Planning your adventure.

Where to start?!

After choosing where I wish to go for my next adventure I start the planning process. This planning process could take days, weeks or even months and years depending on the trip. Always, always my starting point is doing as much research as possible. This research includes using every available research tool. For me those tools include;

1. Books and blogs.
I read every bit of information I can find on the place I intend to visit. From hard copy books to online trip reports. If I have any questions I sometimes contact the authors of the books or blogs. You lose nothing in asking questions! Keep in mind that books can often be out of date the moment they are printed! Over time tracks and maps change, weather events like fires and floods may impact your ability to reach areas previously accessible and nature has a habit of reclaiming pads that are not often trampled! Online blogs, magazines or trip reports are likely to be more recent or up to date than a book released many years earlier.

2. Maps.
I start studying the relevant map and mapping out my course. More on the maps I use here. I use paper maps and electronic maps, never just one or the other - always both. Never put your safety in the hands of someone else. And for that matter rely on “tracks”. Tracks may have changed or grown over. Know where you are going at all times.

3. Friends.
If any of my friends have completed the adventure I am looking at doing I pick their brains! Most people are happy sharing their experiences and knowledge. Be thankful when they do as they are giving you a gift.

4. Social Media.
Yep - social media! I scour Instagram, Facebook and YouTube to see if I can learn anything from the real every day adventurers that have visited before me. I love RockMonkey Adventures, Nature Lovers Walks and Lucas Chamerlains series of YouTube clips.

5. Bushwalking Clubs.
I cannot recommend highly enough joining a bushwalking group or club. They are a wealth of resources and in my experience happy and willing to help new adventurers learn the ropes. Check out Pandani Bushwalking Club.

The specifics.

After researching as much information as I can about where I am heading I start the planning process using the following questions as my guide. That way I am less likely to miss an important step!

1. When will I be going?
This is important as the when determines the weather, the accessibility of river crossings etc and how many others are likely to be in the same area. For me the when also involves getting time off work or working around the schedules of others.

2. How long will I be gone for?
This covers how long I will need to pack for. How much food will that require? What items need to go in my pack based on the trips duration. Will there be any reception to contact loved ones during the trip. How does the weather look for the WHOLE trip, not just the start day!

3. Packing lists.
What other than my usual packing list items needs to be added to my pack specific to this trip? Pack haul rope? Extra winter items? Different sleep system? Do I need to source anything new for this trip?

4. Navigational essentials.
What maps do I need to photocopy? I never take my good maps out on trail. What maps do I need to download to my devices? Have I checked they are available offline? Is my compass in good working order? Are the devices holding my electronic maps fully charged and up to date? Are my charging cords and power bank ready for the trip.

5. The Weather.
I check this constantly! The weather can change at an instant and I need to be ready to alter my plans accordingly. Its important to check and recheck the weather for the whole duration of the trip. Not just the first day. Also what contingencies do I have in place if the weather turns? This is an important part of planning a trip.

6. Who am I going with?
Are they confident or will they need assistance. How much will they speed up or delay the trip? Do they have the right gear? No matter how organised you are if someone turns up with shoes that the soles fall off a few hours into the walk the trip is going to end badly! This speaking from experience.

7. Is my usual safety contact available?
I use a good friend Haydyn as a safety contact. If he is off walking himself do I need to ask another friend and what will I need to provide them?

I don’t believe you can ever put too much effort into planning your trip. Good planning often equates to a successful and enjoyable trip.

Yes - things will go pear shaped sometimes but you can reduce the chances of that happening by being as prepared as possible.