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Posted on August 22nd, 2012. 5 comments... »
Tags: Alps, best hikes, best hiking blog, best trails, France, French Alps, hiking, Kathy and Craig Copeland, Opinionated Hikers, photos, trekking.
Hiking and camping in the wilderness can be dangerous. Experience and preparation reduce risk but will never eliminate it.
Information published in a book or on a website—regardless how authoritative—is not a substitute for common sense or sound judgment. Your safety is your responsibility. The unique details of your specific situation and the decisions you make at that time will determine the outcome.
When hiking, threats to your wellbeing are unpredictable; you must always be aware. In the backcountry, risk is subjective; you must gauge it for yourself. Away from civilization, small mistakes can have severe consequences; you must vigilantly prevent injury and avoid becoming disoriented.
Never hike alone. Before setting out, check the weather forecast and current trail conditions; adjust your plans accordingly. Always carry a map and compass, a first-aid kit, extra clothing, a personal locator beacon, plus enough food and water to survive an emergency.
If you doubt your ability to negotiate rough terrain, respond to wild animals, or handle sudden, extreme weather changes, hike only in a group led by a competent, licensed guide.
The authors and the publisher disclaim liability for any loss or injury incurred by anyone using information published on this website or in the books presented on this website.
Very nice blog and beautiful photographs. Your points about trails not being crowded are so true.
I live in Austria and spent as much time as possible on mountain trails. Either as a hiking guide or just for my own enjoyment. I’ve spent many an hour having the mountains all to myself, even though civilisation was never far from my starting point.
Enjoy your hikes in France. Should you ever find yourself in my part of the Alps, give us a shout.
Kind regards, Gerdi
Posted by GerdiVwt on August 24th, 2012.
Thanks for the inspiration, and keep having fun!
You aren’t the only people keeping an eye on the Alps:
Unprecedented snow melt and heat in the European Alps
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/comment.html?entrynum=87
Posted by Jim Torson on August 26th, 2012.
Hi Jim, as always, thanks for the insightful info. — Craig
Posted by hikingcamping on August 30th, 2012.
Hi Gerdi, thanks for posting your kind comment. We’ve been thinking about Austria. We won’t make it there on this journey, but we intend to eventually. — Craig
Posted by hikingcamping on August 30th, 2012.
P.S. Yes, for a couple weeks there it felt as if the glaciers were going to make their final disappearance this summer. — Craig
Posted by hikingcamping on August 30th, 2012.