Scavenging.  The adventure of herb hunting.  How to get ready for the adventure.

• Hey, this is where animals and bugs are supposed to live!  Don't go stomping through the wild like you do your own back yard.  You are in someone else's back yard now, so show respect.  Watch where you are walking.  If you've ever stepped in something you'll understand (and I'm not talking about turds).  There are all kinds of animals and bugs that burrow, build nest and webs and when in the wild you're in their back yard.
• Walk softly and carry a big stick.  Or, staff as the case might be.  Not only do they help you walk, they can ward off an attack until you can get help.
• Speaking of attacks, don't go alone.  This may sound dumb to some of you but don't go wild herb hunting alone.  If there is an emergency one of you can go for help.  Not to mention going with a friend is very rewarding on a personal level as well.
• Don't take children unless you know the area.  Face it, not only do children stomp through life, they are also better targets for accidents and they can get lost and panic much easier then you.  I start my children in areas I know.  They get trained in the 'how tos' and then we go into the wild.  For the record I know, I have 8 children and 7 grandchildren.
• Carry water.  One of the worst adventures I had was because I didn't carry water.  Now I don't leave home without it.  Food isn't that important, after all, you should be learning about the plants that are out there.  I once made a great salad using dandelion leaves, wild onion and red clover.  It held me over quite well till I got to civilization again.
• Get a pocket sized identification only guide.  Large books tend to get heavier as the day wears on (have you noticed that too?)  There are scads of good 'identification only' guides at book stores.  Take a look at many of them and pick the one that you like the best.  You can make a list of what you're looking for before you go.
• Good shoes, proper clothing.  One hot day I decided to go out in shorts - never again.  I came back with more scratches on my legs then herbs in my basket.  You need good hiking boots, or at least sturdy shoes.  Think protection, when choosing clothing.  Cotton is the most comfortable and breaths well in the heat.  You might want to consider a hat and sun glasses too.  I personally hardly wear my sun glasses (the world is to pretty without them) but there have been times I was glad I had them.
• Bring a tiny med. kit.  After all you are becoming an herbalist.  Plan to have some good things with you - but keep it small.  While on this subject, bring a lighter or matches (you never know).
• Don't forget the tools we talked about earlier.  After all the purpose is to collect herbs.
• A small light weight back pack to put everything in.  I find back packs work best as my hands are free.  I also make sure they are small, none of this 'book bag' stuff.
• A flash light.  Make sure you have good batteries as well.  You never know when you'll need one.