Safety for Forest Visitors 



557 



the supplies and equipment needed to 

 complete the journey, with a margin 

 for safety. It anticipates the unex- 

 pected illness, accident, and stormy 

 weather. It is, indeed, the first essen- 

 tial of any trip to the hinterland. 



Probably more outings have resulted 

 in discomfort, if not disaster, from in- 

 adequate equipment than from any 

 other cause. Again, do not hesitate to 

 ask questions. Experience is a hard 

 teacher; one can learn the easy way 

 by presenting his problems to those 

 who should know the answers. 



Whether you are climbing, fishing, 

 hunting, photographing, or enjoying 

 any of the other pursuits that attract 

 people into the back country, the 

 equipment should be practicable and 

 absolutely dependable. 



Outing equipment is too varied to 

 make possible any detailed suggestions. 

 A few general principles apply, regard- 

 less of any particular activity : Woods- 

 wise travelers test their gear before 

 they leave home. They make sure that 

 their ski bindings are adjusted prop- 

 erly. They test the sights of their rifles. 

 They are satisfied that their tackle box 

 contains every inducement for what- 

 ever fish may be encountered. Most 

 important of all, they inspect the first- 

 aid kit to be positive that it is complete. 

 Veteran campers check their list of 

 items for parts needing replacement 

 during the trip: Generators for gaso- 

 line lanterns, flashlight batteries and 

 bulbs, bandages for first-aid kits, and 

 matches in waterproof containers. If 

 traveling in snake country, they make 

 sure that the snake-bite kit is complete 

 and that every member of the party 

 knows how to use it. Those who are to 

 climb mountains carefully check the 

 condition of their ropes. If a winter 

 expedition is contemplated, they make 

 doubly sure that they are prepared for 

 whatever weather may develop. 



There is no substitute for good 

 judgment when one is on his own. It 

 can be acquired only through expe- 

 rience; it can be exercised only by 

 determination to keep a cool head, 

 regardless of circumstances. 



The development of a sound judg- 

 ment is one of the really worth while 

 byproducts of back-country travel. If 

 one cannot learn to think for himself, 

 perhaps he should limit his outings to 

 the fringes of civilization. 



Judgment is especially important in 

 the hunting season, whether or not one 

 is actually hunting. 



The unarmed traveler, no less than 

 the hunter, takes his own chances in 

 game country and should avoid any 

 possibility of being mistaken for ani- 

 mals or birds. Hunters are exposed to a 

 barrage of safety suggestions, which de- 

 serve full compliance. Above all, hunt- 

 ers should be positive of their target 

 before they shoot. 



THE VACATION COUNTRY is a friendly 

 land, but there are specific dangers 

 that should be recognized. Let us meet 

 and get acquainted with some of them, 

 before they surprise us. 



Most mountain roads are safer than 

 they may appear to flat-landers who 

 are not accustomed to narrow widths, 

 sharp turns, and heavy grades. Before 

 attempting such roads, have your car 

 checked, particularly the tires, brakes, 

 lights, clutch, and cooling system. Be 

 sure your gasoline and oil are ade- 

 quate filling stations may be few and 

 far between. Use second or low gear 

 while climbing or descending steep 

 grades. Drive slowly, so that your pas- 

 sengers may enjoy the countryside and 

 your car will stay in the wheel track. 



Always reconnoiter a strange stream 

 or lake before you bathe in it. Never 

 attempt diving until you are positive 

 the water is deep enough. Watch out 

 for treacherous eddies, hidden holes, 

 slippery underwater ledges and roots, 

 broken glass, and rusty tin cans. A dip 

 in a cool mountain lake or stream is a 

 wonderful tonic after a hot day in the 

 saddle or afoot, but remember that 

 what starts as a refreshing stimulant 

 may end in disastrous shock, if the 

 water is especially cold and your 

 physical condition is below par. Do not 

 swim alone. 



The least a forest visitor can do in 



