Hiking Trails and Emergency Supplies

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Listen and Read: Listen to the recording on hiking tips and hiking safety, answer the questions, and then read along with the audio recording.

One of my favorite hobbies is backcountry hiking—through areas that people seldom visit. However, before I go hiking, I make sure to have all of the proper gear for the adventure. First of all, I wear proper clothing and hiking shoes for the current weather conditions. This might include taking water shoes if I have plans for hiking through streams and rivers or a reliable jacket to keep you warm. Next, I let my family and friends know where I will be going and when I will return. Also, I carry a compass and GPS unit to navigate and locate my position. I carry a topographical map with me as well. In addition to these items, I take plenty of food and water, and I also pack a water filter to purify any water I find in streams or lakes. Finally, I always pack emergency supplies including a lighter, emergency blanket, a signaling device like a mirror, and cellphone. You never know when you will need these things.

Key Vocabulary:

plenty of = a lot
proper = appropriate or right for a situation
reliable = trustworthy or dependable
purify = make clean

Discussion

What are some popular hiking areas in your hometown or surrounding areas that would be of interest to international visitors? In the case of Utah in the United States, the hike in this video is filled with adventure. Take a look and watch Randall Davis give you a tour of this beautiful area in Capitol Reef National Park. What kinds of people and age groups would enjoy this hike? Why? How can such hikes help people both physically, mentally, and emotionally?

Online Investigation

Some of your friends have decided to go backpacking and hiking for a week, but they haven’t decided on a location. They also need to decide on the gear they will need for the trip. Use the internet to locate a travel destination that will interest the entire group. Then determine what equipment you will need and find out the cost for these items.

Online Listening Practice (from www.esl-lab.com and www.hikinginutah.com):