HIKERS DOS AND DONT'S

DOS AND DON’T’S FOR HIKERS

Friday morning’s email contained a message from Just Roughin' It Adventure Travel. Our guide, Ryan Bee (yes, my symbologist friends—I’m following a bee into and out the canyon), wrote to introduce himself. He included a few pre-hike tips, such as “Please drink a minimum of 3 liters of water per day for a minimum of three days before the trip. Please do not drink alcohol the day before your trip as this will have you starting your hike dehydrated.” After drinking all that water?

He also included a list of HIKER DOS AND DON’TS:

Do speak up if you don't feel well 


Keeping quiet when you're in pain can risk further injury to yourself and the group. Take frequent breaks and tell the guide if you don't feel well. All guides are trained in wilderness first aid.

(I can hear myself whining already, “I don’t feel good. Can’t I take a nap?”)

Don't forget to drinks lots of water and eat salty snacks


For every hour of outdoor activity, you should drink one half to one quart (or liter) of water while eating salty snacks - and even more when in the high temperatures you may experience in the Arizona desert. It's also vital to hydrate before and after your trip.

(Pete is really looking forward to salty snacks—they’re his favorite!)

Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun 
That means you need to protect yourself in the winter months, as well the summer months. Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Trust us - it will make your trip much more enjoyable.

(Hat…check. Sunglasses..check. Sunscreen…check)

Don't feed the animals


While they are all so cute and some will come right up to you, we want to keep the wildlife wild. Feeding them only brings harm to them and potentially yourself.

(Not to worry, Ryan, I will stay far away from anything remotely wild)

Do stay with the guide


We'll give you plenty of time to rest or explore, but please don't leave the trail or the guide during the middle of the tour.

(Ryan doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to stick like glue to him. Like I’d wander off in the middle of a desert!)

Do listen to your guide



Whether or not you may have backcountry experience, all areas have different guidelines and rules that we are expected to abide by. You are paying for our expertise in the area, so just kick back and let the guide do the guiding. This will make your trip much more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved. Remember: backpacking trips can take you to the middle of nowhere, and it is the guide's job to make decisions that are pertinent to the entire group's safety and enjoyment.

(Whatever you say, Ryan)

Don't leave your trash 


We travel to some of the most primitive and stunning areas of the West. We want to keep it that way, so please pick up any remnants of your trip.

(Pack it in, pack it out. Got it.)

Don't leave food in your backpacks, daypacks or tents
Upon arrival at camp, your guide will have a place for all food and trash. Leaving food in your bags or tents will ensure that you will have creatures eating through your tents and packs. Not only will you be lacking appropriate shelter, equipment and food for the remainder of your trip, you will be responsible for the replacement of any damaged gear that is supplied by Just Roughin' It Adventure Company.

(If a creature eats through my tent, I will just have a heart attack and die on the spot)

Don't bleed, fall or drown 
No explanation necessary!

(My favorite don’t’s)

Do have a blast


It all boils down to having fun. If you come prepared and honor your limits, there's nothing left to do but enjoy yourself and experience the best of the outdoors.

(Let the fun begin!)

Meet Ryan:

Ryan Bee (Wilderness Guide) - Grand Canyon

Years of hiking/backpacking experience: 10

Other relevant experience: River guide and ski patrol.

Licenses and certifications: WFR

Favorite hike/backpacking adventure: Havasupai (Havasu Falls)

I became a guide because... I enjoy showing people new places.

1st concert: Beastie Boys

While indoors, I spend my time... Surfing the net and reading.

Destination I'd most like to visit: India/Nepal

Most people don't know that I... Love to play chess.

College/University: Northern Arizona University

Best Memory: Backpacking through Thailand

Sorry, no pic. Instead Ryan posted a picture of a squirrel. A little furry, but I guess spending a lot of time in the wilderness can do that to you. Of all his accomplishments, I am most intrigued that his first concert was The Beastie Boys. “You’ve got to fight, for your right, to paaarty!”