It's a dry, dry, windy, windy world

I desperately need to get my guys out for a good hike.  We've done a couple of short hikes close to the house, but the weather has been so windy on the weekends lately that I just haven't wanted to be out in it for very long.  It's looking like this weekend my be a little calmer, but it's still super dry here in the Gila.  In fact, there have been several fires in the Silver City area recently, one big one a couple of weeks ago, and two separate fires just yesterday.

This brings up a topic that probably needs to be covered, fire safety and spring hiking in the Gila.

Fire Safety
Since one of yesterday's fires was near a popular hiking and picnic area and has been determined to be human caused, here are a few rules from New Mexico Fire Info:
Fire Restrictions on State and Private Lands

Right now,  recreational forest users need to be extra vigilant about fire. With the wind as bad as it's been any heat source is a potential disastrous fire.  This includes motorized vehicles.  The Quail Ridge fire was caused by a catalytic converter catching dry grass on fire.  Another of our NM fires was caused by someone using a grinder to cut parts off of a salvage vehicle.  Common sense should prevent intelligent folks from flicking cigarette butts out of car windows or burning weeds under these conditions, but I am constantly amazed by the lack of common sense people seem to exhibit.

Water
On the topic of common sense, if you are planning to go hiking anywhere other than a trail along the Gila or Mimbres rivers, it's a really good idea to pack water for both you and your dog.  It is super dry here right now and chances are if you are away from the rivers you are going to need lots of water.  If you are carrying your own gear and water, things can get pretty heavy having your dog's too.  Luckily, there are lots of new hydration packs for dogs available now, ranging in price from under $20 to almost $130.  On longer hikes requiring packed in water, you are going to want your canine buddy to carry its share of the load. If you calculate your hiking and water consumption accurately you will take your last sip just before you get back to your vehicle.