By Mary Burger
Mankind has worked his entire history to protect himself and his family from the elements. Here we are, in the twenty-first century, deliberately exposing ourselves to the elements in disregard of our ancestors’ efforts. Our motivation for getting out is as varied as our backgrounds. Some desire exercise, while others desire relaxation. Some are looking for excitement, others stress relief. Whether the Peak is as familiar as the back yard, or as exotic as a distant continent, we all come to enjoy the mountain. Few, if anyone’s, purpose is to find disaster. Lack of preparedness is looking for disaster. As familiar as Pikes Peak seems, it is still a wild and formidable environment. Whenever we venture onto the mountain, we need to have prepared ourselves in four areas: Knowledge, Insulation, Energy, and Water.
Knowledge is the foremost tool against disaster. Know where you are going. Let someone else know where you are going. Carry a map. Read books. Try exploring a short distance on a newly discovered trail and return home. Another day return and go further. Familiarize yourself with the environment and the difficulty level, before committing to the entire distance.
Our weather on Pikes Peak is known for its’ extreme variability. The well-informed user will be prepared to encounter all four seasons on the Peak. The best way to be warm is to stay warm, and the best way to be dry is to stay dry. There is always a balance to be struck between extra weight, and speed. Make this balance deliberately and responsibly.
Some people like to carry a picnic, others prefer to concentrate on the exercise, and eat well before and/or after their encounter with the mountain. Whatever your preference, be prepared for the work out in the out of doors to use more calories than you normally expend.
While it may not be apparent to new comers, the area around Pikes Peak is a high mountain dessert. The humidity level is low enough to cause dehydration at normal exertion levels. When expending the higher level of exertion of biking, running or hiking additional water is a must.
This winter while walking on Pikes Peak, I met several groups, who were either not prepared for the changing weather, or were not on the trail they thought they were on. I, of course, helped them. And, we all lived happily ever after. But I worry. What if someone had not come along with that extra water, or jacket, or knowledge of the area? I cannot stress enough the importance of being prepared when taking on the out of doors. The natural world is not benign. While I am not one to stay in bed to avoid the hazards of the world, I do advise all users on Pikes Peak to prepare themselves with knowledge, insulation, energy and water.
Pikes Peak is a beautiful and varied eco-system. Whenever I encounter the mountain I see, hear, smell and variously experience new and refreshing wonder. Don’t let disaster taint your appreciation of this wonderful asset we have at our back door. See you on the mountain.
