Spring:
Essential items when preparing for a walk
-Compass
-First aid kit - including an elastic bandage, gauze pads, antiseptic cream and antihistamine tablets.
Mobile Phones ? Always tell at least one person where you will be walking and the estimated time you will be out. Mobile phone coverage can be unreliable in the mountains.
Water and Energy Food ? Even though temperatures may be low it is better to carry plenty of water and juice. Food for energy is important not only to keep your stomach happy but also your mind. If your brain is lacking in essential sugars you cannot make correct decisions for your safety. Healthy foods such as nuts, fruit, muesli bars, (some chocolate) and sandwiches are a better type of food to take walking.
Footwear and Clothing - Wearing comfortable walking shoes or boots is important, especially when tackling difficult terrain. They are designed for comfort and safety and if looked after will last for many years. In spring you may start off walking in good weather conditions, but a gain in altitude of a few hundred meters and it will be a different story. Normally a medium weight sweater and a light wind/rain proof jacket should be sufficient.
Maps - Ordinance survey maps in Spain are not updated on a regular basis. Dirt tracks and trails that are marked on the maps may not have been maintained. Often the route is over-grown, ploughed up, or sometimes a fence has been erected across it. I would recommend that you don't rely on just one track or trail for your route, look for options before you set out on your walk, as dead-ends can be really frustrating. Some tracks and goat trails may not be marked on the maps. You can find a map shop in most major cities.
Summer
It is a good idea to start a walk in early morning or evening. Try to finish a morning walk by 12:00 at the latest.
Clothing and footwear - Shorts or lightweight trousers (to avoid scratches on your legs) and a t-Shirt or shirt with collar keeps you cool and the sun off your neck. A hat is important, even though it may be hot it's better than getting heat stroke. You may be tempted to use open footwear, however proper boots or shoes offer more support and comfort. Please forgive me if I state the obvious.
Skin Protection - High factor sun block is recommended. When you are out walking for several hours a slight burn on the shoulders, arms or behind the knees can rub on your clothing. Always carry extra sun block to top up after a while as sweat will wear it off.
Water - Take as much as you and your group can carry, especially if you are not sure how long you will be out walking. Take regular sips of water rather than drinking a lot every half hour. Take advantage of any natural springs to cool off your head and arms only drinking it if there is a notice clearly stating it is safe to drink.
Winter
At this time of year dressing in layers is better than wearing one thick sweater or fleece. Carry a waterproof jacket in case of rain. Take a spare pair of socks, a woolly hat, scarf & gloves. It is best to treat your walking shoes or boots with a waterproofing agent the day before a walk.
Water ? Carry about two litres of water per person, you may not feel thirsty while you are walking but dehydration still occurs in cold, dry conditions. Past a certain point it is difficult to re-hydrate your body.
Dealing with dogs
While walking in the campo you will more than likely pass by a farm or two. Some people can be put off by the idea of a dog lurking behind a barn waiting to pounce on the "happy wanderer". If you approach a farm expecting to meet a dog it tends to take the shock out of the "bark". A lot of bigger dogs will be tied up, if not you must be confident and stand your ground. If the dog starts to advance stamp your foot and shout "FUERA", which means away or get out. Repeating this as you walk past their territory usually works quite well, if you still feel a bit un-nerved pretend to pick up a small rock while shouting "FUERA". If you are still not sure about passing through the dog's territory, find another way around the farm. Always walk away with confidence never RUN. I have found more often than not that if you show no fear and use an aggressive tone in your voice they will walk away.
In short, whatever time of year you walk in the campo/mountains ;
Wear the correct clothing and footwear
Always carry plenty of water
Make sure at least one person knows where you are walking
Carry first-aid kit and know some basic first ? aid techniques.
Have a great time exploring Spain's Countryside!!
Steve Murray lives in Spain and runs an number a Adventure Sports Company abdal adventures
prom limousines Arcola ..Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
Don't all of us love to have the money to... Read More
Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular park in... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
We weren't planning to go rock and arrowhead hunting in... Read More
The sport of river rafting was practically invented in Colorado.... Read More
Touted as one of the world's fifty destinations of a... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
Important information about camping stoves...What type of camping, hiking, or... Read More
In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More
Magnetic declination is an essential principle to understand when navigating... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
An inflatable boat trailer is needed if the user has... Read More
Malaria is endemic to most of the areas in Africa... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
Have you ever had a backpacking trip that was a... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
Have you taken up hiking as a new form of... Read More
Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
The owner can attempt small inflatable boat repair if factory-gluing... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
If you you find yourself saying "Hey, that's a good... Read More
1st day : Airport / Amman, O/N Our representative will... Read More
Attica Chicago limousine service ..I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides,... Read More
There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More
Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was... Read More
Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More
Bryce Whitmore designed the modern whitewater inflatable pontoon boat, and... Read More
We love spending time outdoors and if you are expecting... Read More
Maybe your favorite backpacking food is a freeze-dried turkey dinner.... Read More
My river-rafting adventure started on a bicycle. The small daypack... Read More
Croatia has quickly become Europe's hottest destination, and for good... Read More
The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More
You aren't lightweight backpacking if you are carrying twenty-five pounds... Read More
Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More
White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More
Truly a small wonder, the eTrex takes the best features... Read More
Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for... Read More
If you are on a tight budget and can't afford... Read More
Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking... Read More
Visitors to Hawaii frequently see dolphins from shore or on... Read More
Nightlife in Big Sky, Montana is more exciting than you... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel.com and Bookpleasures.com is pleased... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
"The good news is that there is no reason to... Read More
Outdoors |