Outdoor Tips from a Seasoned Hike Leader- Everything you wanted to know but didn't know to ask.
Prepared by Dave Arama.
When we venture into the great outdoors, we often think about the adventure, challenge, exercise, fresh air, and good friendships. Some of us wish to escape from the concrete jungle of urban areas to become one with nature! Unfortunately, since we are bio-degradable, some unlucky outdoor travellers actually become one with nature since they end up perishing in the great outdoors. Usually, a lost hiker or threats-to-survival incidents are completely avoidable if only individuals would remember a few important points:

• Always let someone know where you are going. Leave a trip plan and copies of topo maps. The time of your return is also useful information.
• Carry a "survival kit" complete with first-aid items, water supplies and a tin can to boil and purify water.
• Pack fire-starting equipment such as a flint stick or waterproof-matches.
• Other survival items include a space blanket, an 8'x12' sheet of plastic (useful in building a shelter), bug repellent, signalling device such as flares, a cell phone if the area has reception and high-energy food supplies such as power bars.
• Know how to use a map and compass.

Most victims perish from hypothermia, dehydration, insect bites, environmental-related events or accidents. Know your skill level and mental/physical abilities before attempting an outdoor adventure. When in doubt, head back, end the trip, or stay put and wait for help. If you are lost, stay put. Search and Rescue authorities recommend building a shelter, starting a campfire, and waiting to be rescued.

Yesterday's Trips

Royal Botanical Gardens and Cootes Paradise
Hiking the Royal Botanical Gardens and Cootes Paradise in Hamilton was meet with a great turnout of eager hikers and an ample supply of inchworms! They were everywhere, the inchworms - my guess is that they want to join the WHC as well. The worms were devouring all forms of foliage. Fortunately, they seemed to spare our beloved Sassafras tree (aka root beer) for some reason only known to the worm. A number of hikers found themselves temporarily mis-located in and around Hamilton. Yes indeed, it does pay to have a map!!!!

Seaton Trail, May 2000
The Seaton Trail (Pickering) was very challenging due to the incredible flooding that occurred the day before. Many a bridge had to be constructed by a courageous group of chilled hikers!

Maple Lake Camp, May 23 to 25, 2000
Maple Lake Camp (Parry Sound) was filled was filled with adventure and lots of rain the first day. Club volunteers Clint and Terry spotted a rather large moose lurking in the woods. The evening socials got caught up in competitive joke telling and some rather really TALL tales. Dave and his illustrious camp leaders managed to scare all the campers with some rather authentic wolf howls just before midnight. In all, 117 kids had an exuberant time along with 9 very tired leaders and club volunteers.

O.R.C.A. Canoe Weekend, May 6 & 7, 2000
The Ontario Recreational Canoe Association (ORCA) saw 9 canoeists complete levels A to C. Level D was prematurely aborted due to a very sudden but intense thundershowers on Sunday. Not to be deterred but the bugs did have a hearty feast of human blood that weekend.

Wild Edible Hike
Just a quick note to say that if you sampled the Jack-In-The-Pulpit root on this hike and subsequently had a paralyzed tongue -- the moral is: Don't always trust Dave. He's quite the prankster!!