Actually, it's common sense to plan ahead on any vacation,
especially if you're experiencing an area for the first time.
When I attempted Mount Rainier, I opted for a guide service
because I knew it'd be safer than having to put my entire trust
into another person (persons) who may not know the difference
between an ice axe and a canoe paddle.
River rafting is the same way. I'd rather go with somebody who
has experience under their belt, and patience under their hat.
Of course, that's just ME. Suppose there's individuals with an
entire different attitude on Life, who are comfortable moving
completely out of their comfort zone and loving every minute ...
outstanding article, Kathy!
silversummit - Feb 20, 2012 11:01 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Planning ahead ..
I agree Larry about using a guide service in general for unfamiliar areas especially for overnight trips. It's just that part of me really hated to give in to a guided service for a day hike on a well-marked trail. I fought that battle with myself for months before the trip but ended up deciding to go for the greater good so to speak.
Okay, I have a better understanding of where you're coming from ..
Suppose there's a BIG difference between a day hike and an
over-niter on glaciers ..
But, I think you made the RIGHT decision ... Sometimes, you gotta COMPROMISE and stay within your comfort zone, even though a part of you is screaming ..
I have to agree that hikin in the Lake Louise area and this hike in particular rates among the best in the world. And I'm not just saying that as a Canadian :) If you hit this area in beuatiful weather then all hikes are stunning...
silversummit - Feb 27, 2012 1:00 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Beuatiful place
Absolutely true! We had a week of perfect weather and every hike and drive was great. If only I were 20 years younger.....without a herniated disk etc.!
I was interested in this because of the pros and cons. While I prefer hiking alone, or with my husband, I have gone a few guided trips. The major reason for these trips is to gain some familiarity with a new area, which I find useful when I plan future trips. For example, I recently took a trip to the Four Corners Area with a group. I did it because I wanted to spend more time in the area, but I felt like looking at maps alone didn't give me enough information to plan a trip. Now I have a better feel for the area and what I want to do.
Good rationale Lisae. Using a guided group trip is a great way to become familiar with an area. I could easily return and do the same or another hike on my own there in the future.
How did you like the Four Corners area? We were through there in 2000 but didn't stop to tour really since it was so hot that August. So hot, I got sunburned through my car window!
Kathy, I really liked the Four Corners area. I am planning a trip for next spring right now, in fact. I am hoping I can spend up to two weeks there, but will see what my work pressures will be. I am planning a long and short version of the trip.
lcarreau - Feb 20, 2012 9:35 am - Voted 10/10
Planning ahead ..Actually, it's common sense to plan ahead on any vacation,
especially if you're experiencing an area for the first time.
When I attempted Mount Rainier, I opted for a guide service
because I knew it'd be safer than having to put my entire trust
into another person (persons) who may not know the difference
between an ice axe and a canoe paddle.
River rafting is the same way. I'd rather go with somebody who
has experience under their belt, and patience under their hat.
Of course, that's just ME. Suppose there's individuals with an
entire different attitude on Life, who are comfortable moving
completely out of their comfort zone and loving every minute ...
outstanding article, Kathy!
silversummit - Feb 20, 2012 11:01 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Planning ahead ..I agree Larry about using a guide service in general for unfamiliar areas especially for overnight trips. It's just that part of me really hated to give in to a guided service for a day hike on a well-marked trail. I fought that battle with myself for months before the trip but ended up deciding to go for the greater good so to speak.
I appreciate your thoughts Larry!
Kathy
lcarreau - Feb 20, 2012 7:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Planning ahead ..Okay, I have a better understanding of where you're coming from ..
Suppose there's a BIG difference between a day hike and an
over-niter on glaciers ..
But, I think you made the RIGHT decision ... Sometimes, you gotta COMPROMISE and stay within your comfort zone, even though a part of you is screaming ..
"Oh Life, There Must Be More ..."
Besides, the lunch you got sounded like the Cat's Meow.
forgues9999 - Feb 24, 2012 7:19 pm - Hasn't voted
Beuatiful placeI have to agree that hikin in the Lake Louise area and this hike in particular rates among the best in the world. And I'm not just saying that as a Canadian :) If you hit this area in beuatiful weather then all hikes are stunning...
silversummit - Feb 27, 2012 1:00 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Beuatiful placeAbsolutely true! We had a week of perfect weather and every hike and drive was great. If only I were 20 years younger.....without a herniated disk etc.!
lcarreau - Feb 27, 2012 8:48 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: Beuatiful place"We can't return ... we can only look, behind
From where we came ...
And go round and round and round,
In the CIRCLE game ..."
lisae - Sep 4, 2013 5:52 pm - Hasn't voted
Guided TripsI was interested in this because of the pros and cons. While I prefer hiking alone, or with my husband, I have gone a few guided trips. The major reason for these trips is to gain some familiarity with a new area, which I find useful when I plan future trips. For example, I recently took a trip to the Four Corners Area with a group. I did it because I wanted to spend more time in the area, but I felt like looking at maps alone didn't give me enough information to plan a trip. Now I have a better feel for the area and what I want to do.
silversummit - Sep 6, 2013 8:46 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Guided TripsGood rationale Lisae. Using a guided group trip is a great way to become familiar with an area. I could easily return and do the same or another hike on my own there in the future.
How did you like the Four Corners area? We were through there in 2000 but didn't stop to tour really since it was so hot that August. So hot, I got sunburned through my car window!
Thanks for reading my TR!
Kathy
lisae - Sep 6, 2013 9:36 am - Hasn't voted
Four CornersKathy, I really liked the Four Corners area. I am planning a trip for next spring right now, in fact. I am hoping I can spend up to two weeks there, but will see what my work pressures will be. I am planning a long and short version of the trip.
silversummit - Sep 6, 2013 12:14 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Four CornersThen definitely write a TR with lots of pictures! Looking forward to seeing more about your trip!