The unwritten laws of the forest

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF HIKING IN THE FOREST

1. Do not go alone on a longer trip!
2. Make sure that your cell phone is charged, keep it in a warm place, and do not use it unnecessarily!
3. Save the telephone numbers of your home or accommodation!
4. Wear layered clothing, waterproof boots, cap and gloves!
5. Do not depart from the marked way or the beaten path!
6. Always watch your step, be ready for stones or streams hiding under the snow!
7. If you are lost or injured, call 112 and look for objects that can be used for identification!
8. A warm drink, a map, GPS, a whistle, and a knife can save lives!
9. Help others in trouble!
10. Before you go, check the weather forecast and learn about the environment!

The most important equipments for hiking are the following:

• Hiking boots: to keep the foot comfortable and steady
• Socks: with higher cotton content it can better absorb moisture
• Trekking pole: to support your legs
• Backpack: the size should depend on the length of the trip and your fitness
• Layered clothing: especially important in spring/autumn and changeable weather. Do not forget your raincoat!
• Map: never go without it in unknown terrain
• Food and drink: the amount should depend on the length and difficulty of the trip

This is how you keep the insects away!

• Throw a lemon peel into the fire or stick a clove in an orange peel to discourage mosquitoes.
• You can distract ants by splashing a little lemon water on the ground.
• Prepare a balm against ticks: add a little vinegar and some aromatic oil to water, then apply it on your skin.
• Wasps can be kept away by the smoke of used coffee grounds or cloves.

What to do in case of injury?

• To treat blisters and sore heels, disinfection and dressing the wound at home is sufficient.
• In case of sprains, never try to fix the limb, nor fasten it to solid surfaces , as it can lead to further damage. Ask for help if this happens.

How not to get lost in the forest!

• As a rule, you should not depart from the marked hiking trail. They have been deliberately designated where they are to protect nature and the safety of hikers.
• If you lose the hiking trail, do not panic. Turn back a crossroads or two, and try to find the place where you made the wrong turn.
• If you still cannot see any marking, try to define your position with your map and/or GPS, and follow the road you can identify the most clearly.
• If you get lost after you departed from the trail, head consistently towards the most easily passable direction until you find a path.
• If everything else fails, call for help in time. Do not wait for the sun to go down on you in the forest.

The most important information about making a fire in the forest.

• Before you go, check if there is any fire prohibition in the area. During fire prohibition it is forbidden to make a fire even in designated campfire spots!
• One must only use designated campfire spots, which are located in the proper distance from plants and encircled by stones in order to prevent the spread of fire.
• The first step of making a fire is collecting pine-needles, smaller branches or sticks, withered grass and other very dry material for kindling. But do not forget bigger branches to feed the fire later.
• The basic rule is that the driest wood makes the best firewood.
• Little gaps should be left between the logs to give the fire proper ventilation.
• Feeding the fire: as the fire grows, add bigger branches as well. Be careful, because if the fire is too dense, it can easily go out because of the lack of oxygen.
• When the fire goes out, make sure that the ember stopped burning. And just to be absolutely certain, it is best to throw water over the fire or cover it with sand or earth.

99% of fires are caused by humans, therefore the best protection against forest and vegetation fires is paying attention!