DRIVING IN NORTH AMERICA
Many American and Canadian cars have various safety and warning interlock systems, for example: ¿ You may not be able to start the engine unless the automatic transmission is in "Park". If nothing happens when you turn the ignition key, or the key won't turn in the lock, then this is the first thing to check for. ¿ You may need to press or pull a button on the steering column next to the ignition switch before you can turn the ignition key. However, don't confuse this button with the alarm flasher button or the steering wheel tilt adjustment release lever. ¿ The starter may not operate until you press the footbrake. ¿ The starter may not operate until the driver's seatbelt is fastened. ¿ The starter may not operate if any door is not fully closed. ¿ You may not be able to shift the automatic transmission out of "Park" until you press the footbrake pedal and/or the engine is running. ¿ You may not be able to shift from Drive into 2 or 1 (hold in second or first gear, to use the engine as a brake when descending a steep hill) when travelling above a certain speed. ¿ You may not be able to open a door or the boot if the engine is running.
HIKERS - take mosquito repellent, look out for rattlesnakes, especially under rocks, and wear long pants to protect against poison oak stings - see the two illustrations here for how it looks at different times of the year; its especially prevalent around waterfalls! NOTE however that native Americans applied a poultice of poison oak to rattlesnake bites!! The REI website and retail chain is a v gd resource.
RATTLER - identifying characteristics include a series of dark and light bands near the tail, just before the rattles which are different from the markings on the rest of the body. NOTE that 'rattles' can break off and are not always present. Rattlers rarely kill adults, but expect some swelling, immobilise the bite area, and seek medical attention.
BEAR - these can smell food from a very long way away, and will go to great lengths to get it. Therefore, never store it on your person or in your vehicle - prefer to rent a special bearproof food container from the Forest Service (and often this is mandatory). While on the subject of the USFS, buy a $5 'adventure pass' from them or a local REI store before parking anywhere on their land, to avoid a hefty fine or possibly towing.
