June 6, 2008 – 1:34 pm
by Greg Hansward
Hiking is a fairly safe activity especially compared to extreme sports but there are still some dangers that you need to be prepared for. Among them, getting lost is probably the number one problem for beginning hikers. Inexperienced hikers get a false sense of security especially if they have taken a handful of hikes without incident. Don’t fall victim to this. Here are some things that will help you not get lost and what to do in case you do get lost.
Getting lost is easier than most hikers think. Stepping off the trail only a few hundred yards into unmarked thick vegetation can easily disorient you. You may think you know how to get back and mistakenly go in the wrong direction which will make it worse. Or you may misread a map and think you’re going in one direction but in reality you’re going in another.
First off, become familiar with your map and know where you’re going and what landmarks you should see along the way. In this way you’ll know approximately how long your hike should last and when you should be seeing the landmarks. Also hike with a buddy and if possible, someone who is an experienced hiker. Two heads are better than one so if you start going in the wrong direction you have someone to compare notes with.
Stay on well marked trails until you gain some experience. Make sure you bring some basic navigational equipment; a map and compass is essential. A GPS unit is also beneficial but they don’t always work if there’s no signal so make sure you have a compass as a backup. Know how to use your navigational equipment before you set off on your hike. Also know the general direction of your starting point; if you get lost you can find your way using your compass or the sun or stars.
While you’re hiking make mental notes of landmarks such as outcroppings and streams. If you get lost stay calm and try to retrace your steps by remembering the landmarks you’ve seen. If you’re still having trouble then try to find a stream. Most trails start at the bottom of a hill or mountain so if you follow the downward flow of the stream it should end at the bottom of the hill or mountain. You can also climb a tree or hike to a clearing to get a view of your area that can help you get a sense of direction.
Lastly, make sure you’ve left your itinerary and when you should be back with a friend or relative. In case you get lost, they will know the area to look for you. This is true whether hiking through Yellowstone Park or the back woods of Malaga.
About the Author:
Greg Hansward very often produces publications on areas dealing with malaga spain and costa del sol and malaga. His publications on
malaga are published on his website .
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Most people think that you need intricate, costly retirement planning kits to get the most out of your planning. Not so! Many good retirement planning tools can be had for free. They may not have tons of extras, but sometimes simple can be perfect, too.
Start with Budgeting
This tool may not seem all that inspired, but it can make a huge difference in your retirement planning: a budget. Start with a blank piece of paper, or a blank spreadsheet, if you want to use your computer. Go through your checkbook, credit card statement, and bank statement and write down all of your monthly expenses, including your utilities, credit cards, eating out, groceries, and snacks.
Write down every single thing that you spent money on, even if it was just for fun. Now, at the bottom of the page, subtract the amount from your total take-home income. Anything that is left over is potential for retirement funds.
If you don’t have anything left over, then it may be time to rethink your budget. Cut back on the little things so that you can plan for the big thing, retirement.
The Personnel Office
Many folks don’t realize that the best retirement planning tools can be found at their job; it is called the personnel office. Personnel can help you find and sign up for every perk, investment, and savings benefit your employer has to offer. Some businesses even work with banks and local investment firms to get retirement information to their employees. Stock up on the brochures and reading material that the office has as well. It’s like getting top-of-the-line retirement advice for free!
Use the Internet
You can get tons of nifty retirement planning products on the internet. A lot of it is what’s called Shareware, which are programs that are created by programmers in their spare time to offer to the public free of charge. The Vanguard Retirement Calculator helps you see if you are investing enough and helps you average your investment returns. AARP has a Retirement Roadmap Tool that helps determine how much your retirement dreams will cost in the real world. Principal Financial Group offers many different kinds of planning and investment calculators for planning for retirement. CNN Money.com offers an intensive calculator that covers investments, goals, income, savings, and portfolios.
there is no need to spend big bucks on retirement planning tools. Free ones are right at your fingertips.
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