Even park rangers are talking about the Pokémon Go phenomenon that has enthusiasts venturing into and hiking in parks, open areas, and trails. A very timely presentation on hiking safety by County of San Diego-Department of Parks and Recreation’s Park Ranger David Collins and veteran hiker, David Farrell, was held at the Lakeside Branch Library held on July 23.
“I love the fact that we are having Pokémon Go hunts happening in beautiful County parks,” said Collins.
Even park rangers are talking about the Pokémon Go phenomenon that has enthusiasts venturing into and hiking in parks, open areas, and trails. A very timely presentation on hiking safety by County of San Diego-Department of Parks and Recreation’s Park Ranger David Collins and veteran hiker, David Farrell, was held at the Lakeside Branch Library held on July 23.
“I love the fact that we are having Pokémon Go hunts happening in beautiful County parks,” said Collins.
Both offered up tips that apply to Pokémon Go fans and anyone who does or wants to hike.
“Think about where you are going before you go there” said Collins. He continued to offer tips on how to prepare for hikes be they in San Diego County’s Laguna Mountains or anywhere. He added that El Monte’s Flume Trail and El Capitan’s trail are considered challenging.
Collins’ basic hiking tips consisted primarily of having a map, a compass and know how to read it, hiking poles, water, headlight source, flashlight, a fire starter, food, phone and charger, a GPS, a fire app on your phone, possibly a solar charging pack, antibiotic cream with bandages, athletic tape, and appropriate shoes and clothing. “Mix proteins and carbohydrates,” he cautioned.
Know the weather conditions, the ease or difficulty in the trail you choose, be physically able to hike, notify a family member or friend where you are going to hike and do not change your plan. Be aware of mountain lions, bobcats, snakes, bears, and other predators you could encounter. Both speakers touched on these topics with Farrell adding to respect the land and know which predators’ hikers might encounter.
Farrell touched on the importance of knowing paw prints of mountain lions and bobcats, awareness of rattlesnakes, scat, and what to do if you are caught in a fire.
“Identity the wind because fires can create its own weather, and know where the nearest exit road is” he said. “Find the nearest large body of water or go to a rocky terrain.”
Ranger Collins pointed out that rattlesnake vaccinations for your dogs could buy them time. Farrell gave the time frame of April to July as important times to watch out for increased snake activity.
Farrell added that bringing a pain reliever like Tylenol can make the difference between being able to finish a hike or getting charged for a helicopter exit by not being able to withstand varying amounts of pain.
“Take a picture of the map” Farrell emphasized, which will reflect the unique features of any given trail that are generally posted at the trail’s entrances. Some trails also post information on the park’s animals.
The reality Ranger Collins set forth “Man is not at the top of the food chain” in a hiking setting. Know this about when, where, and how you hike.
Also present were representatives of the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association. To volunteer, learn more about the Laguna Mountains, or join their association visit: www.lmva.net. Visit www.sdparks.org for information on all San Diego County parks.
