Carson National Forest A Visit With Mother Nature

Carson National Forest A Visit With Mother Nature

Mother Nature offers a full spectrum of challenges on nearly every outing.  Outdoor enthusiasts must prepare for possible obstacles or suffer the consequences.

A favorite is always water crossings. Don water shoes and splash around, or use trekking poles to help balance across rocks and logs?  Always judge water crossings carefully as these can spell disaster if not done with care.

Weather dominates preparation for most trips.  Always research the climate and patterns in the area visiting.  Mountains require sunscreen and sunglasses due to higher elevations and increased sun exposure.  However, a rain jacket was also packed to cover the common summer rain showers.  Mother Nature blessed me on this outing with some free marble size hail along with the rain.

The Forest Service and volunteers do tremendous work in trail maintenance.  However, one must always be ready for recent obstacles left by Mother Nature.  Exercise caution in choosing to simply step over or go around.

Mother Nature can provide changing conditions on nearly a daily basis.  Heavy rains from a previous day converted an easy trail into a rock hopping mud festival.  Surprisingly, I enjoyed both.

Even Mother Natures spectacular scenery offers interesting challenges.  The mosquitoes in  this area were so numerous that I cant believe they arent  visible in the photo.  Im glad the bug repellent kept them at bay while I snapped the photo.

Mother Nature creates the wonders that make outings worth the trip.  With proper preparation and research, you can make sure your outing is enjoyable no matter what nature throws at you.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


Carson National Forest A Visit With Mother Nature

Carson National Forest Waterfall

Carson National Forest Waterfall

The outdoors are full of adventure and spectacular scenery.  Waterfalls shine as the inspiration to many of these excursions.  This little waterfall kept me company while taking a break on the trail.

Another waterfall was not as accessible.  A short scramble using trekking poles opened up a photo opportunity for this waterfall.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker


Carson National Forest Waterfall

Carson National Forest in New Mexico Adjusting to Altitude

Carson National Forest in New Mexico Adjusting to Altitude

Venturing into the mountains must be accomplished with caution.  Mountain altitudes pose health risks to the human body.  Simple guidelines help diminish the effects of altitude.  With the proper preparation, time in the mountains can be safe and enjoyable.

Guidelines for diminishing the effects of altitude.

1. Hydration

At altitude, drinking plenty of water is crucial.  The body loses increased amounts of water during respiration, exertion, and more frequent urination.  In addition to water, utilize sport drinks and juices to hydrate while replacing lost electrolytes.  Avoid using drinks that sabotage hydration such as caffeine and alcohol.

2. Rest

With less oxygen available in the thinner air, the body will labor to perform normal activities.  Give the body time to adjust by resting and reducing normal physical activities by 50 percent.  Take the opportunity to get a good nights rest.  If necessary, sleep on your side, use a nasal saline spray, or descend to a lower elevation when sleeping.

Many people associate the effects of altitude sickness to a hangover/flu with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, poor appetite, fatigue, and shortness of breath.  Following these guidelines will help diminish the effects of altitude on the body.  If hydration and rest fail, descend to a lower elevation, as time is the only way for the body to successful adjust to altitude.


High above the water line.

Riverwalker


Carson National Forest in New Mexico Adjusting to Altitude