Tips for the future

For Anyone who is thinking about taking Taits Northwest-Southwest Field Experience and really is not sure if it is for them, continue reading and see if this helps at all.

• This trip is fast paced and is not for anyone who does not like to be in cars. While we do a lot of driving and the vans tend to be tightly packed it gives the trip a great experience. Everyone becomes close to one another and when the trip is over, you dont only leave with friends, you leave with a new family. Another benefit to the driving is that you really do get a clear picture of what western America has to offer and while you are not in one place for to long you get to take mental notes of places that you would like to go back to. 
• Bring a pillow to sleep on. One of my friends brought a pillow and it made his ride blissful, that was until everyone in the van began to try to take it from him. 
• START THE READINGS THE SECOND YOU KNOW FOR SURE YOU ARE GOING TO BE GOING ON THE TRIP. This is really no joke once you know that you are going to be on the trip get the books. (hint: you cant find them at stores so you have to order them.) Just like the trip the readings have to be read fast, before you know it there are finals and then you are in prep classes for the trip. Start the readings and take notes of each chapter. The books do tend to be a little dry, but they come full circle once you finish them. They also prepare you for what you will see and you will be able to take much more away from the trip in the end. 
• Early mornings are the name of the game once you are on the road. Getting to bed at a reasonable time is a must when you are on the trip. Sleeping in the car is an option for those that can curl up in a corner or dont mind snuggling up next to someone.
• Time is tight and writing in journals is not that easy to do in the car, usually sleeping, reading, or talking comes before it. So whenever you are at a place to stop or if you get to a camp early use that time to write. Also do not fall behind on your writing. The journals should be in order and detailed, the only way you can do this is to do that days entry that day. 
• Know the environments that you are going to be going through and pack accordingly. Being the trip is at the beginning of the summer and you cover a lot of area you go from snow to desert within a day. bring layers and a good rain jacket. zip off pants are also very good to have because it cuts down on bag weight.
• Prepare for a great, once in a life time experience! the trip will allow  you to see places that any other time you would never see. You see the tourist spots and you are exposed to less popular areas. the trip has something to offer everyone as long as you want to learn about the environment and current issues and as long as you can keep an open mind. stay optimistic and the trip will be amazing.