Guidelines - Geocaching & Hiking

Many who hike and Geocache frequently are familiar with "The ten essentials" those items you should always have with you when you venture away from the parking lot for even a day hike. If this is new to you here is a basic list:
1. Map
2. Compass
3. Flashlight / Headlamp
4. Extra Food
5. Extra Clothes
6. First-Aid Kit
7. Pocket Knife
8. Waterproof Matches
9. Water / Filter / Bottles
10. Whistle

Each member (except small children) should carry their own ten.

Other points off importance :

• Use suntan lotion with a high UV blocking factor
• Wear sunglasses or snow goggles when necessary, and a hat and clothes that cover sensitive areas, even on cloudy days
• Avoid hiking around midday in very hot weather
• Always carry windproof and warm protective clothing, even when the weather seems fine
• Try to anticipate rain and snow storms, put on protective clothing and try to find/get to shelter as soon as possible in adverse conditions
• Drink plenty of water: 2-8 liters/day, depending on circumstances. The tour leader should advise members on the availability of water on the planned route. Each person should carry at least half a liter to one liter of water as emergency reserve, especially on unknown terrain
• Never walk without shoes or in in the dark without a torch to minimize the risk of snake bite, etc
• Apply sticky plaster or moleskin to chafed spots *before* blisters form on feet
• For trips to altitudes of over 2 400m above sea level, the leader should familiarize him/herself with the symptoms and warning signs of high altitude sickness and dehydration as well as with prevention and treatment thereof. People living near sea level are more vulnerable

• Never underestimate the mountain: weather changes occur suddenly and severely

• Always take with warm clothes, food and water

• A minimum group size of 4 is recommended

• Always have the Mountain Search & Rescue contact number available in case of a life threatening emergency

Do not ignore actions by group members that could lead to accidents, injuries or illness. Although each person should be responsible for his own safety, irresponsible acts by one person may affect, and even endanger, the whole group.

Do not ignore strange behavior by a group members in adverse conditions, as this may signal the onset of heat stroke, hypothermia or altitude sickness, depending on the conditions.

If you are just getting started Geocaching you may have never ventured far from the beaten track. In this case it is well worth your while to invest the time and money to assemble your own ten essentials and become familiar with how to use them should the need arise.

Last but not least I felt the following are very important:

When nature calls ...
Whenever or wherever you are hiking, it is a natural feeling to want to go to the loo BUT one is in the bush and a convenient toilet is not available.

Whilst walking, one notices various sizes, shapes, colours and textures as well as pongs of excretion from various animals.  The bush is their ‘home’ and although excretions are often seen on the top of rocks or stones, this should not be our method.

 Please, please, please, do your ‘business’ with discretion, off the trail and behind a bush where nobody else can see you.  Carry a small spade for the ‘big jobbies’ and dig a small hole which can be covered up once you are finished.  Do not leave the paper to blow away with the next wind.  If you do not have paper with you, grass or leaves are a suitable substitute.

 Please carry out the process away from a water source and at least 50m from the water line.