OLDNAVYMCPO
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
The Franklin Mountains form the rugged backbone of El Paso. The city itself lies on both flanks and the south end of the mountain. Franklin State Park encompasses a sizable portion of the mountain and is a popular hiking area with well maintained trails. The Sheriffs Department has a mountain rescue group that has been called upon to rescue 16 people and recover one body so far this year.
I have a few suggestions for hikers:
1) Desert environs require more than a 12 oz bottle of water for a 4-6 hour strenuous hike.
2) Flip-flop, Crocs and leather soled cowboy boots are not appropriate footwear.
3) Pre-school children, mid-term plus pregnant wives and senior citizens with COPD are not good candidates for the hike. If you are 100 pounds over weight and haven't got off the couch in years, don't subject your 12 year old grandkids to hauling your butt off the mountain.
4) Don't commence a 6 hour hike at 7:00 PM just because its cooler then.
5) Take a cell phone if you plan on wandering off the trail and have no sense of direction.
6) Just because its 90 degrees when you start doesn't mean you won't need a jacket before you finish.
I know all the above is not utmost intellect but tax payers still have to pay for rescues every year.
I have a few suggestions for hikers:
1) Desert environs require more than a 12 oz bottle of water for a 4-6 hour strenuous hike.
2) Flip-flop, Crocs and leather soled cowboy boots are not appropriate footwear.
3) Pre-school children, mid-term plus pregnant wives and senior citizens with COPD are not good candidates for the hike. If you are 100 pounds over weight and haven't got off the couch in years, don't subject your 12 year old grandkids to hauling your butt off the mountain.
4) Don't commence a 6 hour hike at 7:00 PM just because its cooler then.
5) Take a cell phone if you plan on wandering off the trail and have no sense of direction.
6) Just because its 90 degrees when you start doesn't mean you won't need a jacket before you finish.
I know all the above is not utmost intellect but tax payers still have to pay for rescues every year.
