Mountain hiking

[Tommy Gun]

Look, I've lived around and explored the blue mountains area of Australia (and been to parts of Cali) my whole life, so I can advise you on some stuff. Snakes especially; though the common Brown Snakes in my region can actually be very aggressive just if they feel like it, or if someone else beforehand has given them the shits.

- If you encounter a snake in your way, and it turns to confront you, look to the side of its body (BUT NOT it's head, staring at it directly in the eyes is a sign of aggression, like how cats always stare at each other before fighting) and slowly back away, facing it, for about 5 metres. This is what the guidebooks in Australia reccomend.

- An American mate of mine had the tendency to pick up or poke snakes. Don't be as stupid as him.

- If you have rattlesnakes, don't rely on them rattling for you to find them. They only rattle when they are feeling threatened, so keep an eye out. If you hear it rattling, it means that if you don't back off then it will be compelled to attack.

- On a sidenote: Nearly every month I read of some poor retard who didn't know how to use a pressure bandage and ended near dead. Learn how to apply one, it stems the flow of venom into the bloodstream. Furthermore, have a phone with you at all times - emergency services rarely have no reception. Read this:
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/poisonsinfo...essure.asp
- If you're walking solo, you must tell a park ranger or friend your route and your intended departure and arrival time. Otherwise, if you go missing no-one will come for you (we saw this in the movie 127 hours, and it's extremely true).

Also, having wild sex attracts bears. All those delcious pheromones and excreted chemicals. You have been warned.