Hiking in Mason County...Are you Prepared?

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Windermere Peninsula Properties

Dinah Hikes Mason County

Mason County is one of the best places on the planet for exploring nature. From the deep waters of Hood Canal to the rugged mountain trails of the Olympics you have many great opportunities to discover Washington. One important thing to remember is that conditions can change quickly, and you need to be prepared for any possible event. The follow list should be a good start.

The Do-it-yourself Coffee Can Survival Kit

This is a compact kit that can be carried in the car, on the boat, or in a pack for hunting, hiking, exploring, etc.  Most of the contents will fit in a one-pound coffee can which doubles as a pot for melting snow and device with which to dig an emergency snow shelter. (However, if you can carry it, include a small shovel.  It is far, far better than trying to use a coffee can.)  You should be aware that if this kit is carried while on hiking or hunting trips, you still need to carry the other Ten Essentials not included below.

Keep three points in mind when putting together a survival kit.  First, make it small enough that you'll actually carry it and not leave it home.  Second, use the list as a guide and customize it to your needs.  For instance, if you are allergic to insect bites, bring the appropriate medicine, or carry appropriate wrap if you have knee problems.

Thirdly, bring enough to enable you to spend at least one night out.  It is usually the first 6 hours that determine whether you'll be able to survive an emergency.  If you can make it through the first night, then your chances are good that you can make it a few more nights if necessary.

Thanks to Allan Priddy who helps teach the Wilderness Survival class for putting this list together.
 
 

General Items

Braided nylon rope (25 feet)
Mirror
Matches (2 boxes)
Fire Starter
Poncho (bright orange to attract attention)
Toilet paper
Candle (wrapped in aluminum foil)
Paper and pencil
Fishing line, hooks, split shot leads
Knife
Whistle
Money (2 nickels, 2 dimes, 2 quarters, $20 bill:  helpful for making phone call or paying for gas if broken down along highway)
Garbage Bags (2 large size bags)
Bright orange surveyor's tape
 

Repair Kit

Sewing kit
Dental floss (It's strong and useful as thread for sewing, or a fishing line or for lashing branches for improvised shelters.)
Safety pins
Wire (bailing wire)
 

First Aid Kit (Also see Lightweight First Aid Kit)

Moleskin
Sterile pads (2 x 2 and 4 x 4)
Sterile Gauze
Neosporin
Bandaids
Aspirin
First Aid Tape
 

Nourishment

Honey Packages (available in small foil packages available at convenience stores)
Instant Soup or tea (a couple packages)
 

Optional

Folding saw
Compass (learn how to use)
Hard Candy
 
 

Carrying container

Coffee Can (1 lb size) or nylon stuff bag
 

All contents except the plastic bags and the optional items will fit in a 1 lb coffee can.  (Or you can flat "Spam" cans or oval-shaped containers available at outdoor stores.)  The plastic bags can be affixed to the outside of the can with a rubber band.  To keep things from rattling in the can, wad up some wax paper and stuff it around the items.  The wax paper stays dry and also doubles as a fire starter.  To save weight the contents can be placed in a stuff bag and a metal cup can be used instead of the coffee can.

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When you are Buying or Selling your home EXPECT MORE!Call or text Dinah Griffey today at 360-551-8888 or visit my website www.FindYourNorthwest.com

Comments (10)

C M C D
Charlottesville, VA

Well that is some list. Looks like a great place to hike!

your friend in Charlottesville Virginia!

Apr 21, 2009 07:21 AM
Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

Charles- It can be the most fun.I enjoy the  mountains the most-Dinah Lee

Apr 21, 2009 07:34 AM
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Dinah--I wish I lived closer.  A few years ago I hiked with friends to bottom of Grand Canyon.  Wonderful trip & memories.  Mary

Apr 21, 2009 08:15 AM
Ann Allen Hoover
RE/MAX Advantage South - Hoover, AL
CDPE SRES ASP e-PRO Realtor - Homes for Sale - AL

While I would love to go hiking, I would hate to get stuck somewhere at night.

Apr 21, 2009 08:45 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

Great list Dinah.  My daughter was camping with a Christian group once when there was a huge power failer and she was one of the very few who was in any way preparted because she had taken a class.  The leaders were singing her praises when they got home.  I have an emergency "kit" in my car, but I see some things from you list I should add.

Apr 21, 2009 08:59 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Fantastic list Dinah...it is very important to go out prepared for the worst.

Apr 21, 2009 10:26 AM
Caren Wallace
Premier Property Group LLC - Tualatin, OR
Portland Caren Real Estate

Dinah, all I need now is the energy to hike! What a great list, I think I will put one of these together to put in my car as a just in case kit!

Apr 21, 2009 12:18 PM
Michael Delp
Mortgage Pro - Telford, PA

Some great tips Dinah. I love spending time outdoors! I cross the Appalachian Trail every day by car, maybe I should be pulling over and hiking it! I better make one of your cans!

Apr 22, 2009 02:01 AM
Lynn911.com ~ Dallas Real Estate Agent Top Team
Dallas Houses for Rent Dallas Apartment Rentals Lynn911.com - Dallas, TX

Dinah, I love to walk and hike you wore me out prior even starting... great picture & list

have a great and successful week.

Apr 22, 2009 05:30 PM
Russel Ray, San Diego Business & Marketing Consultant & Photographer
Russel Ray - San Diego State University, CA

Unfortunately, my hiking days are over, but they sure were fun while they lasted. I can still do a good walk, though, as long as it's on flat land.

Apr 23, 2009 09:55 PM