Journey
campers.caution
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Ahh, the great outdoors! The thought conjures up different images for different people. Whether you picture warm desert breezes, cold mountain streams or simply lounging about in your campsite without a care in the world, we're all thinking the same thing, relaxation in paradise.
Still, most folks don't think about the flip side of paradise; getting lost, inclement weather, sprained ankles, poison oak, snakebites, etc. Whether you are headed out to desolate, snow-covered peaks or your local hiking trail, you've got to be prepared for the unexpected.
 Would you like to be one up on the masses by reading some very simple tips? Or, would you prefer to continue stumbling blindly through the woods and fields, drinking contaminated water, picking up ticks, rolling around in poison oak and wrestling your dinner from a 300-pound black bear?
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Camping
- When in known bear areas, NEVER leave food in your tents or even in vehicles. The bears will get it and cause damage! Use bear canisters, bear boxes or lockers, or devise a sling method to hang your food.
- NEVER build camp or pitch your tent in dry riverbeds or along arroyos, dry washes in deserts (unless your tent comes equipped with oars or paddles).
- If you feel the absolute need to bring a firearm with you. Please obey ALL federal and local laws and regulations regarding said firearm. Keep it childproof at all times.
Hiking
- Pack a good map of the area and obtain a few good, recent weather forecast. Be alert for signage or, as is often the case, lack thereof. Make sure you get a real map of the your possible routes & the area to recreate.
- Bring along a first aid kit and know what's in it!
- Know what Poison Oak and Sumac look like and make all attempts to AVOID it!
- Bring plenty of water. NEVER trust natural water sources. There may be cows upstream (yes, even at 11,000' elevation in Bishop)
- Use Tincture of Iodine or some sort of filter system. (Trust us on this one!)
Hostels
Traveling cheap has it's prices. There are precautions you must take when sleeping in a youth hostel or boarding house. Many strangers can appear as friends but could possibly take advantage of you (financially or otherwise). Be very aware of your assigned locker, it's contents, the lock, your wallet, cash, credit cards, plus your belongings where you sleep (watches, jewelry). Have a back up stash of cash hidden somewhere besides your sock.
Pets
Trying to travel with your pooche (or other pet) can be difficult if you are not prepared to deal with the surprised innkeeper. Make sure your accommodations accept pets & what sizes & conditions & deposits. Best to call ahead or email & verify in with a human.
Camping dogs can be a blessing, warning sign or a hinderance. It all depends on how you look at it. If you enjoy birdwatching or checking out wildlife, then a typical dog may be frightening the animals away. Then again, if you want a warning alarm before the bear even steps into your campsite at 3am, then good old Rover is the 'man for the job'.
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Total Escape California Camping
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