Right now you are hankering to get out of the office or house for that much needed vacation. Some of your friends have suggested that you all do something a little different this time by having outdoors camping with a Harpeth river canoe adventure. You are almost convinced by this suggestion and are willing to go along. However before you do dive in feet first, do read on in this article for more information.
Before making any finalized steps towards your decision, do prepare a simple checklist to assist you. The simple checklist is a management tool that will help you in arriving at an informed decision. You should always use a checklist to aid you, particularly when making or dealing with decisions that will involve time and money, as this vacation will.
Do make an honest assessment of your overall physical state and ask yourself if you can survive a few days of possibly extreme physical exertion. Also if you are over forty years of age, you may need to get a clearance from a physician, for you do not want to keel over in the midst of your activities.
Once you have decided that there is no physical or health hindrance on your part, the next step will be to find out and study more about the Harpeth, especially entry and exit point as designated by state and municipal authorities. Also research as to the best months to canoe. In addition, try to assess the overall proficiency in canoeing as a group so you know what necessary steps and precautions to take.
Should it be the case that your group members are all novices just like yourself, then it is best that also decide on routes on the river which only novices will be able to handle. Identify the points on the river which may contain whitewater rapids and undertow currents. These points are usually in places where the tributaries, such as one called the Little Harpeth, enter the main river. Avoid these places until you are more skilled and able.
Due to the physical demands of this trip, it is suggested that you do not slot off more than two or three days, as you will be definitely be exhausted. Do add one or two more days to allot for travel time and minor contingencies and delays also. Thus basically you are looking at a five day vacation minimum including the actual trip down the river itself.
Getting a good guide is also key to a successful canoe vacation. Get a well versed local who is not only experienced and knows the place well, but one who has an impeccable track record as regards safety. Always put safety as a premium attribute when it comes to getting your guide.
In conclusion, this article has shown some basic facts and considerations which you should mull over and think about prior to a final decision. It may also pay to research further into the kinds of equipment you may need to buy or not to buy so you can have a good canoe vacation.
Before making any finalized steps towards your decision, do prepare a simple checklist to assist you. The simple checklist is a management tool that will help you in arriving at an informed decision. You should always use a checklist to aid you, particularly when making or dealing with decisions that will involve time and money, as this vacation will.
Do make an honest assessment of your overall physical state and ask yourself if you can survive a few days of possibly extreme physical exertion. Also if you are over forty years of age, you may need to get a clearance from a physician, for you do not want to keel over in the midst of your activities.
Once you have decided that there is no physical or health hindrance on your part, the next step will be to find out and study more about the Harpeth, especially entry and exit point as designated by state and municipal authorities. Also research as to the best months to canoe. In addition, try to assess the overall proficiency in canoeing as a group so you know what necessary steps and precautions to take.
Should it be the case that your group members are all novices just like yourself, then it is best that also decide on routes on the river which only novices will be able to handle. Identify the points on the river which may contain whitewater rapids and undertow currents. These points are usually in places where the tributaries, such as one called the Little Harpeth, enter the main river. Avoid these places until you are more skilled and able.
Due to the physical demands of this trip, it is suggested that you do not slot off more than two or three days, as you will be definitely be exhausted. Do add one or two more days to allot for travel time and minor contingencies and delays also. Thus basically you are looking at a five day vacation minimum including the actual trip down the river itself.
Getting a good guide is also key to a successful canoe vacation. Get a well versed local who is not only experienced and knows the place well, but one who has an impeccable track record as regards safety. Always put safety as a premium attribute when it comes to getting your guide.
In conclusion, this article has shown some basic facts and considerations which you should mull over and think about prior to a final decision. It may also pay to research further into the kinds of equipment you may need to buy or not to buy so you can have a good canoe vacation.
About the Author:
You can find a summary of the benefits you get when you book guided Harpeth River canoe tours at http://www.tip-a-canoe.com/safety--faq.html right now.