Rely on Yourself, Not Your Guide
I’VE OFTEN FOUND THAT PEOPLE ARE FAIRLY GOOD about researching a trip if
they’re going by themselves or in a small group. Where they get lazy is
when they go with a guide. Assumptions are made that the guide a) knows
what he or she is doing, b) knows the area really well, and c) has made all
the necessary provisions in case of emergency.
Trust your guide, but don’t rely on him or her. In other words, you
must be selfreliant. Remember that your guide, like you, is human. Guides
have been known to make errors—whether out of lack of experience or
bad judgment—that lead their parties into otherwise avoidable survival
situations. And some of the grimmest survival stories ever told are borne
of the fact that people blindly relied on their guides. Your guide will be
grateful if you take responsibility for yourself, and you’ll feel empowered
by doing so.
knowledge and skills with your partners before disasterstroud’s Tip
If you’re traveling in a group, share your survivalstrikes. Make sure that everybody has a basic understanding of
the steps they should take in an emergency. Remember, if you have
an accident and are facing possible death, your travel companions
are the ones you’ll have to trust to see you through to safety.Get in Shape and Know Your Limits
ASWITHANY PURSUITTHATPLACESPHYSICALDEMANDSUPONTHEBODY, you’ll
stand a better chance of making it through a survival ordeal if you already
have a baseline level of physical fitness. How far you can trek in a day,
how well you can build a shelter under extreme weather conditions, how
effectively you can dig a hole for a solar still—all are directly related to
your strength and conditioning. And with physical fitness comes greater
selfconfidence and selfesteem, both of which are critical to maintaining
the will to live.
Trip Planning and Preparation (^) | 9