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Tips From a Local #2
A weekly column by
Kevin Ordean
|
Sedona.biz
For those of you that have never been to Slide Rock,
Grasshopper Point, or any of the other popular spots on Oak Creek, I offer you
some advice.
I have been to these locations hundreds of times in my 20
years in Sedona, and most of my wisdom and knowledge on the topic comes from
doing exactly what I will advise you against. So here we go:
10 Tips for a Day at the Creek
| 1. |
Bring strap on sandals, old sneakers, or water socks. The
rocks are slippery, sharp and can hide shards of glass. I have slipped, slid,
and cut my feet numerous times and I can tell you I did not enjoy it a single
time. |
| 2. |
Bring water with you. I know drinking fresh creek water
sounds like a good idea but I would advise against it. You sweat even in the
water and can become dehydrated quickly in the Arizona sun. |
| 3. |
Spring time is when the weather turns warm and finally you
can go to the creek. The warm weather that make suitable conditions for swimming
is also melting the snow up north that runs into the creek. The water is
especially cold in the spring time. |
| 4. |
Bring 2 towels. Yes, 2 per person. The main reason for this
is that, as mentioned above, the creek is very, very, very cold most times of
the year. If you get out to take a break and use a towel it may not be dry
enough once you are done for the day. Nothing worse than being cold and not
having a dry towel. (on a side note I would leave a fresh towel or two to sit on
in the car.) |
| 5. |
Keep an eye up creek from where you are. Especially in the
monsoon season as flash floods can happen when you can’t see it raining. If you
notice a large amount of debris or the water growing murky for no apparent
reason it may be time to get out for a bit, just to be safe. |
| 6. |
Observe all the signs. Remember that people don’t place
these sign because they feel like it. More often than not many people have been
injured doing just what the sign says not to do. |
| 7. |
Closed means closed. If Slide Rock or the other parks are
closed it's not because the employees felt like going fishing or taking a nap.
They lose money by shutting down so think before you sneak! |
| 8. |
Don’t go alone… ever, for any reason. One slip on the rock
can sprain / break and ankle, cause a fall, or put you face down into the water.
Times like that it is nice to have someone to help, or go for help….trust me.
|
| 9. |
Bring bug spray, sun screen, and a hat. Mosquitoes, bees,
and other bugs love the water so a little bug spray goes a long way. Also, when
you are out in the sun a burn is not fun. |
| 10. |
Pack a snack but not your valuables. The last thing you want
to do is leave the fun of the creek because your tummy is grumbling or come back
to a car to find your stuff missing. |
Click for past tips:
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