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dearfly
Jun 8, 2004, 4:27 PM
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I am going solo on a long trip and want some advice from any experienced hikers/campers/climbers. Any dos and don'ts from personal experience, things to watch out for while on the road, safe campgrounds, or strategies, how to meet climbers and still be safe. Thanks.
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timstich
Jun 8, 2004, 5:40 PM
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Let friends know your whereabouts and be very specific. Let park rangers know where you intend to camp and when you plan to return. As you might guess, being alone in the back country means that even a simple injury could be very bad if it disables you. I like to put notes on the car dashboard describing where I am.
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timstich
Jun 8, 2004, 5:41 PM
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Let friends know your whereabouts and be very specific. Let park rangers know where you intend to camp and when you plan to return. As you might guess, being alone in the back country means that even a simple injury could be very bad if it disables you. I like to put notes on the car dashboard describing where I am.
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iamthewallress
Jun 8, 2004, 6:53 PM
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In reply to: I like to put notes on the car dashboard describing where I am.
This is a real trade-off when you are a woman going solo. "We" language might be helpful. I'm always leary of advertising that I'm going to be alone to anyone who gets nosey around my truck at the parking area. When I'm bivying alone in my truck, I tend to try to bivy near other people, but to get in the back when I don't think anyone is watching, so that they won't know that I'm by myself. Sleep near your cell phone if you are somewhere that it gets reception (or if you are on the road, try to pick spots where there is reception.)
As you can see...I'm way more worried about the civilization issues than what might happen when I'm alone in the woods. For the latter case, there is always someone somewhere who knows roughly where I'm at and who will be alarmed if I don't call or show up after however long I've said I'll be gone.
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katydid
Jun 8, 2004, 7:37 PM
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Carry a cell phone, for use in emergencies like serious car trouble in the middle of nowhere. Depending on where you're going (IIRC you're going to be in WY for part of the trip, and parts of that state are pretty removed from civilization), different cell carriers will have better coverage. In WY, Sprint has the best overall coverage, last I checked. I even had coverage in parts of Yellowstone (which has no cell towers) when I was out there last summer.
Know how to change a tire. Know how far you can go when your gas tank's on 1/4 -- stop by the gas station even if you're not sure if you "need" to fill up right now, in case the next one's further than you think. Check your tire pressure regularly and air up as needed (better gas mileage). Change your oil regularly. Consider getting a AAA membership and/or towing coverage on your car insurance.
Make sure you know what the bear/cougar/other wildlife situations are where you're camping. Prepare accordingly.
Know first aid, and have a good first aid kit. You never know when you might need it.
Let a few friends/family members know the route you're taking, and check in regularly. If you decide to deviate from your route, let people know ASAP and check in with them when you get to your next stop.
Trust your instincts. If someone seems creepy, don't hang out with them.
As far as safe campgrounds, that depends on where you're going. If you end up in the Tetons, be sure to stop by the Climbers' Ranch. It'll cost you a few extra bucks, but you'll get to meet some folks and have a good time while you're there. If you're doing backcountry stuff, try to chat up a ranger before you head out. You'll have a better idea of what's going on in the park, and they'll remember you better should you need their services later on.
k.
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troutboy
Jun 8, 2004, 7:53 PM
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In reply to: Know how to change a tire. k.
I know this is in the women's thread and I'm not implying women are weak 'cause this works for us weakling guys too...
Carry a 3' piece of electrical conduit or similar pipe in your car. Fit it over the lug wrench and you can remove any lug nut that Bubba at the repair shop overtorqued. You might need to flatten the end with a hammer before using to fit over the lug wrench.
The other advice given is excellent.
T
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lizardchick
Jun 8, 2004, 8:11 PM
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You should also be careful with using a pipe to gain a mechanical advantage on the lug nuts. The technique is helpful in getting the damn things off, but at the same time, you run a risk of twisting the heads right off.
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missedyno
Jun 8, 2004, 8:31 PM
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when i road trip/camp on my own i like to make a point of using my visa card as often as possible. I put a good payment on it before i go away, and that way there's an electronic trail of my travels.
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nextascent
Jun 9, 2004, 1:17 AM
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Hi,
Welcome by the way! You may actually want to use this site to connect to the people who are currently living in the area where you plan to go camping. You can look under the region and check profiles. You can pm them or see if they have "contact" info set in their profile. It's a good community and they'll guide you to some good local info if that helps.
Good Luck! :)
Lisa
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canadaair
Jun 9, 2004, 5:35 AM
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The 3' pipe suggestion is a great one. You won't strip anything if you hold the tire wrench head solidly against the lugnut with one hand while pushing on the other end of the pipe with your other hand. The best thing to do is to practice this at home first. Another great thing to have is one of those pressurized tire repair cans..they cost a few bucks and very often will fix a flat enough so you can make it out.
Have fun
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canadaair
Jun 9, 2004, 5:36 AM
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Registered: May 23, 2004
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The 3' pipe suggestion is a great one. You won't strip anything if you hold the tire wrench head solidly against the lugnut with one hand while pushing on the other end of the pipe with your other hand. The best thing to do is to practice this at home first. Another great thing to have is one of those pressurized tire repair cans..they cost a few bucks and very often will fix a flat enough so you can make it out.
Have fun
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iamthewallress
Jun 9, 2004, 5:51 PM
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Another thought on car issues...Get AAA. My companion locked the keys in the car in the Bonneville Salt Flats, UT (like 50 miles from the nearest town in NV). Luckily there was a payphone at that rest stop, and a couple of hours later, we were on our way again at no extra charge. Could have been very, very epic.
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