Tag Archives: safety

Staying Safe On The Trail

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Adventure season is near and that means more people are headed into state and national parks for a day of hiking. I am fortunate to live in Southern Ohio where I’m 20 – 45 minutes from several great hiking spots including the very popular Hocking Hills State Park.

The problem with a lot of vacation hikers we see in the Hocking Hills (and other places as well) is that they’re often not equipped for the weather, strenuous terrain or their own physical limitations. Truth is, I have witnessed people doing so many stupid and dangerous things that I frequently fear what I’m about to see next.

I’m not a super serious hiker. I like to go a couple of times a week from spring through the fall time change. However, I don’t have all the fancy outdoor gear people sometimes think they need and I typically just show up with a snack in my pocket, a bottle of water and really good shoes. If it’s a longer hike I’ll pack some essentials in a backpack, especially if it’s hot or I’m unfamiliar with the trail.

By no means am I an expert but I know enough to help a novice. Here are some hints to help you be safe on the trail.

Check The Weather – Will it rain? Will it be hot and humid? Here in Ohio, the temperature can start at 25 degrees and be 60 at noon. Knowledge is power.

Dress For The Weather – When in doubt, dress in layers. If it’s cold, I wear a base layer under thick yoga pants. On top, it’s often a long sleeved t-shirt and flannel underneath my good Northface jacket. Add a scarf, hat and gloves as needed.

There are two schools of thought for summer attire. The first is to cover up. Wear breathable long sleeved fabrics and a safari hat to cover your entire head. This protects from the sun, ticks and bug bites and it is a terrific way to go.

Personally, I go the other way because it’s humid here and I hate to be hot. Shorts with zippered pockets keep my keys, ID, phone and snack safe. A short sleeved or sleeveless top helps keep me cool. Sunscreen protects my skin and a little bug spray on my shoes usually takes care of the creepy crawly things. I often use Johnson’s baby creamy oil lotion in aloe and vitamin e. For some reason, bugs hate that stuff plus it softens the skin. I wear a hat of some kind because it protects from the sun and ticks.

Dressing appropriately will help keep you comfortable and protected from the elements.

Wear The Right Shoes– Tourists often wear light tennis shoes, sandals and flip flops. I have often seen boots with a heel too. Hiking shoes, hiking boots or trail runners are the best options and they don’t need to be expensive. Some really sturdy tennis shoes are fine on a lot of trails. My favorite shoes of all time have been New Balance trail runners because they have treads like a good boot but are light like a tennis shoe.

Snacks – Last year, we encountered a woman who was at least two miles away from her car or a visitors center vending machine and she was asking for food. Her blood sugar was low and she needed a snack. Even if I’m just going on an easy two mile trail after work I always make sure to have a snack in my pocket and something more substantial in the car for later.

Granola bars, trail mix and nuts are great options you can slide in your pocket. If you have a pack, an apple, boiled eggs, peanut butter sandwich, a single serve tuna packet, or cheese crackers are great too. You can Google hiking snacks to find ideas that will work for you.

Water – You have to hydrate. Even in the winter and absolutely in the summer you need to drink water. The longer you hike and the hotter it is, the more you need to bring. This is non negotiable and I really don’t know what to tell you other than drink your water.

Stay On The Trail – I was tempted to make this number one on the list because it’s the worst thing I see in the Hocking Hills. Stay on the trail. It’s not hard to do in Ohio because they mark trails really well. Go out west to some of the national parks and you’ll find that only the strong survive on some of those trails because there’s not always a lot of signs.

People think the signs are for other people. They want to see something off the beaten path. They want an Instagram shot. They want to do what they want to do. People get hurt this way. They break legs falling on slippery rocks at a beautiful waterfall while standing next to a sign that says no wading or diving. They fall off cliffs and spend a lifetime in a wheelchair because they wanted to look over the edge. One woman died when some teenagers tossed a small log over the edge and hit her on the head. ODNR has done what they can to make things safe but accidents still happen to the best of us and rules don’t help when people ignore them.

I once heard a guy tell his ten year old son that the signs are for other people who don’t know what they’re doing. Don’t be that guy.

Know Your Limitations– If you’re not in the best of health, make sure you understand your own physical limits. Know what to expect on the trail by researching online or talking to a ranger. Pushing yourself to achieve a goal is one thing but needing to be airlifted out during a heart attack is another. The photo above is from Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan when an elderly couple made it about a mile in before needing help. A natural resources officer, two paramedics and a firefighter pulling an ATV on a trailer had to respond to secure the patient, assess his condition and drive him out of the woods. That’s a lot of personnel and way too much risk to life and limb. I think about that couple all the time and badly hope they are ok.

Leave The Wildlife Alone – If you encounter wildlife, give them space. Leave the area if you can. Certainly don’t approach. I have been in areas with bison, bears and elk and they are freaking intimidating to see in real life. Here in southern Ohio there are sometimes reports of black bears and bobcats but I worry more about wild boar and wild dogs. I once abandoned a hike about a half mile in because there was a skunk hanging out on the trail. Literally. It just sat there and waited me out till I went away. It simply wasn’t worth it.

