Ideas and advice for all cottage owners, renters and guests. - Ideas and advice for all cottage owners, renters and guests.

How To Plan A Hike At The Cabin
The right clothes, equipment and planning ensure the time spent exploring the woods around the cottage is safe and enjoyable. Hiking at the cottage is a great way to get exercise, educate the family and experience the best of nature.

Planning a Hike – Before You Go

The proper preparation is the key to an enjoyable hike.

• Plan the hike carefully with all members of the group.
• Get an up-to-date map.
• Buy a GPS and learn how to use it.
• Buy spare batteries for the GPS.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Leave details of the hike with someone.
• Plan to reach your campsite or finish your day-hike well before dusk.

Things To Take On The Hike

The length and location of the hike will determine your specific requirements. Always plan for the unexpected.

• Adequate backpack.
• Field Guide.
• Water of at least 500ml for every hour.
• Water purification tablets.
• Food that includes nuts, dried fruit, and jerky.
• Wide brimmed hat to keep the sun away.
• Hiking boots with good ankle support for rough ground.
• Long sleeve shirt that is light but keeps the bugs off.
• Long pants that are light and comfortable, yet prevent scrapes, and bug bites.
• Hiking socks that are not cotton. Take 2 pairs.
• Sun glasses with high UV protection and a a support band or string.
• Walking stick or hiking pole that is light and sturdy.
• Rain poncho that covers you and your backpack.

Hiking Safety Kit

Always take a safety kit, even on short hikes that you know well.

• Whistle.
• Insect Repellent.
• Mole Skin for blisters.
• Band Aids.
• Tensor Bandage.
• Gauze Pads.
• Tweezers and a sterilized pin or needle for removing slivers.
• Antibiotic ointment.
• Aspirin or another painkiller.
• Scissors.
• Compass that you know how to use well.
• Matches, lighter, candles, flashlight, batteries.
• Length of 30 – 50 metres of rope.
• Utility knife.

Hiking Safety Tips

Hiking safety is all about using common sense.

• Stay on the planned trail.
• Do not go exploring or chasing after wildlife. You can get completely lost only 10 metres into the bush.
• Stay with the group.
• Let the slowest person lead and set the pace.
• Avoid stepping on logs, roots, stumps. Damp wood is slippery and will cause a fall or a turned ankle.
• Stay focused. It is easy to daydream and take the wrong path.
• Mark the trail when it has become overgrown or otherwise not obvious.
• Stop, turn around and frequently take note of key landmarks behind you if you plan to re-trace your route.
• Watch out for paths frequently used by deer and other animals that may resemble and merge with the main trail.
• Watch your time and daylight. If you are moving more slowly than planned, cut the hike short.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Stay hydrated.
• Air out your feet at lunch.

Respect The Hiking Trail

Keeping the trail pristine is in everyone’s best interest.

• Always carry out whatever you carry in.
• Keep the noise down – hike quietly.
• Cook on a portable gas stove and clean-up everything (leave the site as you found it or cleaner).

Relieving Yourself On A Hike

Be at least 100 meters from water sources and bury everything.

Note: Do a few short practice hikes before heading out on a more ambitious trek. This will help break-in new boots, refine water and food requirements, brush-up on navigation skills and give new hiking partners the chance to bail out before it is too late.