Virginia Beach Hotels | "A-hiking we will go – Hiking in autumn"

Source       : http://www.vi-hotels.com
Category   : Virginia Beach Hotels
By             : Hotel In Virginia
Posted By  : Hotels in Virginia Beach North Courtyard

Autumn is the perfect season for long walks and hikes. But good planning is important to ensure that your hiking trip is a complete success:

Hiking

Plan your hike 
Select a route that suits your condition and don’t overdo it by choosing a difficult trail. Be aware of distances and walking times, elevation profiles, difficulty, steep terrain, possible patches of snow or the danger of rockfall. You should also plan enough breaks on your hike (rule of thumb: a 10-minute break every 2 hours). Inform yourself ahead of time of the weather conditions so that you’re not surprised by bad weather. Tell a friend or a relative where you are going and the route you will be taking and don’t forget to report to them when you return.

The right gear
You should never depart without the right gear and equipment, but avoid carrying unnecessary ballast with you. The following are absolutely required:

Sturdy hiking boots

Trail map, compass with altimeter, mobile phone, pocket knife, first aid kit

Seasonally appropriate clothing (it can get cold in the mountains even in early autumn), rain gear, a change of clothes, sunglasses and protection against the sun (hat and sunscreen)

Enough to eat and drink

Optional: binoculars, telescoping hiking poles and climbing gear (rope and crampons)

During your hike
Do not leave the designated trails! A hiking tour can be strenuous so take along enough to eat and drink. If the weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse, call off the hike and turn around. Always be respectful to nature: take your garbage with you.

In case of emergency
Every well-packed hiking backpack should contain a first aid kit. If someone is injured, protect that person from dangers such as inclement weather and cold, immediately begin performing first aid and alert the mountain rescue service. But always make sure that your own safety comes first!