Travellers Blog

Most major injuries can be avoided, but sometimes no matter how careful you are an injury will occur.  Even if it is minor it still needs attention.  Every backpacker should understand the basics of wilderness first aid.  If there is a major accident then help could be miles away, so having basic first aid knowledge can be critical.  Even if you do not suffer a major accident, there are still some simple things you can do to prevent problems on a backpacking trail.

The very first thing you need is a good first aid kit.  This is an important piece of equipment.  You will need to have some basic items in your kit to ensure you are ready for almost anything that can come your way.  The following list is what should be in your kit:

Band aids of different shapes and sizes, Antibiotic ointment, Hydrocortisone cream, Moleskin, Alcohol pads, Ace bandages, Hand sanitizer, Gauze pads, First aid tape, and Cold pack.  You may also want to include a powered energy drink which is a good item if you were to get stranded to help keep your energy up. 

Lastly, You need to let your family and friends know about your backpacking plans.  If something were to happen you would be more likely to be found if someone knows you should have been back from your backpacking tour.  Give them a copy of your route and let them know where you will be along the path at certain times during your trip.  Also make sure they know exactly when you should be home. 

Your backpacking plan will help to ensure your safety.  By knowing what to expect and planning for change you can make sure that you are prepared for whatever you may encounter.  The most important part of planning is giving your family and friends the heads up on your plans.  Getting lost in the wilderness can even happen with a good plan, so you are better off not chancing it by yourself.

In and around the Rogue Valley and Josephine County are many great things to experience for vacationers of all ages.  It is a quiet and enjoyable retirement region that additionally offers the wild and scenic Rogue River.  By lodging at one of the many suitably situated Grants Pass hotels nearly everything worth visiting is no more than an hour’s commute away. Most Grants Pass hotels might even offer shuttle services to nearby points of interest.

The Rogue as well as Applegate river have been acknowledged for wild salmon, bass and trout fishing.  The city of Ashland, which is just a forty five minute drive from Grants Pass, hosts the annual Shakespeare Festival.  Some hotels offer packages that include passes to be able to view some of these plays.  The Rogue and Applegate Valleys now have numerous family owned vineyards which offer award winning wines.

There are hiking trails in abundance around the Grants Pass region.  For the more adventurous hikers you will find hiking trails at Crater Lake, Mt Ashland as well as Mount McLoughlin.  A hike up lower Table Rock is something all the family might enjoy together. Once on top of the plateau, hikers are satisfied with a breathtaking view around the Rogue Valley, the winding Rogue River, as well as seasonal wildflowers and wildlife.  These areas have got hiking paths which are nicely looked after and reasonably easy to understand.

Head just a few miles north west of Grants Pass from the I-5 and enjoy a beautiful drive down the Merlin/Galice Rd along which you will find skillfully designed bridges offering amazing views along the Rogue River and Hellgate Canyon.  Near the end of this drive you can take a 3 mile walk to Rainey Falls. It is usually recommended to let someone know an itinerary before setting out on a hike.  All of the above described nature hikes are safer springtime, summertime and early fall.

Considered the most ideally located Grants Pass hotel definitely is the Riverside Inn and Resort.  Every room faces the Rogue River.  This is where the renowned Hellgate Jet Boat Cruises departs.  Some of their room packages may include tickets for the amazing river cruises that can also consist of a brunch, lunch or dinner at the OK Coral restaurant.  The jet boat tour on the Rogue River is something every tourist ought to do.  It provides valuable historical information about the river, the wildlife and the Rogue Valley native Americans and founding fathers.

Grants Pass has a beautifully quaint and historic shopping area with a number of excellent restaurants that offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.  You will find shops with many antiques which may even have been discovered in the Rogue Valley.  Several shops also carry numerous local wines. You are sure to find that each store will be distinctive and intriguing with welcoming merchants.

The local wine industry has quickly established a reputation for itself.  Most of the local wineries are family owned.  You could easily take a day and visit the Rogue and Applegate Valley wineries where you might meet up with the owners and try out their award winning wines.

Within a short walk of the Grants Pass hotels you will discover eateries that feature fresh Alaskan or native salmon or bass and also locally grown vegetables and fruit.  From March thru November nearby farmers, ranchers and artisans are available at the Growers Market on Saturday mornings.  Here you will find great mementos to be able to take home or simply eat a few of the delicious baked or home grown products as you stroll. Grants Pass has definitely got a lot to do and see, in fact, so much you may need to extend your stay for over a week.