Be Prepared

6/17/2014

Sorry folks, I know you were missing the post yesterday. We were covered in clouds with storms passing all around us. Sometimes it is not possible to get a good signal from this remote mountain top. We listened to thunder most of the day and had a few rain drops, but nothing too bad. We were lucky to witness the amazing sunset that took place once the sun decided to break through a hole in the clouds. The high yesterday was 66º with 52º as the low.

I want to remind people to please make sure you start your hike with plenty of water and snacks. We have seen a few hikers make it to the top with no water and no food and seriously dehydrated. If you are hiking up the mountain and back down in one day, that is a long day. You need plenty of nourishment and water. Even if you are hiking a short hike, make sure to take food and water. You never know what could happen while on the trail. I also suggest people have a small flashlight in their pack as well. Your phone is not a good source of light. There are a lot of rocks and roots that you can trip over and cause injury. Safety is key when in the back country. Chris and I always carry water, snacks, a flashlight, an emergency space blanket, a rain jacket, a pocket knife, and a small first aid kit when ever we go for a hike. We are prepared for what ever situation we may encounter. You can ask the many hikers we have helped while in the backcountry. We made their trip much better because we were prepared. So, I wish everyone a happy and safe hike up the mountain.

Debi Mason

6/17/2014 12:21:23 am

Yes, don't leave your water behind because it's a little extra weight in the pack. Thank you again Chris for helping us out on May 7th :)

Jay W.

6/17/2014 03:01:55 am

Good advice. I just started hiking 3 years ago and learned the hard way that plenty of water is a must. I don't make that mistake anymore. And I appreciate being able to replenish my water supply at the hydrant by the office. It's good and cold and tastes good on the trip down the mountain.

Monte Arnold

6/17/2014 04:24:32 am

Awesome sunset photo and good advice about the hike preparedness.

Sherry Adams

6/17/2014 04:56:47 am

Getting more and more excited about our trip up there on the 19th :)

doug y link

6/17/2014 05:15:21 am

Your advice, Allyson, is as usual very good and correct. I often feel like stationing myself just past the Alum Cave Bluffs location with a few essential supplies on hand to give hikers continuing on up to the lodge to make the remainder of their hike better and safer. I have seen so many ill-prepared hikers over the years and I regret that I don't live closer to the Park so I could do this; I'm simply one who loves to help others, particularly when out on the trail. I think I posted a comment about once encountering a man and woman on the A.T. just out from Newfound Gap with the man wearing "penny loafers" and the woman in "flip-flops" ! And to beat this, in my opinion, they had two packs full of canned and thus heavy food ! To me, and I would think most would agree, my hiking boots are the most important item of my outdoor gear {I posted a lengthy discussion on this on my own site today} and I totally agree with your list of necessary items you mentioned. A rainsuit is another very important piece of gear and is always with me even on the shortest of day hikes. You mentioned an "emergency space blanket". You are right about this item as well, and I have always called it an "Emergency Rescue Blanket" for a "Space Blanket" is a different sort of item that is used as a ground cover for my tent, but of course, it can be called by either name. One thing I have a bit of curiosity about is where to actually place a space blanket: Inside on the floor of a tent, or beneath the tent entirely ! I would guess that there are differences of opinion about this as well. Again, your advice and suggestions are spot on ! Thanks. G'day

norman

6/17/2014 07:44:20 am

will have to go to your site.

Janet

6/17/2014 05:50:27 am

One year my sis and I hiked up to Rainbow Falls. We had our packs with water and what we needed. I also had one of those water purifiers for your pack with me. After we had taken a break, I went to refill out water bottles. People at the falls saw me with the purifier and came running! They had little 16oz water bottles that you buy at the gas station! I could have made money that day filling those bottles. I must have filled 7 or 8. So yep, I have seen my share of unprepared hikers on a warm summer day!!!

Mark

6/17/2014 06:32:04 am

The Park Service has closed Bull Head trail, because of bear activity

Mike harrington

6/17/2014 12:33:20 pm

Speaking of hydration, the lodge makes it a pleasure with the gushing spring at the camp store and the coffee, hot chocolate, and lemonade available in the dining hall (3$). Coffee was ok but the hot chocolate was out of this world! We climbed up on the rainbow falls trail--really nice--and had intended to descend on the bullhead trail. Unfortunately, it had been closed earlier this morning due to an "interesting" bear encounter yesterday. We returned on Rainbow not wanting to invest the extra miles getting back to Cherokee orchard from trillium gap trail.

Gulf Coast Doug

6/17/2014 02:41:39 pm

Would love to know what that "interesting" bear encounter was...

elktonbrant

6/17/2014 04:33:40 pm

The Asheville Citizen Times newspaper says that last week on the Bull Head, hikers had an encounter with a bear and the bear stood its ground instead of running away. Thankfully the bear didn't attack. The story goes on to tell that park rangers have gone out to the spot of the encounter but thus far haven't seen the bear in question.
My wife, father-in-law, and I were on Alum on Sunday up to the Lodge. We saw two "Deposits" left by bears in the middle of the trail (but thankfully not the bear or bears who forgot to squeeze the Charmin).
Finally, I always appreciate when Allyson posts her annual "don't be a dummy when you hike" post... too bad those of us who are regulars here are the ones with stories watching those who aren't prepared. On Sunday, though, I didn't see anyone who was grossly underprepared, so that was encouraging!

lynn schmerber

6/17/2014 02:47:30 pm

I always carry a day pack. My carryalls would surprise a few. It weighs 14 pounds & I have lived comfortably up to 4 days in the back country and never 2anted for shelter or food. People going in should do some research and trial and error before endangering themselves and rescuers. I have also helped people n the back country who were ill prepared. When I pass a shelter, I stock it up on wood and pack out trash. Where r the back country rangers these new back country fees are supposed to b paying for ? I have only run into 2 rangers in the back country in the past year. Then again, I avoid the more heavily used trails during the busy months.I go places most people don't know about. My gramps and daddy used to take us kids places that are accessible by little more than game trails. I'm sorry but I was raised in these mountains and I hate to c what some people do to them. I am thankful that the park is protected. I just hate those back country permits, I go as the urge strikes me, and I come out when I'm damn ready to. I PRACTICE NO TRACE, u would have to b a professional tracker to even find where I camp.

doug y link

6/18/2014 04:23:46 am

You and I think alike Lynn !

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