rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,710
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 14, 2015 22:24:53 GMT -8
We always use the family rule of stopping at stream crossings, trail junctions, and anyplace else it might be dubious. Off-trail, we stick together. But we've never violated the junction thing since Eldest Son and I ended up sprinting a half mile up a trail to track down the DH and Second Son, who had missed the turn where we didn't wait...put the whistles to good use that time!
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Post by wondermonkey on Dec 15, 2015 5:27:14 GMT -8
Consider 2-way radios to allow you to split up but still be in touch. I've backpacked with some guys out in Yosemite who use radios all the time, and I was dubious about how useful they can be until I was out with them. Allows them to split up but still be totally flexible to change plans and coordinate while miles apart. When we go into certain parts of KY we use radios. Often you don't get reception but we know if things aren't going right all parties know to gain higher ground.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,962
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Post by Westy on Dec 15, 2015 6:01:46 GMT -8
We always use the family rule of stopping at stream crossings, trail junctions, and anyplace else it might be dubious. I have hiked many miles with a Triple Crown Hiker who has become my long-distance hiking mentor. She is very strict regarding this detail and we have adopted it as a family rule. This concept is demonstrated in a manufacturing management improvement strategy from The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt, known as the Theory of Constraints. To explain the theory he uses a Boy Scout Troop out for a hike. Herbie is the slow hiker or constraint. Others are off to the races and miles ahead. Until Herbie arrives, the hike is not done. The excess capacity is wasted. So the task is to improve the constraint and reduce capacity of the other components. Thus a balanced hike or production line. Back to the family....the fastest hiker carries the heaviest load, the slowest hiker carries the lightest load in an effort to balance our hike and minimize wait time.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,710
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Post by rebeccad on Dec 15, 2015 8:01:27 GMT -8
Westy, that load balance is what we have been working on. We had a disconnect for a while between what we could stuff into the boys' packs (the guys were small for their ages, and so of necessity were there packs) and what they needed to carry to slow them down a bit. This summer, ES got a pack as large as mine, and took on more of the food to lighten my load. It was glorious! I have always had a bit of an issue about not "pulling my weight," something that might be less of an issue if my husband were a burly 6-footer instead of being about 5'7" and only about 5-10 lbs heavier than I am. The fact remains that he has a lot better fat to muscle ratio than I do, but it's harder to accept my limits I've been learning for 25 years that I don't have to be the toughest thing around. Seems to be a hard lesson for me.
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amaruq
Trail Wise!
Call me Little Spoon
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Post by amaruq on Dec 16, 2015 5:30:22 GMT -8
With my usual group, I often take up the rear, allowing the slower compatriots to set the pace and so I can keep an eye on them to make sure we don't lose or injury anyone (we've all seen the signs of a weary hiker who, as stubborn as they may be, needs a rest). Most of them are proficient backpackers, but they often leave the navigation to me. So I would say we tend to stick together, on- or off-trail. The most we get separated is when I stop to snap photos while they continue to march on, but I handily catch up in short order.
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
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Post by RumiDude on Dec 16, 2015 10:43:16 GMT -8
I don't mind getting separated a little. As long as i can catch a glimpse of my partners from time to time, or meet up at lunch. I guess I would be OK with just meeting up at camp, as long as there was a set spot well within everyone's capabilities. Depends ...
Like Zeke, getting too far separated means that you can't change plans because you are separated. Many times the planned stop turns out to be kinda dismal so we might decide to move on a couple miles. But you can't do that if separated, you are stuck with the less than desirable campsite.
Being separated can compromise safety as well as cause confusion. My policy is if hiking with others to meet up frequently so that decisions and information can be shared.
Rumi
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