We're in the Mountains: Not Over the Hill
 - Articles and Press Releases:

Rattlesnake Precautions:

The Bay Area, as much of California, is seeing rattlesnake numbers greater than normal. Experts point out that our greater amount of rain, more grasses and seeds for mice and other rodents, followed by hot days can lead to the increase in rattlesnakes. The rattlesnake is the only venomous snake in the Bay Area and it should definitely be considered with caution and common sense.

 However, its occurrence should not be regarded with panic. In the U.S. there are thousands of snake bites annually, but the death rate is usually less than six, and the victims tend to be young-adult males (sometimes provoking the snake)..
Nevertheless, no one wants to experience a snakebite--which is quite painful and can lead to serious injury.

Therefore, when hiking:
* stick to paved paths, cleared routes, or use a hiking stick to "sweep" ahead.
* wear hiking boots, or sturdy shoes with socks (even gaiters).
* don't allow children to go barefoot, in sandals, jellies, or flipflops.
* keep dogs under control.
* watch where you put both your hands and feet. Don't step carelessly over fallen logs, or reach over rocks without looking first.

If bitten: keep the injured person as calm as possible. Keep the affected part of the body lower than the heart. Do not cut, or tourniquet, the limb. Call 911, and go to the emergency hospital.

Susan Alcorn

Media Kit with cover photos, author bio, etc. at www.backpack45.com/presskit.html

6/20/ 06 Backpacking Meets Heart Association's New Guidelines

American Heart Association's new 2006 guidelines include "getting at least half an hour of exercise a day." http://www.americanheart.org

Backpacking, which nowadays typically involves carrying about 20-30 pounds of food, clothing, and gear rather than the 40-60 pounds commonly carried by hikers in the 1970s and 1980s, provides an excellent way of burning calories. How many calories are actually burned depends on such factors as the weight of the hiker and her gear, the number of hours walked, and the rate at which she travels. But, typically if the hiker's weight (person plus backpack) is in the 200-pound range, she will expend 600+ calories per hour (more than  4,500-5,500 calories in an eight hour day).

 At Shepherd Canyon Books' website www.backpack45.com, readers can find a wealth of additional information about hiking and backpacking.

Susan Alcorn
Shepherd Canyon Books
Oakland, CA

866-219-8260; www.backpack45.com
NEW! "Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago" ISBN 0-936034-03-3
"We're in the Mountains Not over the Hill" ISBN 0-936034-02-5.

Media Kit with cover photos, author bio, etc at www.backpack45.com/presskit.html

New Backpacking Book Supports Mid-Age Women Seeking Fitness

San Francisco Bay Area author and Sierra Club member, Susan Alcorn, writes, "Whether the women are scaling mountains solo at 14,000 feet or lounging with friends near crackling campfire, they are enjoying the rewards of their strenuous days and soaking in the wonders of nature." She adds, "If we can do it so can you." We’re in the Mountains, Not over the Hill..." recounts not only Ms. Alcorn’s wilderness adventures but also those of another 30+ women.

We’re in the Mountains, Not over the Hill -- Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers has 14 chapters offering both entertaining reading and how-to information. Armchair adventurers and backpackers, whether new or experienced, will enjoy reading about such women as Irene Cline who is the oldest woman to walk the Appalachian Trail, the gritty character of Emma Gatewood who, at the age of 67, was the first woman to thru hike the AT, and the humor of Laurie Foot, the first woman over 45 to hike/bike the American Discovery Trail (Trans-U.S.). Also included are many stories of women whose more modest accomplishments demonstrate that backpacking is really a democratic activity–available to all who have the dream and the determination.

We’re in the Mountains, Not over the Hill -- Tales and Tips from Seasoned Women Backpackers - isbn 0936034025 can be ordered from your local bookstore or directly from Shepherd Canyon Books, 25 Southwood Ct., Oakland, CA 94611, or on-line at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. The price is $16.95 plus postage and tax when appropriate

Bookstores can find it at Ingram,, Mountain N"Air Books,  Charles Marangio or directly from Shepherd Canyon Books on the usual bookstore terms. www.backpack.com (510)-339-3441 / (866)-219-8260

"Camino Chronicle: Walking to Santiago" ISBN 0-936034-03-3
"Patagonia Chronicle: On Foot in Torres del Paine" ISBN 978-0-936034-04-1

Media Kit with cover photos, author bio, etc at www.backpack45.com/presskit.html

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