Difference between revisions of "Falling"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
m (typo) |
Retiredjerry (Talk | contribs) |
||
Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
Here are a few thoughts to keep you safe on cliffside trails. | Here are a few thoughts to keep you safe on cliffside trails. | ||
− | * | + | * When passing, look ahead and pause on a wider section of trail, allowing the most room to pass other hikers. |
* Children will need extra attention, including held hands through dangerous sections. | * Children will need extra attention, including held hands through dangerous sections. | ||
* Dogs should be leashed and held tightly, giving others a lot of room to pass. Playful dogs should be left at home. | * Dogs should be leashed and held tightly, giving others a lot of room to pass. Playful dogs should be left at home. | ||
Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
* Be alert for changing weather conditions. Ice or mud can be deadly. | * Be alert for changing weather conditions. Ice or mud can be deadly. | ||
* Look for loose stones or rolling rocks. | * Look for loose stones or rolling rocks. | ||
− | * Photographers should be extra careful. Don't block the trail with tripods or gear. | + | * Photographers should be extra careful. Don't block the trail with tripods or gear. When you're looking through your camera, moving around to find that perfect shot, don't step over the cliff edge. |
Revision as of 14:37, 29 March 2008
There are many hikes in our area that traverse basalt cliffs or climb to scenic viewpoints with dropoffs. The trails are normally wide enough, yet every year people die in tragic falls. In one recent tragic case, a man married for decades found his wife had died after falling 230 feet near Cape Horn.
Here are a few thoughts to keep you safe on cliffside trails.
- When passing, look ahead and pause on a wider section of trail, allowing the most room to pass other hikers.
- Children will need extra attention, including held hands through dangerous sections.
- Dogs should be leashed and held tightly, giving others a lot of room to pass. Playful dogs should be left at home.
- Give backpackers with large packs the right of way.
- Some people suffer extreme fear of heights. Comfort hikers in your party and let obviously scared people pass on the inside.
- Be alert for changing weather conditions. Ice or mud can be deadly.
- Look for loose stones or rolling rocks.
- Photographers should be extra careful. Don't block the trail with tripods or gear. When you're looking through your camera, moving around to find that perfect shot, don't step over the cliff edge.