Preparing for the outside

By Danny Bay

With a mountain of summer activities in Colorado’s backyard, it’s easy to pack for a full list of events and drive out in frenzy without taking a moment to prepare for factors that may cause problems if overlooked.

Hiking a 14er, one of the most popular and underestimated draws of the valley can become risky for those unready, according to Ann Ewing, Public Information Officer for the Salida Ranger Department.

“The timberline makes it pretty precarious,” she said, adding that a variety of problems occur such as twisted or broken ankles, fatigue from extreme increases in elevation, dehydration and, most of all, altitude sickness, which she said can only be alleviated by returning to lower elevation, not by resting.

“We recommend that if you’re going to attempt climbing, to get an extremely early start. Get to the peak by noon. If you’re looking at climbing a peak and won't make it by noon, go ahead and turn around. The mountain will always be there," Ewing said.

While attempting a 14er, or taking a lighter stroll, it’s best to avoid abandon mines sprinkled throughout the area, which Ewing said are commonly overlooked. “Up to the turn of the century, they would sink a mine shaft anywhere. You can stumble upon them and fall into them due to the old and rotting timber,” she said.

Troubles can also come from fellow outdoorsmen, also known as animals. One type can really cause a headache, literally. “Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever caused by ticks is prevalent,” Ewing said. The symptoms include a heavy fever, malaise and a developed rash. Though treatable with antibiotics, Ewing said it’s better to locate any ticks and remove them with tweezers before the fever develops. “Ticks are most common in the springtime. Take the time to inspect yourself, your socks and especially with long hair,” she said.

Headaches, not so common for people as they are for dogs, are rattlesnakes common along the river corridor in rocky, warm and dry areas. Local veterinarians have a vaccine but nevertheless Ewing said it’s a good idea to watch your step and be very aware for the sake of your pet(s).

Other animals don’t cause much trouble other than to provoke fear at the sight of them. Tarantulas have been spotted in Big Horn Sheep Canyon, large bull snakes exist in the forest, and encountering black bears is always a possibility. But Ewing said they usually remain harmless if given distance. "Make noise. Some people hang bells on their clothes, carry on a conversation. Let the bears hear you. They don't enjoy human company," Ewing said.

If heading for the waters of the Arkansas, Stew Pappenforte, Senior Ranger of the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area said to take it at a gradient. Due to varying levels of degrees, Pappenforte said he hesitates to use two words with the river: dangerous and safe. Semantics aside, he said the most serious situations he sees are repeat scenarios in which people underestimate river sections or current conditions and overestimate equipment.

According to Pappenforte, everyone should show caution with rock sieves, like Fog Rock near Buena Vista, that allow small things to pass and not big things—similar to a spaghetti strainer, and bridge abutments that have upstream currents which appear innocuous and perfect in nature and are anything but.

Even while off-roading, people can find themselves unprepared. “There’s always a danger of getting lost. You might spend a night out in the woods,” said Carl Bauer, president of High Rocky Riders Off-Road Club. “Trails aren’t marked real well,” he said. Both Bauer and Ewing said a simple remedy for that is to bring an up-to-date map along on the adventure.

Another important thing to consider for summer activities is speeding. “Slow down,” Ewing said, “enjoy your time in the forest, stop and smell the flowers, enjoy the peaks, relax and communicate with nature.”

Caught in a Storm:
Typical summer weather patterns have thundershowers that come late morning and early afternoon. "I have been working in the forest where there has been lightning striking within 100 feet,” she said. “In the presence of lighting make yourself as small as possible. Remove any metal, such as jewelry, and keep on the balls of your feet.”

Bears:
They're most commonly seen in spring after hibernation and in August into September when they are eating heavily before hibernation.

Found an Unwanted Friend:
To remove ticks, standard first aid doesn't recommend using a match. See a doctor if it’s deeply embedded.

Troubled Waters:
"People should use extra caution when flows get to high levels,” Pappenforte said.
Low = less than 1000 cubic feet
Med = 1000-2500
High = 2500-4500
Flood = 4500 and up


(Originally published in the Buena Vista Summer Adventure Guide)