1- Hiking is hard on your feet compared to an average school or workday. You will usually cover many more miles through rougher terrain. If you are backpacking; then your feet and legs are carrying more weight than normal. I coach beginning backpackers to concentrate their first purchases on shoes and socks. Ask your fellow hikers what they like in a shoe or boot to hike in. Go to several stores and find a knowledgeable salesperson to assist you. Try different brands and styles. Try different brands & styles of socks. Boots and socks are the most important pieces of gear that you will purchase! Get several pairs of socks.
G: What do you call a scared skeleton?
H: Gutless.
2- First thing is then to waterproof your boots. Second: break them in. Breaking in a pair of shoes takes some time. Walk around the house on a lazy day. Get used to how they feel. Then start wearing them to go on short hikes or to school. After several days of this; try wearing them on a long day hike. You can pack an extra pair of shoes or do laps close to home in case you develop a hot spot or blister. Make sure that you are wearing the hiking socks and washing the hiking socks after use. If the boots seem stiff; try leaving them in a sunny window for a couple of hours before your next wearing. Wear them with your loaded backpack and see how they feel. After a couple of long trials; take them out for real on the trail. Remember that these boots and socks are your “wheels” and if they don’t go, then you don’t go.
I: I heard that you complained about studying for the test and then complained more after the test.
J: Yeah I did and it hurt. It was a blood test.
3- High Altitude Sickness (AMS) has a strong correlation with dehydration. Generally, I use 5,000 to 8,000 feet (1500 to 2400 meters) as a marker for “high altitude.” At higher altitudes, your body uses more water and loses water faster than normal.
– Increased urine output
– Sweat evaporates very quickly so you do not know you are losing water
– Dryer air
– Heavier breathing / more breaths per minute loose moisture because there are fewer Oxygen molecules at altitude
– Cooler air/temps. cause your body to suppress your thirst
– Flying to and from high altitude destinations increases your body’s need for water
– The kidneys conserve less fluid at altitude
K: Where do ghosts & goblins go swimming?
L: Lake Eeeeerie.
4- Symptoms for Altitude Sickness (AMS):
* Headache
* Nausea and Vomiting
* Loss of appetite
* Loss of sleep
* Fever
* Loss of memory and function (coordination)
* Dizziness and weakness / lightheaded
* Nail beds turn blue; blue, or grey lips and/or fingertips
* Diarrhea
* Can’t clear ears
* Night Visions & Field of Vision may be reduced
— Going from bad to worse —
* Cough w/ phlegm
* Swelling of extremities
* Psychotic
* Behavior alters
* Disoriented
* Nose bleed
* Rapid heart rate – Palpitations
* Fainting
— Even More Worse —
* Sweaty
* Disoriented, Agitated, Confusion
* Persistent Cough
* Frothy Sputum
* Feeling of suffocation or chest tightness
* Chest sounds like a crumpling paper bag during breathing
* Coma
5- First Aid:
– Descend to lower altitudes
– Supplemental Oxygen (O2)
– Hydrate
– Keep warm
– High carbohydrate diet, w / fruits, honey, molasses, vs fats (It takes more oxygen to digest and metabolize meats, dairy, and fats)
– NEVER leave this person alone!
NOTE: No stimulants, caffeine, sleeping pills, tobacco, or alcohol. (Let medical professionals prescribe/administer medicines.)
6- The best path to prevention:
– Pre-trip physical – tell your medical professional you are going to do a high altitude adventure
– Workout hard for at least a month before the trip
– Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
– Slowly climb to greater altitudes – slow ascent – less than 1,000 feet per day
– Work high, sleep low
M: What do you call a kitten that eats lemons?
N: A sour puss.
Stay Safe,
Gaither