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
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..For most people, outdoor cooking is synonymous with barbeque, but... Read More
San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More
Before you take off on that great outdoor adventure, be... Read More
In The city of Arcadia California, right next door to... Read More
Camping mixed with outdoor activity is a great way to... Read More
Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More
The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More
If you love the thrill and adventure of kayak travel,... Read More
Phillip Island is a small island and nature reserve off... Read More
Yuma, Arizona. In the winter, it's the best town in... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
The islands of Samoa are emerging as an exciting new... Read More
Why should you use hiking poles is perhaps the first... Read More
There are two types of used inflatable boats for sale... Read More
This truly beautiful country at the southern tip of dark... Read More
You would think that a cheap safari in Africa for... Read More
Some people have fought many years of their lives to... Read More
Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More
I stood at the observation point on the balcony at... Read More
Normally when you think Safari you think Big 5. The... Read More
Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More
Spain: sun, sea, sand and Spanish... discover us! Spain, a... Read More
Eulogised as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, Cochin, Kerala's... Read More
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..Tamil Nadu is a delightful anachronism. With a rich culture... Read More
Scotland has taken its place as the new Mecca for... Read More
The beautiful Salmon River stretches through over 400 miles of... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Pictures of a massive dead Great White shark on the... Read More
Mt. Washington Valley Trails & Mt Washington - NHThe highest... Read More
Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More
Recently I attended a Boy Scout Leader Roundtable meeting where... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
Spain offers the visitor over 4,000 kms of coastline where... Read More
Inflatable fishing boats are great yacht tenders/camping boats that are... Read More
It is the downhill ski racing competition of the winter... Read More
SAFE WALKING TREKKING OUTDOORSIf you are contemplating a long distance... Read More
New experiences make me nervous, and I assume that holds... Read More
WHAT TO HUNT AND WHERE: Alaska is a hunter's paradise.... Read More
WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More
The Royal Barge Procession in Bangkok, conducted on very rare... Read More
Camping is an excellent way to explore and experience the... Read More
One afternoon during a trip across the country in our... Read More
The first recorded mapping of what is now Koombana Bay... Read More
The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More
Directly south of Louisville, just off Interstate 65 and not... Read More
So unknown is this treasure of Lake Jipe not many... Read More
Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More
Up to now the preponderant view held by many historians... Read More
Outdoors |