Just a few pictures from some hikes through Canyon of the Eagles, near Lake Burnet in Texas.
The trails are easy and well marked, you can get by without using an orienteering compass and a map if you’re so inclined. Of course being an engineer I’ve got the GPS application on my phone (Topo Sports, it’s pretty cool, it tracks your progress, records stats, and if you coax it you can get it to upload data to Google maps with your hikes as an overlay), a topographic map and a compass.
It’s a good candidate for the ultralight hiking methodology I talked about earlier. In addition to several liters of water, I always take the Ten Essentials, which has been on hikers and climbers lists since 1930 or so, when a climbing group called the Mountaineers put it together. Here is what I take every time I am off in the backwoods- whether it is a day trip or a week long trek.
Map – The GPS is nice, but batteries run out- good old ink and paper will be around a long time. Put it in a waterproof laminate and even a spring downpour will not ruin your day.
Compass – Useful for picking the right fork in the trail, even if you are not navigating by it exclusively. I have an inclinometer on mine, which allows me to measure grade, so I can say, “Yes, that was a 30 degree grade when I am talking about a hike. For the truly adventurous, it can also be used to measure how likely an avalanche is- 30 to 45 degrees can run your snow trip.
Sunglasses and sunscreen – You would think this would be obvious, but I left the sunscreen home on a rainy day. During a dry period I took off my rain jacket, sure enough I got a sunburn on my arms. Now I use it rain or shine.
Extra clothing – Useful if you happen to run into some severe weather, there’s nothing like dry clothes. In an emergency they can help prevent hypothermia, and changing out your socks on a long hike can help with blisters and well as prevent foot injuries.
Headlamp/flashlight – Always nice to see where you are going. LED technology has made truly powerful flashlights very affordable, a AAA battery can run a small light more than bright enough to find your way if you are out after dark.
First-aid Kit – The one piece of gear you hope you do not use. Be sure to pack a liberal amount of bandaids, antiseptic, and of course moleskin for blisters.
Firestarter – Fire is such an essential you need at least two ways to make it. It doesn’t have to be fancy like a blast match, a simple Bic lighter will do fine.
Matches – Preferably waterproof and strike anywhere.
Knife – Man’s oldest tool still has countless uses.
Extra food – Sometimes the unexpected happens- it is always nice to be able to have a full stomach when you deal with it.
The Canyon of the Eagles is great day hike; there’s a variety of wildlife and birds. Who knows, if you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a Bald Eagle, as they nest in the area.
