WriterByNature.com

I’ve been known to set off for a short hike, and find something interesting and meander all day.

I feel confident wandering because I plan ahead. I do not leave home without my pocket survival kit.

I frequently review my plant identification procedures, and I practice using my non-dominant hand. It only takes a split-second to get hurt, but it can take weeks to heal.

I carry the following items in the pockets of my cargo pants, but a fanny pack will work just as well. I check the contents weekly and replace whatever I use as soon as I get home.

• Compass
• Topographic map
• Notebook or paper and pencil (pens freeze)
• Plastic bags

1. heavy plastic garbage/leaf size
2. “Zip lock” gallon size and pint size - solar still, carry water

• Bandanna - head covering, water collecting
• Mirror/Sewing kit - mine is a set
• Folding scissors - mine’s on my key chain
• Dental floss - 100 feet at least
• Disposable lighter
• Firestarter - tiny tampon, cotton balls, lint
• Knife - I’m fond of my Swiss Army knife
• Magnifying glass
• First aid kit

1. antiseptic wipes
2. water purification tablets
3. pain killer
4. Epsom salts - 4-oz to 32-oz water
5. bee sting kit
6. sunblock - at least 30 SPF
7. bandaids
8. antibiotic ointment [in an emergency, smear this on firestarter materials]

• Small flashlight - I’m fond of my mini Maglite
• High energy bar - Larabar works best for me
• Thin gloves

1. Plastic MD office w/o powder - to carry water
2. Wool and nylon for hand warmers

• Bright color flagging tape - to mark the route