July 2, 2020

Good Morning,

​Starting off the day with prettier skies than we’ve seen in a while. Current temps in the lower 50s, and with more sunshine expected today we should easily get into the mid 60s. It’s going to be substantially hotter and more humid across the South this weekend than last, so it’s important one starts their hike early to get out in front of the rising temps and stays adequately hydrated throughout the day.

This time of year, hikers in distress are typically struggling with dehydration or heat exhaustion because they poorly prepared their bodies for the climb. The process of getting properly hydrated starts before the day of your hike. And it’s important to maintain a balanced diet leading up to and on the day of your ascent. Too many times have we seen hikers struggle because their breakfast consisted of a cup of coffee and some energy chews. That might cut it for kicking off your 9 to 5 job in the morning, not so much when it comes to the physical exertion and calorie burn of a several thousand foot ascent. Listen to your body, know when to take breaks, and know when to turn around. Medical rescues in the backcountry are not easy, hardly ever happen quickly, and have the potential to place a number of people at risk. All worth considering, so please take all the necessary steps to prepare your body for a safe and enjoyable visit to the mountain, especially if it’s a brand new experience.