I am attempting a thru-hike of the AT in a few months, and one thing I am curious about is how do you remember where each photo was taken. I have read many journals on here with hundreds of pictures, and each picture includes the location and date. In the course of a thru-hike, one might take thousands of photos across thousands of miles. Is there a method to remembering where each photo was taken? Thanks!!
WS
_Wayward Son_ Assuming a digital camera, two ways come to mind quickly:
A camera with a GPS.
The date of the picture in conjunction with a journal entry for that day.
Of course you could also make a note each time you take a picture but that seems like it would become unmanageable in a short time.
_HeyHey_ It's pretty simple if you keep a daily journal. The pictures you take will list the properties of each picture taken which includes the date. I sent daily picture messages to my journalist and she posted them to my journal. After my hikes and returning home I can go back through my daily journals entries and match them up with the dates on the pictures. You pretty much remember every day of your long distance hike even if it does take six months. I also, include multiple pictures in my journals.
Check out my journals at trailjournals.com/nedhamara
_Ned_ I would suggest being aware of every moment knowing that you may never have a chance to attempt this again, and keeping a journal. 5 years have past and I could still tell you where most of my 3400 pics were taken.
Another suggestion is to leave the gadgets at home…live simply.
-Farsang
_farsang_ I found it helpful to take a picture of my tent or campsite at the end of the day. This broke it done a little bit and jogged my memory. As people have already posted you will be amazed how much you remember.
_Black Bear_ Always take a picture of the Shelter Log and the other hikers you spend the night with. Do it every day.
_Yang_ Got this tip from another thru-hiker and used it with much success. Most digital cameras have the capability to record voice with a taken picture.
Take a picture and speak a couple words about the location. Works awesome! Came in very handy when trying to remember where almost 3000 pics were taken!!
Give it a shot!
Bisonm AT '09
_Bison_ Try taking pictures of the signs on the trail. Some of the signs are funny and will tell you exactly where you are and the date will be on the photo. If you still don't know where you are a least you know you had a great time where ever you are.
_wishbone_