Special Precautions
|
AFTER
finding a couple quick easy "park n' grab" caches in city parks, I decided to broaden my search and head out to a state park on the edge of the city. By this time the snow was blowing sideways and partially blinding me at times. Thankfully, the snowplows had scraped and salted the roads but none of them had managed to get to the state park yet. After all, who in their right mind would be in a state park on a day like this anyway?
I pulled into the park and found that the blanket of snow had completely obscured where the road was. I found myself driving by instinct as much as anything—looking for familiar objects that I know are usually by the roadsides (speed limit signs, trash cans, guard rails and benches). I parked a quarter mile away from the cache in what looked like either a wide turn-around spot or a parking lot. Either way, there was a good chance that no one would be by to check on me.
While that seemed like a benefit at the time, I realize now it was a dangerous move on my part. All anyone knew was that I was in Springfield—three hours from home with a GPS full of waypoints. If I had encountered any problems no one would know where to begin searching for me. On top of that, I was literally able to watch my footprints disappear as the blowing snow wiped away any trace of them.
|
MOST
of us are aware of our limitations but we probably learned them in less adverse conditions. Hiking in the spring and summer will get you into shape and build your endurance, but the added weight of proper winter clothing, the added resistance of snow against your feet and legs and the added challenge of the blast of winter wind are elements that you can never become prepared for in the summer.
Those warnings about telling someone where you are going and when to expect you back take on new meaning in the winter weather where your footprints, car tracks and—for that matter—your entire car can disappear in a matter of minutes. Make sure you take proper precautions or take someone with you.
It is also important that you keep informed about what is happening around you. The GMRS radios that I use has the standard two-way radio frequencies but also receives the weather band frequencies. I'm able to use the radio to get the latest local weather forecasts and warnings.
Besides knowing your own limitations, you should also be very aware of your vehicle's limitations. Not all of us are blessed with the perfect 4x4 cache-mobile. I have found myself at times stopping at the entrance to a snow-covered country road, getting out and walking several feet to make sure the drift isn't deeper than it looks and—more importantly—to make sure the road really is there!
There are those who swear by their cell phones and then there are those who swear at them. You might be the kind of person that wants to get completely out of contact when you're geocaching and that is certainly your choice. However, you should be aware that even without a service plan you will be able to call 911 with a cell phone (provided you are able to get a signal).
Chances are, someone you know has a junk drawer full of old phones and would gladly let you take one from them. Keep it charged and in your backpack or glove compartment. They don't take up much room and you might even be able to play a game of snake while waiting for the rescue copter to show up.
|
