Outdoor Adventure USA

KK6CTT with

SECURITY FOR DAILY TREKS

It is not enough to show up and be so bold as to think that the code of camping, hiking, biking, overlanding..., will be followed by all, "Don't touch what isn't yours...!" But adding temptation to the mix, on your part, isn't helping things either! So, I'll hit some of the main points tied to "jumping-off points" where you leave gear behind while you are out getting your adventure on.

Tonight we are going to scratch the surface with suggested techniques, tactics and procedures concerning hiking/trailhead security and then tent/RV camping.

Security can be broken down into two pieces:

1. Passive Measures: Things you do to avoid bringing attention to yourself/your equipment; things you do to be able to detect issues:

• Operational Security

• Good site selection

• Using others to help

• Noise makers

• Forensic helpers

2. Active Measures

• Having someone watch the camp constantly

• Analyzing your surroundings and using your neighbors/camp host to provide a watchful eye

• Doing your homework beforehand; getting a feel for the risks involved from petty theft to more life threatening larceny; the history of the camp and the area in general (Sheriff/Rangers in the area?)

• Locking/cabling-up/chaining-up your gear; you're not apt to stop a motivated thief but you will make it harder for the opportunist and there are more of both nowadays

• The appearance of being security conscience (dusk to dawn/motion lights/cameras/IR sensors)

Part I

Trailhead and hiking security

Each year, thousands of people discover that walking and hiking on California’s state park trails is safe and healthy fun, if you follow a few tips:

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=29142

• Know Before You Go – Prior to leaving home, check the status of the park unit you want to visit to find out what restrictions and guidelines are in place. Have a back-up plan in case your destination is crowded. Stay home if you are sick.

• Plan Ahead - Some restrooms will be temporarily closed to keep up with cleaning schedules. Bring soap/hand sanitizer.

• Play It Safe – Find out what precautions you should take when exploring the outdoors, especially if this is your first time visiting the State Park System.

Staying Safe:

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/camping/staying-safe.htm
We want you to be safe, and as a visitor to a national park, you're responsible for your own safety. Please remember to:

• Plan for your park visit—careful planning will prevent many safety issues.

• Research and learn about possible risks with the park environment and your camping trip before you go.

• Seek and listen to the information, advice, and warnings provided by park staff.

• Know your physical and mental limits.

• Take action by using good judgment, along with selecting the right equipment and supplies, to prevent any injuries during your visit.

Part II

Camping and RV Security

1. Get a lay out of the area...
2. Use your equipment as it was intended to be used (stake it down)
3. Use visibility from you tent, RV area to keep you situationally aware.
4. Caveman TV?
5. Be settled in before it gets dark.
6. Stage everything in away that things are easy to get to or away from based on priorities of movement/escape.
7. Stop Look Listen and Smell or SLLS...be aware of natural sights, sounds and smells.
8. Camp often so that your load plan, you security plan, your planning process becomes second nature and effective!

Suggestions and Discussion

An example of a "support" mission I did for the Kodiak 100 as an operator sent to check-in runners up on Sugerloaf Mountain:
https://groups.io/g/RiversideECG/messag ... C84761194

Securely check me in tonight 🤪.

Please check in
Randy KF6KOC
Becky KF6RGR

Thanks

Check in please - Thanks - Bernie

Upcoming camping trips.

April 2-4, Historic Mojave Trail. This is an infrequently visited section of the Historic Mojave Trail basically east and west of Hwy 15 roughly between Baker and the Nevada Boarder. It is an easy to moderate trail with some optional challenging pitches.

May 11-14, New Idria. This is roughly between US 5 and 101 about as far north as Fresno. It is an easy to moderate trip. Should be very pretty country se with lots of rolling hills, mines, old buildings, etc. Some permits will be required with about $20 in park and State entry and use fees. I’ll send those who RSVP links to get all the permits out of the way,

For more information contact Robert at rlamishaw@yahoo.com

Link: viewtopic.php?f=31&t=4504