The Right Step

A monthly newsletter from the Lambda Hiking Club, for and about it’s members and the environment.

L. H. C.

Planned Activities:

Backpacking trip to Lake Lovenia (Uinta's). We will meet at 6am in the MacFrugels lot for anyone wanting a ride share.

Day Hike – Sunset Peak (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Day Hike - Elbow Fork Terraces (Millcreek Canyon)

For all day hikes please bring the essentials: water, sack lunch,hat,sunscreen, and hiking boots.

A Frog Jumps -

The Sound of Water"

-Basho

By Sye Felt

The thirst mechanism in humans is one of the least sensitive of all animals. If you depend on it, major fluid loss may be unnoticed. Loss of fluid compromises the body's ability to circulate the blood, regulate temperature, and hampers delivery of oxygen and nutrition to the brain. This can cause death without appropriate hydration.

Symptoms of dehydration may include: cottonmouth, chapped lips, irritability, fatigue, disorientation, headache, vomiting, impaired judgement, and lack of cognitive skills which will lead to exhaustion and/or altitude sickness. The average sedentary adult needs 2 to 3 quarts of water daily, more with increased activity/temperature/altitude. Drink 8 to 16 oz. Of liquid before leaving on a hike; (absolutely no alcohol or drugs; caffeine is also not good). Schedule your intake as you hike 15 to 30 minute intervals. Average hikes with normal temperatures mean at least one cup to drink an hour. I have found that my Platypus water pouch is the easiest way to keep up on water. A pouch of water sits in your pack with a hose that clips on your shirt up high in front of you. It is very easy to take a sip often without having to open a canteen. If you have dark yellow urine, chapped lips, or cottonmouth, then you are behind in water intake.

Fluid choices: plain water is best. All of those ads about carbohydrate drinks and electrolyte replacements are just so much marketing. Kidneys are very effective at conserving electrolytes. Minor sodium and electrolyte losses are easily replaced at your next snack with fruit and some salty crackers. Carbohydrate drinks are over rated and may actually aggravate dehydration. Carbs are replaced as effectively and more cheaply by any of the energy bars. After a day's activity, eat large amounts of food and fluid to replace what you need.

Older GWM looking for roommate to share 2BR high rise apartment downtown. $300/mnth includes electric. Fully furnished except your room. Off street parking. 40th S and 900E. Call Sye at 257-0471

We would like to take this opportunity to wish a very special friend to the LHC best wishes and much success in his new career. Jeff King has moved back to Florida to pursue teaching photography at the University of Tampa. Jeff played an instrumental part in the club with his tireless efforts in creating awareness on pride day, starting this newsletter, and being our photographer on the hikes. We will all miss him. Good Luck Jeff - big hugs - smooches - squeeze - and give me a Kleenex - I've made a mess of my face!

For more information about the Lambda Hiking Club or any of its activities or to submit articles/suggestions:

Call - (801) 532-8447

Or write to: Randy Burks 627 E 100 S # D SLC UT 84102