I just got word from John Moses, the Superintendent of the Franklin Mountains State Park, that a dog died on a hike on the Directissimo just a little while ago. There were 3 youths and 3 dogs hiking and one dog perished. Why? The heat.
The air temperature may be 100° or 106° (as it is right now). However – and this is a critical fact to learn – the rock temperature may be anywhere from 150° to 165°. The limestone and the rhyolite pack a punch. The air temperature alone makes hiking beyond mid-morning dangerous. Add to it the rock temperature and you might as well sit on top of your barbeque and start the fire.
Just yesterday a hiker got into trouble in Tom Mays Park because he was dehydrated and had to call for rescue.
Please hike only in the cool hours of the morning. Even then, during this time of year, take a liter of water per hour of hiking at a minimum. Wear a hat and clothing that will protect you from the sun. Wear sunscreen. If you take your dog, take extra water for your pet. Stop often to hydrate. Take a cell phone. It is best not to hike alone. Let others know where you are going. Don’t deviate from your plan.
Remember: it is not just the ambient air temperature that is the danger. It is the temperature of the rocks that will bake you and your animal.
Finally, Sunrise Hiker Legacy Mark Johns informed me that just last Wednesday a bicyclist was bitten by several bees in the North Hills area of the Franklin Mountains State Park. It was reported in this morning’s El Paso Times that a couple was bitten in San Elizario. It’s hot and it’s dry! Be and stay alert.
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