Don’t Rely On Technology – Assume that you won’t have cell service. That means you need to either download your trail maps to your phone or carry a print map. That also means you may not be able to call for help if you get hurt so make sure someone knows where you’re going.

Pack Supplies – When in doubt, take a pack outfitted with things you might need. Don’t weigh it down with a lot of extras but do consider your true needs. Extra water, snacks and a map are logical needs. A very small first aid kit, extra socks, tissues, sunscreen, a compass, and knife are also good things for a day hike.

Hiking is an amazing pastime. It’s good for your physical and mental health. It costs nothing other than a safe pair of shoes and the gas to get to a trailhead. Give it a try but be smart and use some common sense so you can stay safe and live to hike another day.

Also, be sure to have fun too. It’s supposed to be fun! Go fast for aerobic exercise or slow if you want to observe the wildflowers, birds and tall trees. Take pictures. Breathe it all in. Listen!

Don’t play loud music or wear ear buds when the forest provides its own soundtrack of running water, birdsong, frogs and wind. These things are more magnificent than anything you can play on your phone.The sounds and sights of nature are restorative. They’re good for your soul. Stay safe, be well and allow your hike to make you stronger.

Rock House In The Hocking Hills

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Last night took me to Rock House, a site that’s part of the Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio.

This place is munique in this area because it’s an actual cave in the side of a tall cliff.

You can go inside to explore, catching glimpses of the outside through a series of windows that remind me of keyholes. It’s dark, there’s an occasional water puddle and the ground is uneven so it’s a good idea to take it slow in your exploration. Remember, wet rock is not your friend.

I have seen and heard about countless people getting hurt in the Hocking Hills over the years but it’s normally because they are breaking the posted rules, going off trail or simply throwing caution to the wind and behaving recklessly.

This trail is straight down a hill, across rocks and straight up the other side of the hill. It is not even a mile loop but would be challenging for those not accustomed to this kind of activity. So take your time and stay on the trail.

It is worth the trip and is something truly special to experience. In fact, I stood inside the cave thinking about how lucky I am to live so close to such beauty and how fortunate I am to be physically capable to go enjoy it.

American Indians, early settlers and criminals dodging the law are some of the groups that have used Rock House over the centuries. Today you’ll find a number of tourists along with some pigeons and some bats. Well, we heard the bats but didn’t see them.

I like the moodiness of the cave and the texture of the rock. It feels like a secret hangout. It feels ancient and magical.

I hope you like it too.

The Ghost Of A Burglary

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I was once in a home that was burglarized.

They came in through the basement. When they tried to open the door into the first floor living space, they were forced to make a lot of noise to break the .29 eye hook used to keep a 60 year old solid wood door in place.

That’s when I woke up.

Earlier this week, I was sound asleep when I awoke to a noise.

The sensation of noise unfamiliar in the dead of night sent my brain straight back to that other early morning. On that day, someone with a gun forced their way inside our home to take things that we had worked hard to acquire.

This week was far less traumatizing but there was cause for alarm for a moment while I thought it through and investigated.

After I woke up, it was quiet again and I couldn’t decide if there was someone in the house who was just being quiet after making some racket or if something had simply fallen.

After that other burglary years ago, I developed an emergency plan of sorts – what I would do if it happened again and ways to prevent it from happening. So I mentally reviewed my plan and readied myself.

Scout heard it too and was on high alert for a minute, listening carefully with his tail all puffed up. When he relaxed, I relaxed. Since he can hear a food package being opened from a deep sleep three rooms away, I was pretty sure he would know if someone who didn’t belong was in his house.

That’s only sort of a joke. Seriously, the hearing on this cat is insane and he’s so territorial he growls like a little dog when someone comes to the door.

He’s pictured here, napping later in the day. A boy needs his beauty sleep.

Luckily, action was not required on this night but it was a good exercise, even if it did mean lost sleep for the rest of the night.

A safety drill is always a good idea.

The burglary I mentioned was at an old boyfriend’s house, not my own, although I pretty much lived there. They got a couple of valuable electronics before fleeing the scene but they also robbed us of our sense of security, that sense of safety in your own home.

The fact that I rarely fall asleep without thinking about it has long been an annoyance. The fact I was somewhat prepared if it had been a burglar this week was somewhat reassuring.

It is these experiences, the good and bad, that shape who we are. Some memories, while distant, can rush back at a moment’s notice to inform how we react to present circumstances.

I suspect that someone else’s decision to break into a stranger’s home, my home, has scarred me for life. However, if those scars will keep me safe someday then so be it.

If you haven’t done so, I suggest that you consider what you would do in the event of a home invasion. You probably have smoke detectors and know how to react in a fire or tornado. Get a plan and alarms together for this too. It will be too late if you wait until it happens.

In case you’re wondering, the noise was a picture that fell off a shelf and knocked a metal toy truck to the floor. I had just placed it on the shelf a few days before and it evidently wasn’t secure.

Lessons learned.

