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Although spring often arrives early in the Upper Arkansas Valley, the "warm weather"
activities really start in May. Since many of these activities involve exercise
in some form or another, including hiking, golfing and many activities surrounding our
lakes, streams and rivers, we'd like to preface this section with a few words of caution.
(NOTE: These are general informational tips and are not presented here as guaranteed
techniques. Use your own common sense... it's impossible to sue mother nature.)
High Altitude Hiking Warnings:
Lightning: The high country experiences frequent afternoon showers, often accompanied by
lightning. It's easy to get so entranced with the scenic views from our spectacular
peaks that you ignore thunder clouds rolling in, but a number of lightning related deaths
are reported each year from hikers who chose to ignore weather changes. Here's some
tips on how to best protect yourself from harm:
- If you see dark clouds approaching, or hear thunder, head for lower ground.
- If you see lightning, seek cover as quickly as possible such as fully enclosed
vehicles (with the windows rolled up), any buildings in the area... at the very
least head for lower ground. It's O.K. to seek cover in clumps of bushes,
but AVOID trees, water, open fields, outdoor metal objects like fences, gates,
golf carts, machinery, etc., and again… seek lower ground.
- "Crackling noises" or the sense your hair is standing on end indicate you are in
a lightning electrical field. You should remove metal objects, place your
feet together, duck your head and crouch down low in a baseball catcher's stance
with your hands on your knees.
- People who have been struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and are
safe to handle. If you are skilled in first aid, it is O.K. to administer it,
but by all means get emergency help as quickly as possible.
Giardia:
The Arkansas Valley hosts some of the cleanest air and purest water... but wait! Even
though that tiny little trickle of water, or that beautiful clear mountain lake may LOOK
clean, they often host an intestinal parasite known as Giardia Lamblia. This parasite
causes cramping, fever, chills, diarrhea, and nausea, (these symptoms may not make their
presence known until you return home). NEVER drink from "natural" water sources unless
you have boiled the water for at least 10 minutes, or unless you have run the water through
a water purification filter or treated it with tablets that are specifically designed for
water purification.
Acute Mountain Sickness:
Let's first de-bunk common misunderstandings about high elevation sickness, (medically termed
Acute Mountain Sickness). Here's some FACTS you need to be aware of:
- Fitness does not prevent acute mountain sickness. Being in good shape is certainly
a "plus" and will make your hike less difficult, but your physical condition has nothing
to do with AMS.
- Thirst is not the prime indicator of a need for fluids... you should drink fluids
regardless of whether or not you're thirsty on a frequent basis to counteract the
dehydrating effects of the drier mountain air.
- The slowest hiker should always set the pace.
- Altitude adjustment takes 72 hours, and a return to low altitude negates previous
altitude adjustment.
- The effects of alcohol are intensified at high altitudes.
How to best enjoy our spectacular mountains and high elevations:
- Take it easy for 72 hours after you arrive.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat a diet high in carbohydrates and reduce salt intake.
- Decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption.
- Avoid sleeping medications and narcotics, and try to get plenty of rest.
- Allow at least one day to ascend each 1000 feet when hiking.
Wildlife:
How many times have you seen folks ignore warning signs in many of our National Parks like
"Don't Feed the Animals" or "Do Not Approach Animals?" The warnings about our wildlife
are designed so that you can enjoy their majestic beauty safely and with as little risk as
possible. Remember: the wildlife in our area act on instinct and are unaware of rules
or warning signs. Humans on the other hand CAN read:
- Attempting to feed the wildlife can result in harm to the animal… human food is like
giving them a rich dose of candy and can effect their digestive systems.
- Attempting to feed the wildlife can result in bites or other injury.
- A quietly grazing elk or deer can quickly turn ugly if approached. Sit down, enjoy
the view, take a photograph, and move on away from the animal unless it moves away first.
- Bears are a majestic and yet a very dangerous animal that should be avoided.
- Use bear proof food containers when camping. They are lightweight
and if used correctly make it virtually impossible for a bear to smell the food.
- Take bear spray or pepper spray with you. If attacked, this may
save your life. (Watch wind direction... the spray can backfire into you!)
- Keep a clean camp making sure you don't leave dirty dishes lying
unprotected (and this includes cosmetics or soap), and place waste or unused food away from
your camp, tightly wrapped, preferably in bear food containers.
- WOMEN: do not start a hike while on your monthly cycle. Bears are
attracted to scents and have been known to violently attack women who are on their monthly
cycle. If you start your cycle while on a hike, it's best to turn around.
- Spring brings many hungry bear out from hibernation searching for
replacement of fat from the long winter and may be aggressive. When hiking, it's best
to make noise, talk, sing, use bear bells, etc. Generally bears will avoid noise and
humans unless provoked. Bear attacks in the Arkansas Valley are rare, but not impossible.
Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you approach a bear. If confronted by a bear and it is going
to attack, your pepper spray may "down" the bear long enough for you to escape. Never
try to outrun a bear... they are much faster than you. Never remove your back pack
even though you think the extra weight will slow you down - it can protect you if you are
grabbed. If grabbed, roll, cover and ball up - do not yell and flail - try to keep your
head. Flailing can be interpreted by the bear as aggression on your part. Again, bear
attacks in the upper Arkansas Valley are rare, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Hypothermia:
The lakes and rivers in the Arkansas Valley come from snow-melt and are very cold. Cold
water cools the body temperature 32 times faster than air. Wading in a quiet stream offers
a refreshing break, and we've all done it. We're talking here about extended periods in
cold water which should not occur except in the case of an accident. It is unsafe to swim
in our lakes regardless of what might appear as a hot sunny day, and navigating our rivers on
foot can be treacherous with undertows and slippery rocks if not an experienced fisherman or
rafter. Should you or a member of your party be exposed to cold water for an extended period
of time, you should cover him/her with blankets after removing wet garments, attempt to raise
the body temperature and get to an emergency facility as quickly as possible.
Sunburn:
Sunburn occurs more rapidly at the high elevations here in the Arkansas Valley than many of
our guests imagine. There is less atmosphere to block the sun's rays at 7,000, 10,000
or 14,000 feet above sea level. Snow and water reflect the sun and intensify the effect.
Always wear sunscreen products that protect against both UVA and UVB with a high protection
number of 15 or 30, particularly between the hours of 11:00 am and 2 pm.
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