A Fall Stroll in Evans Notch.

It screams Autumn outside here in New Hampshire. The trees bursting with bright oranges, reds, and yellows, the crisp cold air, and the leaves on the ground. This time of year is one of my favorites to be on trail.

However, when it comes to packing my Gregory Jade or my EMS Longtrail pack for a hike, it takes much more effort and thought.  The weather is much colder and you exert more energy in colder temperatures which in return means you should eat more and drink more.

I only had a few hours so a friend and I decided to head to Evans Notch in Maine. A beautiful spot for short hiking trails and a few longer ones if you have never been.

In my pack you will always find the 2 important pieces of clothing I carry year round, a hat and gloves.
Also, I packed my EMS Polartech Fleece, EMS liner gloves, EMS mittens, hand warmers, rain gear, an extra pair of wool socks, and my basic items that never leave year round. ie. First aid, head lamp, batteries, etc.

We arrived at the trail head around 1:00pm. This is an incredibly late start if you are not an avid hiker or have never been on terrain such as the Whites, or if you do not have all the necessary gear to potentially spend a night if something were to happen. For example you rolled your ankle or slipped on wet leaves and broke your ankle.

The trail was covered in wet leaves and beautiful colors.

While on this hike I thought a lot about the many rescues that happen in the White Mountains each year. Some happen because of accidents, others happen because people come ill prepared for something they don't know a lot about.

I received an AVSAR call last night about a group of hikers located high up on Hawker Ridge Trail on Mount Madison. This was on a day the forecast was for high winds, thunderstorms, and lots of rain. The call came in at about 8:00pm last night. "Fish and Game Officers need volunteers to help out a group of hikers who are located high up on the Hawker Ridge Trail who are cold and wet."

Cold & wet. I pause for a moment, and then take a breath. Let's ponder this thought for a moment.

Scenario: You and some friends are going for a hike, you only have one full day to hike. The weather forecast isn't the best it could be. So you plan on going for the summit anyways.

First, if you only have one day to hike this mountain, I am going to call your bluff. You have the rest of your life with many more days ahead. Don't risk your life. The mountains will always be there another day.

Second, lets talk gear. Five most essential pieces to have in an Autumn emergency, besides your basic essentials.

In my own opinion, the 5 things I would carry would be:

1. Emergency Blanket

2. Matches

3. Some sort of traction (yaktraks, microspikes)

4. A down packable jacket (I use EMS Woman's Meridian)

5. Rain Gear

Sounds crazy to think you would ever have to need a down jacket, rain gear, or traction this time of year. But lets face it. The temps in the valley are in the 50's dropping to the low 40's at night, which means at higher elevations they are getting even colder and possible chance of ice or snow.

Take my last work week on the summit of Mount Washington for example. On September 23 & 24, we received .7 inches of snow and lots of riming with winds sustained at hurricane force. 

This particular day we had seen about 6 hikers who had arrived at the summit in cargo shorts and sneakers with small day packs on, asking for a ride down. However, that was not possible seeing as though the MW Cog Railway and MW Auto Road was only operating to half way. They were extremely angry with us. However, I am sure they learned their lesson.

If you get yourself into a situation and you have to wait for help to arrive. It could be hours, sometimes not even until the next day. Those hours will be horrific if you do not have the proper gear to keep you warm and comfortable through the night. The emergency blanket will insulate your body heat to keep you warmer. I typically carry one of these year round instead of a sleeping bag. Just in case I may have to spend a night in the woods. Also, the matches will help you start a fire. If you can invest in some waterproof matches, these are great to keep in your pack year round. You can find these at any EMS store as well. 

This time of year, the most important thing to remember is that many people lose their lives in the mountains do to hypothermia. This is the best time of year for it to happen, and happen quick. If you don't know signs and symptoms of hypothermia you should inform yourself before heading into the back country.

Summit of East Royce

Autumn hiker tip: Take every step with extra caution this time of year. Leaves and wet roots make most trails incredibly more dangerous to walk on. Do not assume where your next step will be there wont be something underneath a pile of leaves you wont roll your ankle on. Don't assume the root you go to step on, on your way down wont be slippery, or the rock with "green stuff" on it wont be the same as a sheet of ice. Also, take every water crossing very seriously. Bring trekking poles or walking stick to help make your way across a deep water crossing and keep balance. Most importantly, unbuckle your pack when crossing major stream crossings. This could save your life if you fall.

Good Luck out there and Happy Hiking!

Hike Safe & Keep on Trekking!