Is a Plan.
Seriously... I can not tell you how many SAR cases I have been involved in, where we had next to zero information to start with, and how many times this directly resulted in a tragic outcome.
One of my SCUBA instructors used to say that the rule to not getting bent was to "Plan your dive, then dive your plan" - this holds true to many things... before you head out on a solo day hike or a 14 day group trip, make a trip plan and get it in the hands of at least two people you can trust.
The best bet is to contact the land/park management, search and rescue organization, or sheriff's department for the area that you are going to be in and ask them if they have a Trip Plan form. If that does not work, you can Google and find something pretty quickly... or do up your own, just make sure to follow some basic rules:
1. List information about each person going: Name, age, address, home phone number, experience and any medical/physical concerns.
2. Information about any vehicles or transportation you are taking (even if you are leaving them at the trailhead or pickup point): Type of vehicle or vessel, make, model, year, color, license or registration numbers.
3. List the time, date and location of where your trip will start from, and the time, date and location of where you intend to finish.
4. Detail the route you intend to take, list places you plan on staying overnight. Make a copy or take a picture of your map with your trip route on it, or scetch a strip map showing your planned route.
5. List the types of communication equipment you will have, numbers to cell phones and what kind of emergency signalling devices you will have - include whistles, mirrors, day panels, etc.
6. Make a quick list of the equipment and provisions you will have, include: Flashlight, Fire Starting, Additional Clothing, Drinking Water, Sleeping Bag, Cold Weather Gear, Food, Snacks, First-Aid Kits, Medicines, Map, Compass, Etc.
7. Any other notes or contingency plans, such as "If we get lost, we will walk SE to West Run River, then follow the river South to the bridge at Campbell Road"
Leave this plan with at least two responsible people, along with instructions as to when to consider you overdue, and the contact information for the emergency services in the area(s) that you will be in - also leave a copy in the glove compartment of your car.
This seems like a lot of work to some, but even a trip plan for a two week trip can be filled out in a few hours... and having a trip plan in place can literally be a life saver... also, a trip plan works both ways, it helps people get in touch with you, should something happen at home in your abesence. In any case, I truly hope that every trip you make is great and evey trip plan you fill out proves to be a waste of time.
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