Field notes

• The drive home is the longest part of the day

  Trip plans tend to stop at the trailhead. The road back deserves a plan of its own.

• The last half mile is on the road

  When the lot is full, the hike starts on pavement shared with cars that are not expecting you.

• Pick a turnaround time before you leave the car

  The person who sets the time at breakfast is rested and fed. Let that person win the argument at two in the afternoon.

• Drying wet boots without cooking them

  Soaked leather wants a slow night, plain paper and moving air. Keep it away from the stove.

• Riding to the trail

  A bike gets you to the trailhead and solves the parking. It also puts you on roads that were not built with you in mind.

• A first aid kit small enough to bring

  The kit that helps is the one in your pack. Here is a short list that fits in a hip pocket.