It's that time of year again, the days are long and the road beckons, here is a lighthearted guide that may help you if you are in two minds whether to take that long journey, is it all worth it? I think it is so what are you waiting for?
This guide is for the solo road tripper so if you have a companion on your journey that's great, also it's a bit old school at times so if you have also got tech that does the job better than what I'm using that's even better, already you are one step ahead. I hear many people say how it's "Too far" or "I get bored on long journeys" so in this blog I'll reveal some steps that make that journey fly by and stuff you can take that may come in useful.
Most guides would have suggestions as to the ideal vehicle for such trips but have you seen the car I drive? Seriously If I can do it in an old banger then you can do it in your motor no problems. Most my road trips have been in a 1.0 litre automatic city car that's over 20 years old, now that's rock n roll - literally when going round corners.
Here are some of the things I wouldn't be without on a long journey so let's get started, Oh and by the way don't forget your car, it can get tiring walking along with all the gear before you realize you're going round the M25 quicker than you usually do.
1. Fishing Gear
It sounds obvious but hands up if you have forgotten an item of tackle in the past, we've all done it but on a long trip you cannot afford to leave something out, so do whatever it takes to remember everything - Write a list, have a mnemonic, tattoo it on your arm (ok maybe don't do that) but double check, triple check just to make sure you don't leave that vital bit of kit at home on the kitchen floor, It's no good to you there and will be sitting laughing at you on your return.
2. Maps
You have probably got a sat nav but there's still a place for maps and if you have printed out maps of the fishery they come in super handy. Your phone is going to be hard to see in that blazing sun even if you do finally get a signal by the River Obscure in Wherearewe, Nowhereshire, you can also print out back up maps with postcodes for other waters nearby, for that plan B when you find the original car park looks like a demilitarized zone full of undesirables.
3. Coffee/Tea
Bit self explanatory but it is a long journey so why not have a break somewhere, I've managed to find some fantastic places off the beaten track to stop for a brew. By taking a flask you can stop wherever and whenever you like, lean against the bonnet of your 1.0 (hiding the rusty hole on the wheel arch) and look well cool.
4. Food
The chances are you could be getting a bit hungry by the time you reach that dream water, you don't wan't to be looking for food so why not take a packed lunch, you can either eat this on the bank or on your coffee break depending on how kind the traffic gods were. If you know you are going really off grid why not take a dinner for later as well, a cool box with some cooked chicken and potato salad in the boot of the car - Yum! Or reccie where the local chippy is as it pays to fuel up before heading home.
5. Magic Bottle
Ok this bottle does what it does and it's usually stowed away under one of the seats, I found it ideal when camping and more so when there's no where to go when driving, lets face it there aren't always services around and the chances are you will pick the one layby that's totally open with no cover at all, what's worse it has a minibus full of nuns parked up and that coffee, as nice as it was now want's to go through. The map book comes in handy here is it can cover everything whilst you sit pretending to plot the rest of your journey whilst that coffee you drank earlier finishes it's. Just pray though that Sister Wendy doesn't come up and ask for directions.
There are a couple of don'ts with the magic bottle, one is don't use it whilst moving, it is almost impossible and pretty dangerous both to other traffic but also your car's interior. Also don't ever mistake it for the coffee flask, one will be lukewarm and taste really bitter and the other will be the magic bottle. Do try to empty it discreetly and like everything else on your trip it's reusable so the only thing you'll be leaving is footprints as the saying goes.
6. Transistor Radio
How old school can I get but seriously this comes in handy, batteries seem to last years in them unlike your phone or car so if you have an 'engine off' traffic jam you can find out what's going on without draining your electrics, you can also take it fishing if there's a big game on. However don't go round telling everyone you enjoy having your tranny in a layby.
7. Music
It doesn't matter what format you are using, 8 track, cassette, CD, MP3, MP4 or M-People playing live on the backseat, music really breaks up a journey. Take that music you haven't heard in ages, an audiobook or a new album and enjoy, that's a good chunk of your journey where you can switch off and relax. If you have your sounds on your phone why not listen to a roadtrip playlist, the modern equivalent of the mix tape us oldies used to make, stick it on shuffle and wonder what the next track will be as all the sales reps tear past. (Don't worry you'll overtake them later when they stop at the services as they don't have magic bottle, food or a flask of coffee ;-)
There are other things you need like money, clothes and fast women, little things so if ever you think you are missing something include it next time, it's your road trip after all.
Anticipation
Always take this as it's free and it's what makes fishing special, there's no harm in having a picture in your mind but be prepared for a new water to look a lot different to how you imagined it. If you are revisiting an old favourite you can guarantee it will differ in some ways to last time, the water could be lower or much higher, the wind may be a pig, that swim may be full of nice barbel and all yours, the possibilities are endless, you never know what's ahead.
It could just look beautiful like this.
Warp Speed
This leads me to how we break our journey up, how we fold time, not like sci fi but in the mind. Time is, after all a man made concept to chronologically order our lives, we have no need for tracking time on a leisure trip so under no accounts say you'll aim to be there at a x o'clock, you'll only find yourself rushing or getting beaten by the traffic, you're not working after all, leave the mad rush to those who are getting paid for it. That dream water will still be there when you get there.
I always split my journey into 3 hour slots roughly even if I know the journey could take less time on a good day, that way there is no rush all all, for the first part the radio is on getting the latest traffic reports, I also get down with the news and sport, finding out what's going on in the world and usually thanking the heavens I'm going fishing away from all the madness. By the time you have contemplated why on earth traffic reporters always tell you their name you are well on your way.
The next part usually involves a motorway or two, this is where your new killer sounds come in, it really helps to drive slow on this leg, I know that sounds weird but it does work, drop in with the lorries and just cruise, by the time that new album has finished you've just gone another 50 minutes and the chances are you are over half way. Driving fast makes you more tired and going this speed is quite relaxing, just try not to look at those annoying signs that say Jct32 is 48 minutes. If you have a hands free why not phone someone if you have time, catch up with a friend or elderly relative for a chat, but not whilst you are playing thrash metal or punk.
The final leg of the journey is usually back on the A-Roads, chances are you are looking to stop by now for a break to use the magic bottle, have a coffee or both, you're now in the countryside and almost there, breathe in that fresh air and enjoy it but find time to curse those who are lucky enough to live in these areas, especially when they moan how it once took them 45 mins to get there on a fishing forum.
So you've now made it, it wasn't that bad, you do have a look at the time just to see and guess what there's still over ten hours of daylight left, now that's one long session ahead. Despite this you are so eager to wet a line, that walk to the water cannot go quick enough but now's the time to once again take it easy, find a good spot and realize that you may not be onto fish straight away, most of all enjoy it, you could be at home doing the same thing you did yesterday or the day before....
Or you could be doing this.
Now I did remember the landing net didn't I?
