Did not know where to put this so this seemed like a good place.

When I go out whether for a few hours or several days, I try to plan my trip somewhat. Now this is for 2 reasons one it makes my wife happy, if I don't check in on time she has some idea where I was. And second if I go to a totally new area I like to do some research ahead of time, and plot point of interest.

So I use 2 basic tools my Mapsource software with Topographic maps and Google earth. I plot my trip via the Mapsource software 1st and compare that to my paper maps (new more accurate). Then I upload the route to my my old Garmin GPS.

http://www.gallantent.com/4x4/topo1.jpg

If it checks out ok, then I dump the way points to Google Earth. That lets me get an idea of the terrain in real world terms. For example in the route I have posted I know the T-junction is not accessible I have use an alternate. Mostly because I have been up there and there is a HUGE washout, but even if I had not the terrain indicates a possible problem are due the to the creek in that area.

http://www.gallantent.com/4x4/googl1.jpg

Then it is just a matter of printing them out, giving the wife the local radio freq for the road if there is one, or the freq I will monitor if there is not one.

wow dude thats awesome. Being prepared is very important when your out there. I'd love to go up there where you are and do some wheeling with you. Looks like a great place.

The best thing is it is all of 1/2 hour from home. I can go out and play, get a good feel for my X and any changes I have made, then when I go 4 hours from home and vanish into the wilderness for 2 days I know everything is going to work. As well as when I have to say no the road ends here today.

There are some excellent old mine sites in the interior regions of BC and I plan on visiting a lot of them. Most are only accessible in late summer, so I need to to be well prepared.

It is so much easier to break down or do something you should not have and get stuck a few hours walk from home. Rather than a few days to the nearest road. Makes the whole learning curve much shallower.

Sharing your expected trail plan is a smart idea. If more people did that there would be a lot less wasted SAR resources.

Yup, I help the local guys out here and there with computer stuff etc. I know how hard they work with very little money. A little pre-planning and letting at least one person know where you are going and when to expect you back goes a long way if they have to come get you.

A CB or UHF radio is a great thing to have too, I use a hand held simply in case I have to leave the truck and walk.

But one thing you can do is ask the local SAR guys what kind of info you should leave. If you leave something in a format they can use quickly it really helps.

It may seem like overkill, but it only takes a 30 minutes to do any night ahead of time. You may never need it, but it could save you from a world hurt if you ever get in a position where SAR has to come get you.