How to Stay Safe and Found
March 5, 2023 at 6:00pm (eastern)
Heading into the backcountry on your own can be intimidating. You want to make sure you know where you're planning to hike, stay safe from animals and people, and know how to handle an emergency if it arises on trail. It is understandable why many hikers choose not to hike alone. But with the proper preparation, you can confidently and safely hit the trail solo! In this workshop, veteran backpacker and Search and Rescue volunteer Nancy East will teach you what safety precautions you can take ahead of a trip, basic navigation skills, what gear to carry, and what to do if you get lost. Nancy will also discuss how to use the Gaia GPS app. Having and practicing these skills will help you stay safe and found.
"It was amazing being able to learn from someone who has done this several times. The group size was
small and intimate, and I immediately felt right at home." - P.A., AT Thru-Hike Workshop, January 2019
Cost:
$50
Scholarships and sliding scale fees are available for this course. Please reach out to our office at trips@blueridgehikingco.com for more information.
This workshop will run if there are a minimum of 2 participants signed up. If the minimum has not yet been met, we'll contact participants two weeks before the first workshop to discuss options. The maximum group size is 10 participants.
Sign-Up Details:
To book this workshop, go to our Trips Calendar and select the workshop date (March 5, 2023). You will find the workshop listed there.
Itinerary:
This workshop will be taught in person in Asheville, NC. Workshop will cover what precautions you should take ahead of a trip, basic navigation skills, what safety gear you should carry, and what to do if you get lost. Workshop is expected to last about 2 hours, with plenty of time to ask questions.
Instructor:
Your instructor for this course will be Nancy East. Nancy retired from a career as a vet in 2020 to pursue opportunities that took her outdoors more. She is passionate about sharing the natural world and teaching hikers how to stay "safe and found". She is a Southern Appalachian Naturalist and is on Haywood County's Search and Rescue Team. Nancy has hiked all 800 miles of trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park four times, and co-holds the speed record for the Smokies 900 Miler Challenge. She shares stories and educational content on Hope and Feather Travels.
What to Bring:
We recommend that all participants come prepared with questions and bring a notebook to take notes.
Cancellation Policy:
Payment in full is required to register. Course cost includes a 15% non-refundable administrative fee. Reservation may be cancelled up to 1 week before the first session for a refund (minus the 15% fee). Within 1 week, a 50% refund will be offered. Within 48 hours, no refund will only be offered.
If your instructor does an exceptional job, please show your appreciation with a tip. Our team of highly trained professional guides never expects but always appreciates a tip. Industry standard gratuity is 15-20% of trip cost.
If you have any questions regarding this trip, you can reach us by phone at 828-713-5451 or by email at trips@blueridgehikingco.com.