West Coast Trail Planner
Dear Fellow Adventurers,
I'm planning to hike the West Coast Trail at the end of June 2008 but after reading many books I was still left scratching my head as to exactly the fist step in getting ready. And so I ceated my own plan (currently a work in progress). Perhaps it will also help you plan and organize the many important details that will make up your hiking trip, from reserving the trail to what food to bring.
Start with the timeline below, and set deadlines for yourself. If you have fewer than two months to plan your hiking trip, don't panic; just get started as soon as possible. And never allow the details to overshadow the joy of the actual hike. Hope you have a great hike!
two to three months ahead
o determine who will be coming (max group is 10, 4 is nice)
o decide when you'll be starting the hike (pick 2 other dates as back up)
o decide which trailhead you want to start at -- north or south
o make trail reservation
o start fitness program phase 1
o get hiking boots (if you don't own already)
one month ahead
o get backpack (if you don't own already)
o start fitness program phase 2
o assign specific responsibilities to your group such as trail leader, head chef, doctor, transportation/accomodations, photograher...
o plan hiking agenda (use tide tables to determine where you'll be hiking/sleeping)
o create meal plan
o make first-aid kit with emergency phone numbers (do any members of your group have medical conditions?)
o book transport to/from trailheads and accomodations if req'd
two weeks ahead
o buy any camping gear and accessories req'd
o buy any clothing req'd
o test your gear by doing at least 1 overnight hiking trip
o confirm transporation/accomodation reservations
o designate someone to look after your home/pets while you're away
one week ahead
o begin to pack clothing / gear
o prepare food such as mixing dry ingredients, making granola
one day ahead
o pack food
o cut toenails ;-)
