection.

Participant's Responsibilities

All outing participants have the responsibility to:

1. Acquaint themselves with the outing and verify with the scheduled leader that the outing is within the participant's capability and experience.
2. Arrive on time at the designated meeting spot.
3. Show up for the outing properly clothed and equipped.
4. Leave all trails, camps and surrounding areas in as good or better condition than found.
5. Completely extinguish campfires before leaving site.
6. Remain in the trip area until all party members have returned unless otherwise agreed upon with the leader.