How do I plan my trip to the mountains?

Hello Steemits! Maya`s here!
Going to the mountains is not a problem yet.... It is important to do it with your head!

I invite you to familiarize yourself with the guide, which will help you prepare and experience a successful trip to the mountains in 9 steps!

First of all, I would like to point out that this guide is intended mainly for people who are just starting their adventure with the mountains and not for experienced mountain bikers who, due to their experience, are performing almost instinctively the ritual of preparation, packaging, and course of the whole expedition.

The purpose of this guide is by no means to discard travel from all spontaneity. It is not a matter of following it rigidly, like a textbook or instructions of conduct, because this is not what traveling is all about. The journey is freedom, not military mustard! This guide is simply a collection of tips, from among which everyone can choose something for themselves. It is worth getting to know some techniques and methods of solving some problems, advice on equipment or safety rules, but it is up to you what you find useful during the expedition you set out for. It is only important to choose sensibly.

1. At the beginning, it would be good to find out where you really want to go.
   If you already have carefully selected the trails you will be going to in the future, you can boldly skip this point. However, if you don't know where to go yet, use the map or menu in the left pane of the blog. Browse and select the mountains that interest you most. In addition, make an interview about this place on your own. Find out what he has the most interesting to offer so that while driving there, you will not miss the biggest attractions.

2. Now you will see the mapping of the region you are interested in.
   Find the place you want on the map. The basis for orientation in the field should always be a solid and reliable printed map, therefore, taking care of your own safety, you should always stock up on it before leaving. I personally prefer laminated maps because they do not peel on the bends during multiple unfolding and do not soften when in contact with moisture. However, you can also use online maps to help you plan your route.

3. Then decide where you want to sleep.
   At this point, I assume that the purpose of the expedition is to use a specific mountain range and that after leaving the means of transport you will move only on your feet until the end of the expedition. You can, of course, go on a tour, which includes several mountain ranges and attractions in the surrounding cities, overnight trips to mountain hostels as well as hotels or private accommodation, but such a way of travelling can only have a part in common with trekking, while here we want to devote a full trip. So if you go to more than one day, choose accommodation in the mountains of your interest.

4. Plan the route you are about to complete.
   If you are going to a mountain for the first time, think about your route so that it is rich in views. If possible, plan a loop rather than a return route. It's always better to see a new way than to come back the same way. Plan the route between nights, preferably along the ridges and through open spaces. You will be able to do this if you compare the natural terrain with a layer of satellite images when you look through the map in the desired area.

5. Choose a date for your trip to ensure optimal visibility.
   At this planning point, I assume that you want to see as much as possible during your trip. To do this, make sure that the planned time of your departure is expected to be fairly good weather. I don't deny - you can also experience great moments in the mountains in bad weather. You can even experience the adventure of life by fleeing the biggest storm you have ever experienced. However, this is not entirely safe and it is more likely that you will not be able to see too much. Therefore, if the forecasts are not satisfactory, it is worth considering a revision of the deadline. Sometimes it is better to postpone the trip in order to avoid unpleasantness and be able to see (read). literally) a section of the foothills in more favorable conditions. I will not mention security issues. Never forget to check the current weather conditions before you leave. Also, do not forget that the conditions in the mountains are usually stricter than in the places where the forecast is given.

6. Sew the right clothes.
   The clothes you take with you on the trail should be adjusted to the expected weather conditions.

7. Prepare the right equipment for the expedition and pack it properly.
   We will start packing the backpack. The rest of your equipment should also be adapted to the prevailing weather conditions and the time you will wear it.

8. Finally set off for a long-awaited expedition.
   If you have already thought through all the points carefully, you have to gather in yourself, put your backpack on your back and get out of the house.... up! Take a lot of small steps on the approaches to avoid straining your muscles. If you make a short stop to rest but don't sit down, turn in the direction you came from - this will allow those parts of the muscles that worked most intensively before a moment ago. On the way, you don't hurry up anywhere. Enjoy every sight. Take pictures to share them with other mountain enthusiasts.

9. Remember about safety!
   It might seem that if you have already reached the mountains happily, you don't have to think about anything more.... Nothing more wrong. It is much more important than getting to the trail to come back from it. Every successful expedition has its end only in the house from which you left. To ensure that nothing stands in the way of this, you must be aware of the basic safety rules!

Maybe I`ll do some blogs from mountains. Just wait!

~Maya