Trail Hound

Geocacher's death a reminder: Safety first

The geocaching community was hit hard this past week by the news of a Spokane Valley, Washington geocacher who fell to his death from a 100-foot cliff.  The man, who was caching with his wife, apparently slipped on wet pine needles before tumbling off the ridge.  

A geocacher quoted in a local news report by station KXLY commented on the variety of terrain in which caches are hidden, "[That's] kind of the intent of geocaching, to create a challenge."

Geocaching can bring you to some awesome sites; but like any outdoor activity, it shouldn't be something to die for.

While the Cape has few rocky peaks, there are plenty of other areas where a hiker or geocacher can get into trouble.  So as a public service, Trail Hound would like to remind those who seek out the area's nooks and crannies about the following common-sense safety guidelines.

First, plan your hike.  Check out a geocache's terrain rating on geocaching.com, as well as its difficulty rating.  A one- or two-star rating should be fairly easy, but anything with three or more stars should set off the "caution" signals in your preparation.

Know your limits.  If you're out of shape and haven't hiked in years, start out with an easy trek on flat, well-maintained trails or in urban areas.  Don't try risky maneuvers like rock climbing or diving unless you're trained and experienced.

Keep your feet well shod.  Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that will keep you steady over the uneven sand and gravel that comprise much of Cape Cod.  Flip-flops just won't cut it for anything more challenging than a one-star "park and grab."

Be prepared, even if you're not a Scout.  If you're hiking any distance into the woods or along a remote shore, pack along drinking water, a cell phone (with battery charged) and a whistle in case you can't get cell reception or you lose your phone.  A small first-aid kit with bandages and antiseptic wipes can come in handy if you scrape yourself on rocks or get too much in touch with the briar thorns that are a staple of Cape Cod's nature.

Water safety is a major factor in Cape Cod recreation, and that goes for geocaching, too.  Some caches are meant to be found by boat or by swimming, and others are hidden at the low-tide point.  If you're heading by foot almost a mile from shore on the Brewster flats, you'd better be aware of when the tide will turn.  And if you're venturing onto open water, make sure you're familiar with the particular type of boat and body of water you're in - kayaking on the ocean is different from kayaking on a pond.

Don't be a stranger.  If you're going on a serious hike, tell someone where you'll be - or better yet, hike with a companion.

The most common hazards of hiking and caching on the Cape include Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer-tick bites, and allergic reaction to poison ivy, which grows here abundantly.  Wearing long pants and sleeves can protect you from exposure, and new, lightweight fabrics make it reasonably comfortable even in the summer heat.  Check yourself afterward for the tiny, poppy-seed-like deer ticks.  If you think you've touched poison ivy, wash the area as soon as possible with Tecnu or a similar scrub that removes the allergenic urushiol oil.

And always wear sunscreen.

Happy - and safe - trails!

Photos, from top:

At the Cape Cod Tidal Flats cache - three-quarters of a mile from shore

Erosion at Nobska Point, near Cape Cod Towns - Falmouth

Hiking the Provincetown breakwater to Wood End Light

A trek to Cape Cod's oldest cache:  Dune