OUTDOOR TRAVEL TIPS
Be prepared for your chosen recreation - Stick to your turnaround time, take the proper equipment, have a trip plan, and use reference and guide books.
Always carry the essentials - Always be ready to stay out over night.
Never hike alone - Hike with a group and keep together. Travel at the speed of the slowest person. If a person becomes separated by going ahead or falling behind, they are more likely to become lost.
Do not Panic - Maintain a positive attitude if you become lost. Being lost is not dangerous if you are prepared.
Stay where you are - People who carry on after they become lost usually get further from the trail and from those who are looking for them.
Use signaling devices - Blowing a whistle, lighting a fire, and staying visible will help searchers find you. Remember that animals will not be attracted to your signals.
Build or seek shelter - Protect yourself from rain, wind and excessive sun. Be as comfortable as possible, but during daylight hours make sure you are visible to searchers in helicopters or planes.
BEFORE YOU GO:
If an outing into the great Okanagan wilderness is on the agenda for your next vacation, a little advance planning is in order to ensure you enjoy a safe, worry-free and fun time.
Never venture out without first making sure you possess the right gear. Number one on your list should be a good topographical map of the area you're planning to explore. Although many of the trails are marked, it's easy to get lost or venture into uncharted terrain.
Next you want to have the appropriate clothing and footwear so you're comfortable during your outing.
Last but certainly not least please observe some rules and common courtesies for your own safety and to keep British Columbia beautiful. Exercise extreme caution at all times, and remember that the higher up you go, the thicker the vegetation, which makes the terrain much more rugged. And the weather can often be very different in higher elevations so be prepared if you dare to venture in those parts.
Remain on well marked trails so you don't get lost or destroy untouched terrain and always give logging trucks the right of way. Bring food, water and emergency supplies, but remember to take everything with you when you leave.
http://www.vtours.com/kelowna/hiking.htm
