Hello Summer!!!

For those of you that aren't 4-season hikers, it might have been a while since you've been on the trails. See below for some helpful tips (note: these are suggestions only, and my own personal opinions), and remember to Wear Sunscreen.

Happy Hiking,

~y
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DEHYDRATION: Bring an extra liter of water in addition to what you think you might need, and consider electrolyte drinks or tablets to replenish salts lost in sweat. Headache, dizziness, nausea or pins/needles in your arms could be signs of dehydration.

SNAKES: Do not be alarmed if seeing a snake on the trail. They like to sunbathe, and you may often find them on the trails or rock outcroppings. Harmless garter snakes are common in our area - remember they are more scared of you than you are of them, so just let them slither away. Poisonous rattle snakes also show up - if you see one, back away slowly so the snake doesn't feel threatened, and make a wide berth around it on the trail.

DRY CLOTHING: If hiking tall peaks, carry a dry spare shirt as yours is likely to be soaked in sweat by the time you get to the windy peak, and you will be cold.

BUGS: Blueberry season is almost upon us - before you dive into the blueberry bushes in your shorts and short sleeves, be mindful of hidden dangers such as poison ivy or ticks, chiggers and other bugs. Black flies are also common this time of year in Catskills/ADKs/Whites, and flock to you when you stop moving. A mosquito net is an easy solution for peaceful lunch breaks.

CAR PARKING: When leaving your car parked at a trailhead, be sure to lock all your valuables in the trunk - someone I know had their car window smashed and purse stolen from the front seat while they were hiking one of our local trails.

FINES (CAR): Also be mindful of posted parking regulations - it is often tempting to leave your car parked by the roadside if the main lot is overcrowded. READ THE SIGNS if you want to avoid a ticket - I was ticketed by Kaaterskill Falls last year, and saw plenty of cars getting fined parking by the road at Sebago Boat Launch.

FINES (SWIMMING): And posted swimming regulations. Many people received tickets last year for swimming in the ever-popular Pine Meadow Lake (Lake Awosting in Minnewaska is a safer alternative if you want to avoid a fine).

CAMPING: If you're planning on car camping in NY State parks before the end of June, use this handy discount code for $5 off per night: use code EARLYCAMP14 when making advance reservations at http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.