Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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Poison oak leaves (photo: Jane Huber)

Stinging Nettle

Common along the coast, this spiny plant causes an unpleasant stinging sensation when any part of it comes in contact with your skin. It is also mentioned in the hike description when it appears along a given trail.

Physical Dangers

Lightning

Thunderstorms are common during the summer months and often bring lightning, especially at higher elevations. If you see a thunderstorm approaching, avoid exposed ridges and peaks, take shelter in low places, and sit on some sort of insulating material if you feel in real danger; your backpack or sleeping pad are good options.

Hypothermia

This life-threatening condition occurs when the body is unable to stay adequately warm and its core temperature begins to drop. Initial symptoms include weakness, mental confusion, and uncontrollable shivering. Cold, wet weather poses the greatest hazard because wet clothes conduct heat away from the body roughly 20 times as fast as dry layers. Fatigue reduces your body’s ability to produce its own heat; wind poses an increased risk as it can quickly strip away warmth. Immediate treatment is critical and entails raising the body’s core temperature: Get out of the wind, take off wet clothes, drink warm beverages, eat simple energy foods, and take shelter in a warm tent or sleeping bag. Do not drink alcohol—this dilates the blood vessels and increases heat loss.