LOCALadk Magazine

© 2011 The Adirondack Photography of Bill J Killon Proper Preparation Helps to Ensure a Safe and Enjoyable Adirondack Experience No fast food restaurants, no chain No fast food restaurants, no chain hotels, no attittude. hotels, no attittude. For the kind of experience that connects you to local people, family businesses and a way of life that is based on 150 years of history and tradition, come to our hamlets. © 2011 The Adirondack Photography of Bill Killon Welcome © 2011 The Adirondack Photography of Bill J Killon © 2011 The Adirondack Photography of Bill J Killon LOCALadk chainDECattittude. No fast food restaurants, no | hotels, no Message While the Adirondacks provide year-round recreational opportunities, there is no doubt that many more people recreate on the lands and waters of the region during the summer than any other time of the year. Blue Mt. Lake Whether you are boating, paddling, or fishing on the waters or hiking, camping, or biking on the lands there are some basic steps you can take to better ensure that you and your family have an enjoyable experience. For the kind of experience that connects you to local people, family businesses and a way of life that is based on 150 years of history and tradition, come to our hamlets. For the kind of experience that connects you to local people, family businesses and a way of life that is based on 150 years of history and tradition, come to our hamlets. Indian Lake ◆ Sabael ◆ Blue Mt. Lake www.indian-lake.com 518-648-5828 ...to a place with no... Blue food Indian Lake no...fast Mt. Lake Sabael no... no...chain hotels no...attitude no... So nice Indian Lake ◆ Sabael ◆ www.indian-lake.com 518-648-5828 ◆ ◆ www.indian-lake.com 518-648-5828 Come visit our hamlets for the kind of experience that connects you to local people, family owned businesses and a way of life based on 150 of history and tradition Indian Lake Sabael Blue Mt. Lake www.indian-lake.com 518-648-5828 Know your capabilities Most important is being honest about your physical abilities and your skills for a particular activity. Understand the demands of the activity you plan to undertake, and be sure you are capable of handling those demands. Nothing ruins a good time as much as becoming exhausted, sick, or injured because you really weren't prepared. Beginners to an activity should plan shorter trips on terrain or waters that are less difficult. Hike to the top of one of the many smaller mountains with summits only a short distance from the trailhead with fantastic views of the Adirondack forests, lakes, and mountains. Most Adirondack rivers contain both flat water and white water sections like the Moose, Ausable, and Sacandaga Rivers. Know the section you plan to paddle. If you are in good shape physically but not sure you have the skills to undertake a more arduous activity, then seek out people that have experience or hire a lilcensed Adirondack guide. Today's guides are just as knowledgeable, resourceful, and entertaining as the guides of Adirondack lore. Know the area you plan to recreate Study maps, guidebooks, and other sources to obtain the important information about the terrain, the water, and how to safely navigate to and from your destination. Know the regulations, safety tips and established practices to minimize your impact on the natural resources of the area you plan to recreate. Proper clothing and gear is essential Wear proper footwear. A good pair of hiking shoes will help prevent blisters and decrease leg injuries and falls. Loafers, sneakers, sandals and other common footwear are not suitable for hiking on Adirondack backcountry trails. Wear synthetic clothing that breathes and doesn't hold water. Carry or wear a couple of layers of clothing so you can adjust for temperature and activity level in order to remain comfortable. Carry light weight rain gear; the weather can change quickly here in the mountains. Have a small pack to carry extra clothing, gear, and supplies. Expect a variety of conditions Biting insects, sunshine, rain, heat, cold, mud, and water – any and all may be encountered. Be prepared by carrying bug repellent, sun block, a hat, rain gear, and extra clothing. Having the proper supplies and the right mind set will allow you to embrace the conditions you encounter and not let them ruin your trip. Water and food complete the pack Carry plenty of water. You'll need a liter of water for each person for one to two hour trips and at least two liters per person for longer trips. Also bring along some food to snack on. Many people are surprised by the effort they expend and the amount of calories they burn on hikes and paddles. Drink, rest and eat often especially during warm weather. DEC Forest Rangers receive numerous rescue calls for people that are dehydrated or exhausted. for more information visit mylonglake.com Prepare for the worst Nobody goes into the woods or out on the water expecting to become lost, injured, or sick. Proper preparation will help prevent this from happening or lessen the severity of the situation if they do. To avoid getting lost, always carry a map and compass, know how to use them, and check them often on the trip. Don't get stuck on the trail or on the water in the dark; pack a flashlight or headlamp and extra batteries in case you take longer than expected and are caught out in the dark. DEC Forest Rangers are often contacted by people unexpectedly stuck in the dark with no light source. They could have found their own way out had they had a flashlight or headlamp. Prepare for having to spend an unexpected night in the backcountry by packing a foam pad to rest on and insulate your body from cold surfaces, also a bivy sack or space blankets for extra warmth. Pack fire 10 LOCALadk Magazine Summer 2013

• Cover