How Do You Plan

“I find myself spending a lot of the week either on this specific website just waiting for a thread to pop up or just googling the hell out of websites for a place to go. So, how do you guys plan a weekend hike or a 9 day expedition?

Do you just get up and go? How do you find out of certain places?

For those of you who plan hiking in other lands such as Alaska (if you're not from Alaska), or international how the hell do you plan it? Do you just wake up some day in Virgina, grab a plane ticket for Alaska and just hope to land in an isolated spot?

I've tried just finding random spots but I usually end up in someones tobacco field...afraid one of these times I'll end up in some guys backyard wielding a shotgun and a rebel flag.”

“I use guide books, maps, info from here and other websites (ie trip reports, Nogranola's extensive knowledge of PA, etc).

Then I sit down at O'Charleys or Fridays and hash it out over a few Yuenglings. I am most concerned about water sources and also emergency exit plans. (where are the nearest roads, towns etc).

In addition, there are usually points of interest just off of the trail that you don't want to miss.. I usually plan like crazy before going... Of course like somebody once said after a couple days you probably won't be hiking the pace you set out to do anyway...

Also join a local hiking club if you haven't.. its amazing all of the trails that are out there...

PS I'd be careful about ending up in a guys backyard while you are wielding a shotgun and a rebel flag..... especially north of the mason dixon line...

'fool”

“I'm the same way. I'm indecisive about everything, or am I?

When I hear someone talking about a place that interests me, whether it's here, in person, or an article in a publication, I file it away for later use. Then, when I'm ready for a trip I can choose one of those. I think all hikers have a "wish list".

Once you've picked a location I'd say the next step is getting a map and possibly a guide and start deciding your route. Keep things in mind like how many miles you want to do in a day specifically how many can you do on the first and last days, locations of campsites and water, and elevation changes. If you're doing a group hike you might want to consider alternative routes with varying lengths.
last edited: 8/20/08 9:11:07 AM”

“Oh yes, it must also be noted that many of the trips planned here involve mass consumption of alcohol, and must be planned accordingly...

As one TT'er who will not be named recently learned, when you're in PA, you can't walk into a grocery store and buy beer.. It ain't happening...

Now on the other hand, when in SNP, you can get cheap beer just about anywhere.... This makes planning a lot easier!!!!!!!!!!

'fool
last edited: 8/20/08 10:02:08 AM”

“Guidebooks, friends or maps.”

“A map is always a good place to start ;) I google stuff and pay attention to what other hikers talk about...then I look stuff up on maps and glance through guide books etc. when I'm in the bookstores....

If there is someplace in particular you wanna go you can always ask people on this website if they know anything about it. I've had a lot a luck doin that :0”

“i just fill my pack with beef jerky and cans of chili mac, pick a random direction, and start walking, then hope for the best”

“1021 it's kinda obvious who you are!!! Better come up with a better opening statement next time TROLL! Just how many Email addy's do you have???LOL!”

“i often just wake up in strange and random places unsure how i arrived at the destination. that's how much planning goes into MY trips.”

“I don't understand the meaning of this thing you call "plan" I hardly ever know where I'm going until I get there.”