Category: Monterey Bay Trekking Information

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!

I’m very happy to present a video outlining the highlights of our Walk the Bay hiking trip around Monterey Bay. All of the photos were taken by our walkers during 2010 with the exception of the aerial shots. Thanks to all our photographers and walkers. The music is courtesy of Good Old War, a great band!

Enjoy by clicking on the “Walk the Bay” in blue, below:

Walk the Bay

A family reunion can be a memorable and wonderful event.  However, planning for a big get together can be difficult and time consuming.  A great (and easy) idea for an active family is an eco-friendly self-guided inn to inn walking trip.

Why?

1. Walking makes for good conversation.  There is nothing better than a long walk to catch up with family members.
2. Walking is an activity that most every family member can participate in, whether they are teenagers or grandparents.  There are many ways to include those with limited walking ability in the meals and other activities so they don’t feel left out.
3. Self-guided means that everyone can start walking each day when they want to.  Sleeping in for the teenagers, up early for the parents.  It’s OK,  you’ll all finish at the next destination that evening.  Freedom and togetherness – a great concept.
4. Inn to inn means you stay each night in a new (and memorable) place with interesting places to explore and restaurants to experience.
5. Eco-friendly means you’ll help save the planet by staying on your feet, no cars allowed.  Nothing but fresh air, quiet comforts, and communing with nature.

If this sounds like a perfect family reunion, drop me an email and tell me about your family dynamic and the best dates for your event.  I’ll work on the logistics, distances, hotels, meals, and transportation.  You’ll be able to create a perfect active vacation to your family members, whether teenagers or grandparents.

Don’t put this off….an amazing and unforgettable journey awaits.