Читать книгу Day & Section Hikes Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California онлайн

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Southern California’s chaparral has evolved to burn as part of its life cycle. Many of the trips in this book pass areas that have burned in the past decade, about half ignited by lightning and half by the carelessness or malice of humankind. Exercise extreme caution with campfires, stoves, and other open flames, especially in late summer and fall when the dry vegetation becomes a tinderbox. If you see signs of wildfire while hiking, promptly evacuate the area.

Close encounters with desert vegetation, especially cactus and yuccas, can be painful. Pay attention to your surroundings. A pair of tweezers can help remove cactus needles.

Learn to recognize and avoid poison oak, whose urushiol oil causes an intensely itchy rash. Poison oak has three leaves that are usually shiny green, but sometimes turn red. Remember the words of wisdom: “Leaves of three, let it be.” If you accidentally make contact with it, vigorously wash your skin with water to remove the oil right away. If a rash develops (typically a few days after contact), calamine lotion or Benadryl may relieve the symptoms. In severe cases, contact your physician.