I remember as a teenager packing my bag and heading off to camp without much thought. I knew what to expect and expected what I knew. Having been attending this particular camp since the wee age of 8 years old, I just knew what camp was all about. I’d arrive on Sunday afternoon with tangible anticipation for what was to come. It was always the week of what has become known for me as, escape. A place of freedom, adventure, nature and beauty. A place free from every day trials and tribulations. A place that was just for me. My third home.
Growing up, not only was I moving between mom’s house and dad’s house, we were constantly on the move, literally. A grand total of 19 moves between the two households all before my 16th birthday. Comings and goings of new boyfriends and girlfriends, I was always being introduced to the new step-parent. Luckily, my school life was consistent and so I never had to worry about the joys of making new friends or trying to fit in somewhere new. I did not have that many close friends and I did enjoy the solace of my music, journalling and time to myself. If you would have asked me then who I was, you can bet there was no way you would get an accurate answer.
Camp was one of the places I could always count on. Looking back at pictures that I still have today, I do question what it was that I loved about it so much. In group shots, I was always kind of off to the side. Everyone else had their arms around each other like they would break if they ever let go. But me, I was just an add on. Tacked onto the side of the group because I just happened to be there. I was always closer to the counsellors than the co-campers. I don’t speak about this to bring up any bad feelings about the people I saw at camp but to remind myself of why I truly loved it. The outdoors was a place I could go to be with myself, renew my energies and experience the uniqueness of the outdoors. I always felt closer to the worldly energies, Creator Spirit and then what I simply referred to as, God. Even something that simple seems to get more complicated with time.
But again, packing for camp was always so simple. Some clothing, swim suit, a couple pairs of shoes, sleeping bag, pillow, a good book and maybe the occasional snack or two. I’d drag my suitcase to my cabin, set up my bunk and be ready for the week. No planning. No organizing. No preparation. Just show up, like it magically set itself all up.
Fast forward to 16 years old. I had gone on a couple “backpacking trips” with camp as a Leader in Training and a Counsellor in Training, so naturally I figured I knew how to do it. You put on a backpack, fill it will stuff and start walking. My mom dropped me off (in the pouring rain) and I hit the trails with an old map, no experience, no plan and no bloody clue what I was doing. As the adult, my mom knew it was a disaster waiting to happen, but she let me go anyway! (Don’t blame her, I was and still am pretty damn stubborn – there was no talking me out of it). Needless to say, the disaster prevailed, rescue efforts were had and I eventually made it out safe and sound. Totally embarrassed and a bit traumatized but fairly unscathed. My mom picked me up and I don’t remember even really talking about it.
Here I am now in 2025 planning my first solo thru-hike and I don’t even know if I am much different than my 16 year old self. I rediscovered hiking and backpacking in my early 30’s and have been thoroughly enjoying various adventures ever since. Posting vlogging videos along the way (YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dancynadventures) and learning a lot. I have upgraded my gear and made some major changes to really lighten the load. But I am still trying to figure out – is there even a right or wrong way to plan for a trip??
In May, I am planning to thru hike the West Highland Way in Scotland. I am getting on a plane, by myself, flying to Scotland and then landing in Edinburgh, by myself, and then making my way to Glasgow, by myself, to start the trail Friday morning, by myself! Don’t get me wrong, I am over the moon about it. But my inner child sure is throwing a temper tantrum….Okay, maybe not.
My planning of this adventure started back in October 2024. And so, with booking my flight and getting the guidebook so far out from the trip, it still even now has not really kicked in that this trip is happening in just over a month from now! I have my first night and last two nights accommodations booked but other than that, I have made zero plans! I know I have to hike 96 miles from Miilngavie to Fort William, but the plan is just to walk. I will be wild camping along the way and just taking it one day at a time. If I make it, great. If I don’t, oh well.
When it comes to details on the West Highland Way, I will go into that at a later time. This long winded dive into trip planning is really about that, trip planning! What does it even mean to plan a trip? Is it really that important? I guess for me, it really comes down to how much freedom I want to have to spontaneously make decisions along the way. Do I really want every second of the hike to be planned? Not really! Thru-hiking for me (not that I have done it before) is more about the journey and not necessarily about getting from point A to point B. I 100% plan on walking the entirety of the trail but to be so rigid on a trip that requires me to hit a certain mileage every day would only add stress. Hiking is meant to be enjoyable and freeing.
So, trip planning. I suppose the amount of planning that actually happens depends on the type of trip you want to have. My 16 year old self should be jumping for joy at this opportunity to be free and just walk. My almost 39 year old self is confident that the life experience I have will keep me alive for the 8 days I plan on walking the trail. Knowledge and planning is essential to ensure one’s safety when backpacking. It is not an easy “sport” and does take trail smarts. It can be very dangerous and disaster is only one bad decision away. Especially if you are in the mountains and out of range of any escape or bail out point.
So, if you are wanting to go on an adventure and are wondering how to plan for that trip. The first questions you need to ask yourself should be: How rigid do I want to be in terms of holding a schedule? What is more important to me – Point A to Point B or the experience of the journey? and lastly, If I don’t plan anything, what is the worst that could happen?
Life is a journey, what and how you plan to live it is totally up to you. Trip planning…..optional…..
DanCyn' Adventures 
Great Writing! Love it!
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