Review -- Planning and Maps
• Maps??? At times it would have been nice to bring good maps for this trip. The Adventure Cycle maps are incredible and extremely well detailed. But the trip is planned for you -- literally turn-by-turn with grade notes, etc. I really liked my ad hoc method of going along though. I didn't know what was ahead and I really liked that fact. Not the best way for everyone to travel I'm sure.
• Also I'm glad I left the Kirkendall Pacific Coast "bible" at home -- too many people were pulling this out and referencing it. I wanted to experience my OWN trip and did --- not the one that someone has written a book with detailed route notes for.
• Planning??? The Germans from the past two nights have spent over a year planning their adventure. What to see and where to stay and how long to stay there. It worked for them, as they had to more carefully allocate their time and schedules -- but I think it stole a sense of adventure from their vacation -- they couldn't wander off at random and take a detour whenever they felt like it. I did and it was great.
• The choice is yours -- do what you honestly feel is required. Just remember that it is your trip and don't try to recreate someone else’s trip. I did and was happy with the results and how everything turned out.
