Packing Water for a Hike

Over the course of his career in education, Brian Gander has functioned in a superintendent role with multiple schools. When he is not working as a superintendent, Brian Gander likes to stay physically active through hiking.

Water is one of the most important items in any hiker’s pack. A lack of adequate water can lead to dehydration, a medical condition that can become very serious on a remote mountain trail. Ideally, a hiker should carry whatever amount of water he or she feels they can handle. In reality, several gallons of water is likely excessive for a 30-minute hike at the local park, while a surplus of water can take up room that may be needed for other hiking necessities.

A good rule of thumb is to pack three to four quarts of water per person, or about one gallon for an average day hike. However, hikers should check the weather prior to setting out, as elevated temperatures may necessitate more water than usual.

In group situations, hikers are best advised to carry their own water supply. It may seem advisable for one individual to take responsibility for the rest of the group’s water, while another person manages food, another person carries maps and directional aids, and so on. However, if the person carrying the water becomes lost or separated from the others, the rest of the hiking party is left without water.

Popular Hikes on the Pacific Crest Trail

A doctoral graduate of the University of Oregon, Dr. Brian Gander has served as a superintendent with school districts throughout the state, including Salem-Keizer School District #24J and Reedsport School District, where he works as both the superintendent and special education director. Outside of work, Dr. Brian Gander enjoys hiking with his family, especially on Oregon stretches of the Pacific Crest Trail.

Spanning more than 2,600 miles from the southern tip of California to the edge of the United States-Canada border, the Pacific Crest Trail was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1968. Although some visitors attempt to travel the trail from end to end, there are many sections of the trail that are popular for shorter hikes, including the Cascade Range in Oregon, which encompasses several volcanoes and the volcanic Mount Hood. The following are a few popular hikes on the Pacific Coast Trail.

-Mount Thielsen. A difficult 4.9-mile hike, the trail along the Mount Thielsen Wilderness Area builds to the mountain’s 9,182-foot elevation and involves a steep climb above the timberline. Known for its lightening strikes, the trail is located in Umpqua National Forest and is open year-round, although winter conditions can make the final scramble to the summit especially hazardous.

-Belknap Crater. From the McKenzie Pass trailhead on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Belknap Crater route stretches about 7 miles across a lava field and through sandy, forested areas. With a number of branching options, the challenging hike takes visitors along the crater rim and into view of many notable Cascade mountains.

-Paradise Park. Located in the Mount Hood Wilderness Area, the Paradise Park hike climbs for most of its approximately 7-mile length. The centerpiece of the hike is the alpine meadow area at the foot of Mount Hood, where Paradise Park gets its name. A largely forested trail, it also offers views of Zigzag Canyon.

Easy Flowers, Fruit, and Vegetables for First Time Gardeners

Brian Gander has worked as a superintendent and special education director within Oregon's Reedsport School District since 2015. He has more than two decades of experience in various academic and faculty positions. When he is not working as a superintendent, Brian Gander likes to relax by landscaping and gardening.

Gardening is a great way to relax while at the same time improving the production and aesthetic value of one’s yard. Unfortunately, the ins and outs of growing flowers, fruit, and vegetables can be difficult and take years to perfect. Rather than bite off more than they can chew, first time landscapers and gardeners should consider starting with a few of the simpler landscape plans or gardening options.

When it comes to flowers, few are easier to manage than sunflowers. Under normal conditions, a gardener simply needs to sow the seeds and observe as nature runs its course. Sunflowers can grow up to 14 feet in height. While many flowers may not reach this height, individuals might need to support the stalks of the taller plants. Beyond this little bit of maintenance, sunflowers are largely a hands off gardening project.

As for fruits and vegetables, strawberries and lettuce represent options that are both easy and popular at the dinner table. Strawberries are especially versatile and can grow under conditions as diverse as traditional outdoor gardens and small, indoor hanging baskets. Lettuce, meanwhile, is best grown in the cooler conditions of spring and fall. Not only is lettuce easy to grow, but full heads of lettuce can be trimmed down and re-harvested multiple times.