Be Prepared
Most of us living in the city yearn for nature: peace and quiet, perhaps a forest, a lake or just a serene rural setting. With the approaching winter, there will be many opportunities to take that nature trip you always wanted - the mangroves of Sundarban; the remote lakes and waterfalls of Chittagong Hill Tracts; the forests, hills and haors of Sylhet; or a cruise in one of our beautiful rivers. The possibilities are endless. But once exposed in the great outdoors, city-dwellers often find themselves unprepared. Nature can be deceptive and cruel. Just because it is beautiful outdoors does not mean you will have an easy time there.
My outdoors training started in earnest when my son joined the Boy Scouts of America, whose motto is “Be Prepared.” Later I became Scoutmaster, leading groups of scouts outdoors. I taught basic outdoor safety rules which have served me well. Following them can help you enjoy your outdoor experience.
Buddy: Never go into forests or unknown places by yourself. There must be at least one other person with you. Otherwise a simple accident – a sprained ankle, or tripping and falling – can have serious consequences.
Water: Don't jump into the water – no matter how shallow - if you don't know how to swim. That river, stream, lake or ocean is potentially much more dangerous than the swimming pool you left behind in Dhaka.
Shoes: Perhaps more than any other attire, your shoes are the most important item when you are outdoors. Make sure they are comfortable. Running shoes are fine for walking on flat land, but in any kind of hilly terrain you need hiking shoes supporting your ankles. Consider sandals or sandal-shoes for water activities.
Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes. Avoid cotton as it does not dry easily; synthetic outdoor clothes are lighter in weight and dry quickly. It is best to dress in several lightweight layers (instead of one heavy sweater or jacket) when it is cold. As the cold increases or decreases, you can add or remove layers as needed. If you are out in the sun for long periods, cover yourself as much as possible. A gamcha is very useful; a hat can also serve well.
Drinking water: Dehydration can creep up on you, especially on a hot day. It is best to carry drinking water and drink it often. If you are prone to cramps – especially when bicycling - drink Orsaline instead of water.
Protection: Sunblock is necessary for a day out in the sun. Insect repellants can help against mosquitoes, bugs and leeches, especially in jungles. An umbrella helps shelter against sun or rain; in our weather raincoats don't work too well. I don't wear sunglasses but some find them helpful.
Planning: The more you find out about your destination and plan your trip, the better your experience will be. Talk to people who know the area. Check the weather forecast. If you can find guides who can show you around, use them. The website nishorgo.org has information on guides knowledgeable about our protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
Bangladesh has many beautiful spots that are easily accessible. What are you waiting for?
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