Nature is unpredictable
and unsafe. Mountains are dangerous. Many books have been written about these
dangers, and there's no way we can list them all here. Read the books.
Many places we hike are covered in steep terrain with loose, slippery and
unstable footing. The weather can make matters worse. Sheer drops are
everywhere. You may fall, be injured or die. There are hidden holes. You
could break your leg. There are wild animals, which may be vicious, poisonous
or carriers of dread diseases. These include poisonous snakes and insects.
Plants can be poisonous as well. We don't do anything to protect you from any
of this. We do not inspect, supervise or maintain the grounds, rocks, cliffs
or other features, natural or otherwise.
Real dangers are present even on trails. Trails are not sidewalks. They can
be, and are, steep, slippery and dangerous. Trail features made or enhanced
by humans, such as steps, walls and railings (if any) can break, collapse, or
otherwise fail catastrophically at any time. We don't promise to inspect,
supervise or maintain them in any way. They may be negligently constructed or
repaired. They are unsafe, period. Live with it or stay away.
Stay on the trails whenever possible. The terrain, in addition to being
dangerous, is surprisingly complex. You may get lost. Carry food, water and
first aid supplies at all times. To
avoid getting lost, stay behind the hike leader and ahead of the hike sweep
at all times.
Rocks and other objects can fall from the cliffs. They can tumble down
slopes. This can happen naturally, or be caused by people above you, such as
climbers. Rocks of all sizes, including huge boulders, can shift, move or
fall with no warning. A whole rock formation might collapse on you and squash
you like a bug. Don't think it can't happen.
Weather can be dangerous, regardless of the forecast. Be prepared with extra
clothing, including rain gear, especially when we hike in the high Sierra
country. Hypothermia, heat stroke, lightning, ice and snow, etc. can kill
you. Rain can turn easy terrain into a deathtrap.
If you scramble in high places (scrambling is moving over terrain steep
enough to use your hands) without proper experience, training and equipment,
you are making a terrible mistake. Even if you know what you're doing, lots
of things can go wrong and you may be injured or die. It happens all the
time.
In short, EMBARK ON HIKING AT YOUR OWN RISK. And have fun!
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