You are spot on. Thanks for putting this out there bud. I have been guilty 100% of this and have a much better time on trips when we focus on taking the first available camp once milage goals have been reached for the day. Last season on Hells Canyon we were supposed to do a 10 to 12 mile first day and this exact scenario played out where we passed up an excellent 100% adequate campsite and ended up doing 24 miles the first day, three class fours, all because I thought “the next one will be better”. As a trip lead once those days drag on and you’re pushing double mileage of what you talked about in the morning, it becomes unnecessarily stressful. So like I said, thanks for the video.
Have to say I enjoy the all reserved method like on the yampa and main salmon (if you choose) it takes the stress out of it and allows you longer day activities. That being said I like your methodology here. Late in the day always raises tensions and the stakes.
Great thoughts on camps, Cody. I like this idea. We planned a particular camp on the GC, and it was full (massive camp, with a group that was quite unfriendly about sharing). We ended up at a nice camp, but cooking in the dark, in summer.
What do you think about guides sending rabbit boats down stream to grab the perfered camps? The Rogue is a great example, especially traditional non guide camps like kelsey. That said I'm with you on the if your mileage is good take the first decent camp.
I get people’s frustration with guides sending rabbit boats. For some reason I personally have never cared about it, and I think that is because they aren’t breaking the rules. Also I feel like it a product of how the river is managed and the companies having to do it out of necessity. My favorite system for camps is the middle fork, but don’t think that is reasonable to bring to the rogue. I also really like the lower salmon rules, you can’t land at a beach before 1:30 unless your whole group is with you.
