This represents my (somewhat unconventional) daily hike routine.
Okay, perhaps this is the retired soldier in me, but I think routines are a wonderful thing. I’m not a slave to them, but if something works why not repeat it? With that in mind I’ve refined my hike routine over the years. Here are a few comments:
~ Sleep falls just below water and just above food on my priority list. Unfortunately, it takes until the fourth night before I am able to fully recharge overnight. I carry a few more ounces than necessary in the form of a thick and durable sleeping pad and I shoot for eight hours, every night.
~ I’ve written about my preference for early starts before. I like getting up before the coldest part of the day (which, all things being equal, occurs AFTER sunrise) and I love being on the move as the wilderness wakes up. If there is little or no moonlight a headlamp is necessary, but I carry one for evenings after dark anyway.
~ If someone were to ask me what my favorite part of thru-hiking the JMT is, I would have to say: the breaks! I often plan them out with great care in order to pick the best spots. I do NOT hurry through them. In fact, lunch usually takes a couple of hours (or slightly more) and includes a nap. Sometimes I’ll take an additional break in the morning for thirty minutes or so.
~ One of the benefits of starting early is that I don’t have to hike late. By around 5 pm I am looking for a campsite. Occasionally, if I’ve made better time that day than expected, it could be closer to 3:30 pm.
~ Once my campsite is set up (I always do that first) I top off my water, wander around and take some photos, and talk to other hikers if I’ve camped near them. (About a third of the time I seek out places where other campers are unlikely to be spending the night.) My only hot meal of the day is usually dinner, and I always eat with a view.
~ Once I’m snug in my tent (if I set up one) I finish entering notes into my hike journal for the day. Then I spend a few minutes familiarizing myself with the next day’s hike. Last, after an entire day in the wilderness, I escape back to civilization for a while by reading. Unlike many, I never select “outdoorsy” books. Give me a good mystery!
I understand that this will not be everyone’s cup of tea. What I do hope you take away is this: decide why you are out there on the trail and make sure your hike routine reflects those priorities.
Good hiking, Ray
When I was on the trail, I found I that I would wake up everyday at 6 am and was in bed around 7:30. This seemed to be my naturally pattern. In the am, I would pack and eat breakfast. No matter how I tried, I always hit the trail at 7:30 am. After a week or so, I just accepted that fact. I would finish each day around 4pm, any time after that was just pushing my body to hard.
Thanks for the comment, James. Sounds like a good routine and I completely agree about listening to your body.
Ray, I like the way you think. Thanks, Bob Carley
Thanks, Bob! Some have accused me of avoiding that activity entirely!
Hi Ray. This is truly the way I like to hike. If I push too hard it is just not an
enjoyable way to spend what little time I have in MY favorite place.
If I might ask, about what is your average miles per day? I am 68 and the ole
legs are not what they used to be.:-(
Thanks for the question, Eric. I usually log between 11 and 14 miles per day. My last day out of Whitney Portal is usually a little longer. I’m 62 and I see lots of people out there older than me!
Love your schedule. I am a trout hunter so September 2018 liberally sprinkled with stops for rest and wetting the line. Thx for your insights … more helpful than you realize! Dr Bob and Ben (border collie on the mountain)
Thanks for the kind words…glad you find the blog useful!