Where Planning Becomes Reality
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| Where planning becomes a reality. During a recent trip to Munich, Germany, I had the chance to visit one of the largest independent outdoor retailers in the country. While countless gear and gadgets were tempting me to empty my wallet, their map and outdoor book section truly captured my attention. In contrast to most outdoor retailers in the United States, where the book, magazine, and map sections are often small enough to fit in the trunk of a car, this store took things to an entirely new level. They even had a small team of experts to assist with trip planning and equipment rentals. Although I couldn’t capture the full scope of this amazing department in pictures, one feature that stood out was the massive planning table. As seen in the photo above, the table must have been 10-12 feet long, with a series of maps laid out under glass. Along the sides, there were cubbyholes neatly organized with sectional maps. You’d simply reference the main map to find the section you needed for your specific adventure. At that moment, my mind wandered to all the possibilities—epic getaways and thrilling adventures waiting to be planned. I’ve always enjoyed poring over guidebooks and maps, soaking in the details. To me, this part of the journey is essential. It’s a different experience compared to digital planning. There’s something special about unfolding a physical map, tracing a route with a pen, and making your own notes in the margins of a book. It’s about making the plan yours, capturing it in a way that’s uniquely yours. After all, you can't live someone else’s experience; you have to get out there and create your own. While my trip to Munich didn’t lead me to a mountain hut or a summit, it did inspire a journey of urban hiking. I spent my time exploring the maze of trails, parks, and greenways throughout the city, and that experience, in itself, was nothing short of amazing. Now It's Your Turn- I invite you to leave a comment. Do you have a collection of guidebooks and maps? Do you use only digital resources? Let me know how you dream up your adventures. Navigate over to our related post at: |
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