Equipment for Walking
Mountain and high level Levada walks. You will need boots, day backpack, waterproof clothing, waterproof leggings, fleece, survival bag, water bottle, packed lunch, plastic food container, map, gloves, hand flannel, torch (head torch even better), walking stick, compass, whistle, watch, mobile telephone has the time on it, knife, first aid kit, sun hat, sun cream, rain hat, collapsible umbrella. Optional GPS --
Extra equipment I carry for off beat walks is a disposable cigarette lighter, I don't smoke, but it can start a fire for warmth and indicate by the smoke where you are located if you get lost. A small mirror to use to reflect the sun's rays as a signal beacon. A length of string to use as shoe/boot laces or to tie back a sole that has departed from a shoe or boot. A fishing line with a large hook not to catch fish but to tie to the end of a walking stick to retrieve lost items dropped over the edge of a precipice.
For Survival. A waterproof Bivvi bag (survival bag) to climb inside to protect you from the elements on a forced overnight stay. Also don't forget a mobile telephone screen can be used as a torch in an emergency and a camera's flash can be used as a signal to locate where you are if you get lost in the dark.
Levada walks. Comfortable shoes or trainer type shoe, small backpack, lightweight rain garment, collapsible umbrella, sun hat, sun cream, sweater, torch (head torch even better), water bottle.
GPS we use a Garmin eTrex Vista HCX
Walking measurement we use a Pedometer from Pedometers InternationalWalking tip. Always walk in two's or more. Stay together all the time. Before departing on a walk always let a third party know where you will be walking and what time you should arrive back. If you do get lost, stay calm, rest for a few minutes, if the way forward is not possible or you lose the path try to retrace your steps to where the path was good. Then return the way you came. Do not progress into the unknown.
In case of an accident, keep the injured party warm with extra clothes, telephone 112 or go to the nearest road or village and ask for help. (Portuguese for help : Socorro; pronounced Sue-Cor-Row)
A thought : It takes one second to break a limb and three months to heal.
Moral. Take five seconds longer and be safe
