The term “Self-Guided” is a relatively rare concept in the United States. However, it is one of the most popular vacation styles in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. I have been on many self-guided hiking trips and love the experience. It’s not that I’m anti-social or don’t enjoy a group experience from time to time. It’s just that in great wide-open spaces (like the Monterey Bay), it’s nice to travel at your own pace, find your own way, and see the sights without too much narrative.
Self-guided means that the tour operator (in this case, Slow Adventure) plans the itinerary, researches the trails, books the lodging, and organizes the trip. The walker pays one price that includes most every expense except dinners. The tour operator also arranges to have the hiker’s luggage moved from inn to inn and makes sure appropriate breakfasts, snacks, and lunches are provided during the day. There is no guide walking beside you telling you what you are seeing or why it’s important. You’ll decide what interests you and where you want to stop.
Self-guided walkers guide themselves using a complete trip dossier with custom maps, notes, and helpful advice. Your tour operator has walked the route many times and knows where you will find water, restrooms, and other facilities. Some mountainous routes require GPS skills and wilderness experience. Walk the Bay trips have no elevation. The primary guidance system is keeping the ocean on your right.
The thrill of self navigation cannot be understated. Several of our Walk the Bay participants exclaimed after finding a lunch spot first…”This feels just like The Amazing Race.”
Walk the Bay is not truly 100% self-guided as I love surprising our walkers by showing up with a snack or a tip that “there are dolphins up ahead” or, just meeting them at the end of the day with a cold beverage. The Monterey Bay trip requires crossing two rivers that can be challenging early in the season. I arrange to meet the walkers at the river mouths and assist, if necessary, to assure a safe crossing. I realize this is not truly 100% self-guided….but, I just can’t resist sharing a bit of the fun.
We have posted our schedule of ideal dates (the best tidal conditions) for 2011 on the website. I hope you’ll consider breaking out of the mold and challenging yourself to a “self-guided” vacation adventure.
In the meantime, keep walking!