Thursday 24/09/15
Spring is here, which means people will begin to emerge from their winter hibernation and return to their outdoor activities. Don’t be fooled by the warm sunny days, spring is the time of year you are most likely to be caught out by a sudden change in the weather. At this time of year, it isn’t uncommon for a warm sunny morning to turn into a cold wet afternoon. If you’re heading out for the day in a t-shirt and pair of shorts, don’t forget to at least take a jumper with you (and your wet weather gear, if you’re going somewhere that isn’t sheltered).
Last Tuesday was the perfect example for tonight’s blog. At 0800hrs, the weather was warm and sunny with a clear blue sky; the perfect spring morning. A little after 1200hrs, thick black clouds spread across the sky and unleashed a deluge of hail that lasted for well over ten minutes. The hail quickly gave way to twenty-five minutes of torrential rain. As the rain eased, a strong cold wind blew away what was left of the storm, leaving us with unsettled skies and chilly winds for the remainder of the afternoon.
Remember last year when I advised you to carry a few basic supplies in an overnight bag in your car? Since that time, have you checked on these supplies to make sure they are still in date and free from damage? Even bottled water needs to be replaced regularly. If you haven’t needed them, I’d be willing to bet you haven’t given your supplies a second thought since packing them into the boot of your car. That’s ok; you can put that on your to-do list for this weekend. Also, you can make sure the jumper you packed still fits you. If not, replace it.
If your job requires you to wear shoes that are only suitable for an office environment, you should pack a spare pair of sneakers into your car too. If your car breaks down and you have to walk to get help, your feet will thank you if you have a pair of sneakers to change into. Don’t pack a pair of stinky, worn-out sneakers you were going to throw in the bin. You know they’re useless.
If you regularly carry a backpack, you might want to include a space blanket in your gear. The one I carry is in a 9cm x 17cm x 1cm flat-pack and weighs virtually nothing (it folds out to 127cm x 200cm). For something that only cost $5.00, it is a very versatile piece of equipment. Its uses include:
- Blanket
- Rain poncho, (or anything else on this list)
- Shelter from the sun
- Highly reflective surface (to attract the attention of a nearby search party)
- Sling (for first-aid)
- Ground sheet (if you have to sleep outside)
There are many other possibilities, but I’ll leave those up to your imagination.
Now that you’ve finished reading tonight’s blog, go out and check on your supplies and make any necessary adjustments. Stay safe and warm, and don’t forget to check-in next week.
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