365 Things To Do In the Georgetown (Texas) Area

137. Best Day Hikes

  Before the weather gets too hot, this is a great time to get out and enjoy the fresh air.  REI in Round Rock always has some interesting and free classes that can help make your outdoor experience even better.

As Spring comes into full-swing, what better way to spend a warm afternoon than a walk through the rolling savannahs of the Texas Hill Country. In the free presentation, the REI Specialist will explore some of the best destinations for your Spring day-hikes, as well as examine the ten essentials of outdoor travel to prepare you for any outing.

The original Ten Essentials list was assembled in the 1930s by The Mountaineers, a Seattle-based organization for climbers and outdoor adventurers. In 2003, the group's updated "systems" approach made its debut in its seminal text on climbing and outdoor exploration, Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills (The Mountaineers Books, 2010), now in its eighth edition.

Why create such a list? The book's editors explain: "The purpose of this list has always been to answer 2 basic questions: First, can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? Second, can you safely spend a night—or more—out?"

Packing these items whenever you step into the backcountry, even on day hikes, is a good habit to acquire. True, on a routine trip you may use only a few of them. Yet you'll probably never fully appreciate the value of the Ten Essentials until you really need one of them.  Here's the Top Ten Essentials:

Classic Ten Essentials

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen
4. Extra clothing
5. Headlamp/flashlight
6. First-aid supplies
7. Firestarter
8. Matches
9. Knife
10. Extra food

 Beyond the top Ten Essentials, there are some other items to consider: 

• Insect repellent: Your most effective options are: 1) Lotion or spray repellents containing DEET, and/or 2) Clothing that has been treated with permethrin.
• Whistle: For summoning help, it will outlast your vocal chords.
• Ice axe: For safety when crossing snow fields.
• Communication device: Two-way radios, a cell phone or a satellite telephone can add a measure of safety in many situations.
• Signaling device: As noted eariler, some compasses come with sighting mirrors. If yours does not, consider taking a small mirror to signal rescuers in an emergency.
• Knowledge: Having items in your pack has no value unless you understand how to use them. As one search-and-rescue leader told us, "People talk about the Ten Essentials, but the most important essential is between your ears."

One of my favorite day hikes is at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.  I love climbing up to the top of the big ROCK, taking in the view of the Hill Country, marveling at the enormity of this huge granite feature, and exploring all the trails that surround the rock.  

Join REI to start your Spring day-hikes off right.  There are still 10 spots available, register here.

Location:  REI               
               201 University Oaks Blvd, Suite 1100
               Round Rock, TX 78664
               (512) 255-1938

When:  Weds., May 18, 7-8 p.m. FREE

Published Tuesday, May 17, 2011 7:35 PM by Sun City Realty Team