Pack your camera in its case within a Zip-Lock bag

We can’t change things we’ve said and done in the past, we can’t change how other people think and feel, and we sure can’t change the rains that still plague us at night here in the Philly area. There have been so many thunderstorms since mid March that I finally went out and bought a new pair of waterproof hiking boots. (Eastern Mountain Sports is running a promo where you can get 20% off a single item in their store.) Now that most of my hiking gear has been weatherproofed, I’m utterly convinced that the rest of the summer will be bone dry, but just in case I am wrong, here are a few pointers:

1. Paved and gravel trails prove the safest bet after a storm. I’ve already mentioned Pennypack Trust and Tyler for paved trails. Some other places in the greater Philly area with paved trails include: Bowman’s Wildflower Preserve, Core Creek Park, Honey Hollow, Lenape Park, Peace Valley, Longwood Gardens, Ridley Creek State Park, Central Perkioman Valley Park, Valley Forge, the Wissahickon Gorge, Washington Crossing State Park, Mercer County Park, and Carousel Park.
2. Garbage bags and Zip-Lock bags are lightweight and can easily be stored in your backpack. I keep my water bottle in a Zip-Lock anyway to avoid leakage, but they can also be used to protect food, matches, and maps. A garbage bag can easily be used protect your backpack in case of a storm.
3. Check the hour-by-hour forecast on weather.com for the park that you plan to visit. This will give you an idea of the best time to hit the trails.
4. Some people store gaiters, rain pants, compact rain ponchos, and an extra pair of socks in their packs for long hikes. If you know there will be rain and you are still planning a long jaunt, this would be wise. I always keep a compact umbrella handy. Shorts are way better than jeans and long pants during a spring or summer rainstorm.
5. Most backpacks have side pouches where you can store your food and compass so you don’t need to expose the rest of your gear while having a snack or checking your direction.
6. Although the trees may still be soaked and the trails muddy, some of my best photographs were taken after violent rainstorms. So take that camera, but keep it in its case inside a Zip-lock bag.
7. If there is lightning, don’t hang out under tall trees, towers, or power lines. Stay away from water sources, and rid yourself of metal objects. Don’t use your iPod or MP3 player. Try to reach an indoor area or your vehicle as soon as possible; don’t wait until the storm is overhead to start heading for safety. If you cannot make it to a shelter in time, then find an open space and squat low to the ground with your feet together.  Do not lie flat on the ground.
8. If there is no lightning, in the summer months, when temperature is not so much an issue, simply let yourself get wet; you won’t melt. Get caught in the rain with your hiking partner (less people on the trails), and after the hike, go out for some pina coladas (but, of course, don’t drink and drive).

RAIN

By Shel Silverstein

I opened my eyes

And looked up at the rain,

And it dripped in my head

And flowed into my brain,

And all that I hear as I lie in my bed

Is the slishity-slosh of the rain in my head.

I step very softly,

I walk very slow,

I can’t do a handstand—

I might overflow,

So pardon the wild crazy thing I just said—

I’m just not the same since there’s rain in my head.

Stay dry!

Sandra