SÄKERHETSRÅD VID VANDRING FRÅN AMORGOS RESCUE TEAM

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"Hiking on Amorgos – Safety Tips


den 22 augusti 2014 kl. 18:01

People who misgauge mountain risks are very well known to the members of different alpine rescue services. One can find people dressed in beach-wear and sandals on alpineglaciers and desperate ski-beginners on diamond slopes. Mass tourism in the alps has required the set-up of a dynamically rescue system. Accidentally this trend somehow is unconducive for the developement of mainstream’s self-responsibility. But high personal responsibility is essential for exploring Amorgos, wich fortunately has not yet advanced (and hopefully never will) to a hiking amusementpark.





Although the volunteer rescue service is very reliable on Amorgos you can't expect professional mountain rescue organisations like in the Alps. If, at all possible, rescue helicopters have to arrive far from Naxos or even Athens. Exposed areas can be unfrequented for long periods of time!


What makes shit happen
Difficult trail.
Difficult day.
Difficult weather.
Hubris & compulsion.
Insufficient equipment.
Thirst & hunger.
Bad timing.
Difficult situation. Wrong decisions.

Self-responsibility and a low risk manner is essential! Let someone know where you are!





Tour planning[LIST=1][*]Plan your trip by talking to someone about this. Be sure to take your fully charged mobile phone along. Store phone-numbers of people who are on Amorgos*. If you plan a tour to less frequented places never go unaccompanied. [*]Plan your trip according to your abilities. Your physical and mental condition is most essential for the decision where to go and how long the whole tour takes. Never forget, the way back is as long as the way there! Amorgos is not only a terrain with smooth and romantic footpaths along herbal gardens, it’s reverse side can be really harsh and rough. Especially sufferers from vertigo should know that there are hiking trails with up to 700m precipitous slopes to the sea. Some routes offside the marked paths can only be done by sure-footed people without any acrophobia. At some parts climbing skills at difficulty level 2 – 3 are necessary. [*]Plan your trip to take advantage of the weather. Start early on hot days to avoid noonday heat for exhausting ascents. Consider that strong winds are quite common on Amorgos and dangerous for people on exposed ridges. Also heavy fog, according to air-humidity and lower temperatures (-0,7 – -1° C/100 m.i.a) accumulates around higher aereas even in summer. For exposed and unmarked trails a compass, an altimeter plus a detailed map; and or a GPS device are highly recommended. [*]Plan your trip to be prepared for emergency cases. Don’t forget a first aid bag including also blistering plasters as well as a space blanket – a well established lightweight life saver at low cost. If you are lost, out of water, or hurt, stay where you are, calm down and think about your possibilities. For emergency cases out of mobile reception, one should know international distress codes like SOS or the alpine distress signal. Small but useful are the two attributes that apply to a pocket mirror that allows distressed hikers to reflect a signal to other hikers, passing boats etc. [/LIST]Equipment[LIST][*]Be equipped! Don’t act as a tennis-shoe-climber; wear strong boots, and take along weather proof protection clothes. Make sure to bring along enough water – on a round trip you may deposit a portion for the way back in a suitable, shady and easy detectable spot at about half way; sun protection for skin, eyes and head – also a mini folding umbrella is ideal for hot climate trekking, rain or not; snacks rich in carbohydrates to keep the blood sugar on an efficient level. [/LIST]Have fun and enjoy!



* Dimitris, the owner of the Amorgos Diving Center knows Amorgos like the back of his hand and is addicted to hiking. He also is on standby for mountain rescue. If you need help for planning a tour just visit the Pro-Shop at the center of Aegiali. "


"Amorgos Diving Center:
Tel/Fax: +30-22850-73611
Cell: +30-693-2249538"