Tree River, Nunavut, boasts world-record Arctic char and is like a magnet for itinerant anglers; however, the river is turbocharged and a slip into its turbulent waters could prove fatal.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Duane Radford
Tree River, Nunavut, boasts world-record Arctic char and is like a magnet for itinerant anglers; however, the river is turbocharged and a slip into its turbulent waters could prove fatal.
During my first trip to this fabled river, a woman fell into the river and fortunately was rescued before she drowned. The fact of the matter is that outdoor adventures can be dangerous.
You are responsible for your own safety in the outdoors. Appropriate footwear is usually the most important item required to avoid falls that might cripple you when you’ re far from help or result in a fatal injury. This point is especially true for more adventurous seniors who plan a backcountry hike or fishing trip to a remote location.
If you’ re on a day hike or a fishing trip, you can generally get by with various brands of hiking shoes made of waterproof Gore-Tex. I like the Canadian Merrell product line; their footwear is durable and lightweight, featuring excellent soles that provide a good grip. Many other brands also market excellent hiking shoes, usually rated as“ moderate, rugged, or light” to guide your choice.
You’ ll save money if you purchase them off-season. Be sure to always break in new hiking shoes and boots so they slowly mould around your feet before going on extended trips to avoid getting blisters or sore feet.
While ankle support isn’ t paramount for easy-to-moderate day hikes( such as those in Elk Island National Park or Dinosaur Provincial Park), if you’ re well into the mountainous Alberta backcountry, you’ ll need hiking boots that protect and support your ankles, especially if you’ re into backcountry camping and are carrying a pack. I use rugged leather hiking boots with Vibram soles that provide superior ankle support on slippery ground.
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