Prior Planning Prevents Pretty Poor Performance (Series)
Since spring is nearly here, I’m going to get the ball rolling on how to plan for a hike. Several times over the years, I have encountered people who went hiking in 100+ degree weather without any water or sunscreen; people who’d lost control of their dogs; and people who were completely lost.
One of the most common questions I get during a presentation is “What do you do to plan for a hike?”
First, what I do doesn’t matter. What matters is what you do and what you know about yourself and your capabilities:
Are you capable of physically and mentally? Can you climb hills? Mountains? Cross streams and creeks?
Can you walk with 10, 20, 35 pounds of gear strapped to your back for hours and miles and miles?
Can you hike two miles? Five miles? Twelve miles?
What will you do if the weather turns?
What if you encounter a not-so friendly dog?
Do you know what to bring with you on a trip? How much water? What kind of emergency supplies?
How do you pack light?
What kind of food should you bring?
How many different maps of the location do you have?
Have you called the area manager first to see if there are any trail closures or notices?
Who else is going with you? What are their levels of physical abilities? Will you have to play Sherpa?
I’ll be answering these questions over the next few posts.
If you have a question you’d like me to answer, please email them to me at tammy@hikecincy.com or send me a message via Facebook/6060cincyhikes.
Happy Spring Hiking!