Vintage

So you think you want to go on an “expedition style” overland trip. You figure out how much vacation time there is, you have an idea about where you want to go and what to see. But the longest trip so far has been a three day weekend, and you are a bit concerned that a three week trip might just be a bit tougher. Well I once read that there are no big problems, just little ones that don’t get dealt with. It is in the same with overland travel. The big questions can be answered though a series of smaller test trips. And who doesn’t like the idea of another reason to get out of town for the weekend?

            When it comes to route & budget planning fuel cost/consumption is a big factor. What most folks think their rig gets for mileage and the actual number is usually different, and do you really want to be in the middle of Montana when you realize the truth! Carefully record your actual fuel use for highway and trail since they are usually different and then make sure you have a safety margin built in.

            There is also the importance of knowing what kind of pace you and your travel companions can keep day after day. Most weekend trips are usually close to home just by nature of the limited time you have. But what about finding out what a full 8-5 day on a dirt road is like? What about doing those 2 days in a row as a weekend loop? If nothing else you might learn more about what kind of breaks and stops you need yourself.

            And speaking of your travel companions, well if you are planning to undertake a long overland journey with others, it would be a great idea to get to know what their travel preferences are. Not to mention snoring, frequency of pee breaks, hygiene and such. Better to work out the kinks while you still have time to make changes.

            Of course even if you all get along and can handle long days on the trail someone needs to know where you are going and how to get you there. Navigation is a skill you have to practice especially if you are going to unknown places on unknown roads and not following a well published trail guide.

            Then there is the issue of what to take, how well it works and how you will pack it all. There is nothing better than short trips where you can practice different gear & storage solutions. And if your gear is new you might be able to return it before you learn the hard way that it fails when you need it most. Then there are all those great ideas for modifications that you only get from real life experience. Better that you trial those with enough time to test and improve than wishing you could stop the trip to fix that annoying rattle, build a shelf or perfect a shower.

            Lastly the most important resource in any human endeavor is the brain between your ears. The chance to practice good expedition habits and let everyone else find the role that works well for them will often sort out issues that would cause strife once on the adventure. Getting into the habit of looking over the vehicle while someone sets up camp or making sure you can wash up before dinner is something that needs to be habit. In addition journaling and checking the next day’s navigation plan can be a relaxing “chore” around the campfire. The early A.M. scramble can become very old very easily; why not learn to be prepared and smooth so your adventures will be the same.

            You can now see why a trip that will last a month next summer can easily involve more than a months worth of pre-runs and weekend jaunts between now and then. Besides while “winging it” often sounds like fun, the reality of enjoying the sites is often more rewarding when the “little things” are little and not daily annoyances.