Hiking Tips
Bring a sturdy back-pack with chest straps to take the weight off your shoulders. Make sure you have more than enough water. Bring a warm top and/or anorak. Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen are good ideas too. Always pack something to eat (chocolate is a good idea). Make sure you have comfortable well worn shoes.ALWAYS assume that the weather can change and become either burning hot or bitterly cold - that's the Western Cape for you! So come prepared - e.g. I carry a balaclava, gloves, a very warm jersey, a space blanket and rain gear on a hot summer's day - you never know.
Fascinating Tip: Take a tiny bottle filled with olive oil (100ml) - it is packed with calories in case you are trapped or lost and need something to keep you going. It is heart healthy and is reported to lower the bad cholesterol in your body. Consume small sips every six hours or so. BUT BEWARE, many imported "olive oils" are not olive oil at all. To be safe use olive oil farmed in South Africa - that is almost always the real thing. Pure olive oil is a monosaturated, heart healthy fat. It is loaded with antioxidants that help protect the heart and blood cells from damage. However, because it's high in calories, you should drink oil in moderation and, as with any other supplement, you should consult your doctor before taking it. The major reason for a hiker carrying it is purely for emergencies - if you run out of food it can sustain you.
Olive oil is an amazing 100% natural moisturizer, so you can use it as body lotion, hand cream and even as hair conditioner. If you bug out, you can use it for softening dry skin and help scratches heal faster.
Also, if it`s freezing outside, you can apply a light layer of olive oil on your hands, face and hair, to protect them from the cold.