Flying In The Age Of Covid

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Going to Denver last month required flying. I normally enjoy flying but was apprehensive given the state of Covid in this country.

I am selective about where I go and who I spend my time with on a normal day. Travel is by car. Dining out is rare and typically in the car or outside. Shopping is mostly utilitarian now rather than entertainment.

I have found ways to travel around the region and even down to Virginia while being safe and feeling secure but it is always by myself in a car.

The thought of air travel – even a couple of weeks before the holiday rush- made me squeamish but my research was reassuring. Friends who fly regularly were able to provide some insight. What I had read about my airline was reassuring too.

Flying out of the John Glenn International Airport in Columbus on a Tuesday afternoon was a smart choice.

The place was a ghost town.

Some shuttle lots are closed, most businesses were closed or operating with limited hours, and there was no security line. Literally, friends, there was no line. I walked right through.

There were people cleaning and so few travelers it was easy to social distance.

Flying in and out of Denver was arguably a mistake.

This is one of our country’s busier airports. Getting off the plane and leaving was fine. The airport train wasn’t at all busy and I managed to get out the door without cause for concern.

Sadly, the flight out was a much different story. The TSA line was enormous. It moved quickly but most people were making no effort to social distance.

Once through security, there was plenty of space to spread out even though it was busy. Everything felt extremely clean and there is hand sanitizer available everywhere.

All the same, if I had known it would be this busy, I would have flown out of a smaller airport.

The experience made me grateful that I’m typically a road tripper and am not flying during the holidays.

Have you flown lately? I would love to hear your story.

The Open Road

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The open road is calling my name. There’s a little road trip on the agenda this fall and I seriously cannot wait. It has been a long, hard year close to home and it is time to see some new things.

I’m hopeful that the social distancing and other Covid safety tactics I already employ will help me stay safe while out traveling.

This picture gives me hope. Blue skies, a fabulous barn and open road- what more could a gal want?

Getting things straight

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Today’s message isn’t one of frugality, creativity, encouragement or anything fun. Instead I want to share a story about an event that literally has changed everything about my life.

I spent one night last week at Mr. Wonderful’s house. This is a common but somewhat random occurance. I very easily could have gone another night but that evening worked so I went and all was right with the world. We made dinner, watched the Big Bang Theory, went out for a walk and lived our lives just as we would on any normal evening.

But at 4 a.m. I was awakened by a noise. We had a burglar inside the home.

He was just a room away from us when Mr. Wonderful ran him off.

This person picked the locks. He had a gun with a night laser. He would have made it all the way to our bedroom without us waking had it not been for a minor detail that caused him to make noise.

Up until that moment, that dark, shadowy moment on an Ohio morning, we believed that home invasions happen to other people. We believed that security systems were for other people. We believed we were safe in our own homes.

For the six people reading this right now, I am here to tell you this simply isn’t so.

Personal safety and security in your own home is just an illusion. The tooth fairy is more real than your safety. I don’t care who you are or where you live, crime can find you. And when it does, you will understand what I mean. I pray that it never happens to you but, if it does, you will understand when I say that you cannot place a value on that sense of security you have at this moment.

Regardless of your assets, regardless of how much money you have to spend, look at your home through the eyes of a would-be criminal. Are your doors secure? Locks can be picked, you know. Would you hear someone coming in a door or window? I’m guessing not. We didn’t.

What would you do if someone entered your home at 4 a.m.? Where are your kids? Would they know to hide? Would you have some way to protect yourself? How long would it take police to arrive if you called for help? Five minutes? Ten? Thirty?

You can be dead within thirty seconds of entry. They just have to find you. And if you’re asleep, if you have no warning, you are an easy target.

If you have some warning they are coming into your home, how will you defend yourself? Do you have a gun? Is it loaded? Do you even know where it is? Believe me when I say that you don’t want to go digging through a closet for your weapon if someone is already in your home. There is no time.

Load it. Use the safety. Put it close to your bed. Put it somewhere that curious little hands can’t reach it. Better yet, put it somewhere they will never find. But keep it somewhere that you can reach in a hurry. We had just a few seconds from the time they entered the upstairs. If Mr. Wonderful hadn’t acted so quickly and so beautifully, chances are we both might be dead today.

Please. As a personal favor to me – this stranger who normally shares recipes and inane thrifting tips – please take a moment to protect yourself and your family. A security system may be a good solution for you. If your budget is limited Lowes sells some home security items like door and window alarms, locks and chains and even door props that prevent your doors from opening from the outside.

Find some combination that works for you and teach everyone in your home to be safe. And then go tell your loved ones they need to protect themselves too. I don’t mean to sound like an alarmist but I really wish that no other person has to ever experience what we went through that night or live with the subsequent fear that has entered our lives.

Mr. Wonderful had a couple of valuable items stolen but they are just things. The stuff they take can be replaced. The piece of mind they take can’t be bought and sold.

I fear that it will never return to my life.

But I’m so grateful I was there that night. My fella may not have awakened on his own. If he had it may have been too late. So I’m good with trading my piece of mind for his life. I just wish it had never happened.

Learn from us and don’t let it happen to you.