Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 1:14:28 GMT -8
Hi guys, First post on here. Yeta! Has anyone found the best self reflection/de-brief procedure for the end of a trip? I am thinking about focusing on the areas in which you thought you did well and the areas in which you think you could improve on. I keep a log book of all my hikes, but I am looking to extend my reflection into further detail. What do you guys/gals use? Do you benefit much from your reflection? Cheers! Jared (Jai)
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Post by rwtb123 on Dec 3, 2016 1:33:48 GMT -8
I keep a record of all my hikes/trips in a thread on the Southern forum.I include details I want to remember or that I think might be helpful to someone else wanting to do the particular hike.For my walks I just record mileage,which helps me instinctively keep track of my base fitness level, at that particular time.Honestly,I rarely look back past a week or two, but find just recording the details helps cement them in my mind and keep me focused.
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Post by Jerry E on Dec 3, 2016 2:40:23 GMT -8
Hi @jaisunniday ,
I think the closest thing to this I do is keeping a digital notebook (I happen to use MS OneNote) for my hiking notes and planning. I have a master packing list that I try to continually refine, and I copy this into a new page for each major hike I start to plan. After each trip, I use that same page to capture my thoughts about any lessons learned from the trip, whether they are personal, logistical, gear related, or otherwise. I also have a hiking category in my digital ToDo system (I happen to use ToDoist), and anything actionable gets entered there.
All of this helps a lot, and reduces my stress levels, since I know it is written down. Still, I am always looking for ways to improve it.
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balzaccom
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Waiting for spring...
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Post by balzaccom on Dec 3, 2016 7:56:16 GMT -8
We have a website where we post all of our trips...and a lot more.
But you are asking a different question. And since I am someone who RARELY took notes in school, the idea of taking notes about my recreational activities with the goal of remembering things just isn't going to happen. If it is important enough for me to remember, then I will remember it. If it's not important enough, then eh.
That said, we almost always find something to improve for the next trip...even if it is deciding to leave something at home next time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 3, 2016 8:23:52 GMT -8
My wife, takes notes during the backpacking trip. Whiles she tends not to dis me too much she does make an informed assesment of how I did on each trip, an outside opinion. I read the trip notes and then a few weeks later I read the BLOG entries. I take the notes and the BLOG entries as feedback. I use the feedback to adjust my training so that I am better able, my opinion, to do the next backpacking trip.
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toejam
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Hiking to raise awareness
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Post by toejam on Dec 3, 2016 8:26:23 GMT -8
I probably fantasize about backpacking everyday of my life. My wife calls me obsessed. I look at pictures of my trips - too much of that makes me sad because I'm not on the trail. I journal while I'm on the trail, but not otherwise, and will read the journal when I carry it on my next trip; for entertainment more than anything.
Backpacking is such a big part of who I am and have been for decades that I don't really need to take notes.
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Post by johntpenca on Dec 3, 2016 10:28:11 GMT -8
Never kept a log or journal. When the trip is over it is done. I've never been one to over analyze unless I really screwed up or had significant gear failure. I go into the woods to get away from tedium, not immerse myself in it. That said, I've been hiking, BC skiing and climbing for 40+ years.
Whatever works for you.
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desert dweller
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Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
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Post by desert dweller on Dec 3, 2016 11:13:37 GMT -8
The notes I make are usually weather/water related. I may jot something down about trail conditions or the rare times I meet someone on the trail. But, what provides the best fodder for a trip report are the photos. They are automatically time sorted. Plus, a photo will present the scene with better accuracy than notes. Photos augment the narrative and help trigger memories of the moments. I used write things down in a small pocket spiral notebook. Now-a-days I don't write anything down. If I need to, there is a phone-app for note taking.
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
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Post by BigLoad on Dec 3, 2016 11:31:57 GMT -8
Early on I kept detailed notes and spent more time analyzing. The returns eventually diminished, and journaling in particular became a tiresome chore that detracted from merely savoring the experience. I do sometimes take a note if I feel likely to forget something of special interest. I keep an eye out for gear improvements, but they don't pop up often. The quality of my experience depends mainly on maintaining good physical condition and picking good places to trek.
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reuben
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Gonna need more Camels at the next refugio...
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Post by reuben on Dec 3, 2016 11:42:22 GMT -8
My engineer brain wants to do exactly that - copious and detailed notes, spreadsheets, charts, multivariable analysis, etc. I do the best I can to ignore it, and just use my memory (such as it is) to learn and refine my trips.
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Post by drilldaddyo on Dec 3, 2016 12:05:30 GMT -8
Hi,
I don't usually journal the entire trip but do keep track of details like:
1) time to the trailhead 2) Restaurants or hotels I liked in the area 3) Map errors or errors in the trailguide (I usually just write it down in the trailguide itself) 4) Good campsites and water sources might be added directly to the map itself for future use.
That's about it!
Randy
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tigger
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Post by tigger on Dec 3, 2016 13:03:30 GMT -8
I often think to myself, I should take a notepad so I can take notes of what I found useful and what I should and shouldn't bring. Then, I promptly forget said notebook. Then the hike begins. As I backpack, I think to myself - I should remember to bring a notepad so I can take notes on all this stuff. On the way home from my hike, I think how useful it would be to have a notepad so I can stay organized. I then pull out the trash, dry out my clothing and such and shove it all back in the pack and put it one of my bins in the garage...repeat.
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Post by Campfires&Concierges on Dec 3, 2016 13:19:02 GMT -8
If I feel like I'm going to blog about a trip, then I will take better notes (I usually take my iPhone in airplane mode, for a camera and notepad) but mostly the notes I come home with are shiny new gear things that someone else on the trip had.
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RumiDude
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Marmota olympus
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Post by RumiDude on Dec 3, 2016 15:58:41 GMT -8
I don't journal, though I will occasionally write a note on a map. But afterwards I do reflect on my experience. I pretty much know what went well and what didn't. I also know what needs to happen for a better experience.
I have in the last several years become more and more interested in just enjoying my experiences rather than documenting them. This has caused me to leave my camera at home much of the time. And when I do take the camera, I take far fewer than I used to. The experience is what I am seeking.
Anyway, I know I kinda deviated from the topic, but those are some of my thoughts on the matter. HYOH
Rumi
PS: Welcome to the crazy pit. I live in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula.
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Post by hikerjer on Dec 3, 2016 16:31:33 GMT -8
I'm sort of like Ben. Being reflective and introspective on things like a hike is far too complicated for me.
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