Be on the lookout...
There appears to be a
storm acomin' this weekend. If you are out and about in the Sierra Nevada (SN), exercise extreme caution in the high country for the next several days. I recommend packing a shovel and tire chains for your vehicle if you go "deep." Fill the tank up with gasoline before going the "off road."
Also, go to Costco (or any store for that matter) and stock up on powdered drinks, candy/energy treats and bars, and bring these items with you. Caveat: careful when in bear country if you store these items in your car. Other items could include soy milk, beef broth, nuts, cereal. Just "food" for thought. Hey, I made a funny!
Bottom line: BE PREPARED! You don't have to be a Boy Scout. I go with the 7 Ps: Prior Proper Planning Prevents P*$$ Poor Performance. Also that adage, "No one plans to fail, they just fail to plan." Nike advertisement said it best, "Just do it!"
With winter just a coule of weeks away, now would be a good time to have your automobile battery, fluids, and spare tire pressure checked.
Let's not forget our "warm bodies" and keeping them that way. Somewhere I read on another post by someone stating, "Start warm, stay warm." Good sage advice.
10 ESSENTIALS! You know what they are. If you don't, Google it.
Try to keep your ears and nose from exposure to the cold. Frostbite hits there first if these areas are exposed to the elements.
Also, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. For road conditions,
click here for CalTrans road conditions.
Most importantly, don't forget to leave your itinerary with a family member or friend at home or at camp.
THIS IS REAL IMPORTANT! Being a hiker and a hunter, this is a MUST DO in case you become stranded or lost. Destination (grid coordinates), route (road or trail), ETR. Leave a note at the trailhead.
You can probably post your itinerary right here on this website. All you have to do is promise to leave a TR or leave us a posting that you made it back. If we don't hear from you, then there would be some kind of concern. We are all in this together. Let's cover each other's 6s.
If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle! Honk your horn THREE TIMES(international distress signal). Pack an extra gallon or two of water and keep it from freezing by wrapping in an old blanket or old coat. Be sure to place your water jugs or Nalgenes in the UPSIDE DOWN position (water freezes from top to bottom).
Take extra batteries for your headlamp or other electronic devices. Keep them warm to keep their charge.
Bring along some extra pocket change. Yes, there are some pay phones out there. If you cannot get full bars on your cell, pray there is a payphone nearby that hasnt' been vandalized. Be sure there is a dial tone before placing quarters in the phone.
Bring along a list of important numbers and stick them in your wallet, car visor, glove box, or console. Have it handy. Good numbers to have other than 911, are phone numbers to relatives, friends, CHP or county law enforcement, emergency response, Domino's (just kidding).
Don't forget to pack them to bring along your prescribed medications.
I hope all of this helps. Feel free to add your suggestions to this post in case I may have missed something very important. Cover my 6, please.
Happy Holidays!
Have fun.
