Kyle Gambino

Back Country Living Skills

Assignment # 3
Expedition Plan

Section I: General Trip Planning

Part 1- Trip Objectives:
The purpose of this expedition will be recreational as well as educational. The majority
of this trip will be group oriented recreational activities; hiking, sight-seeing, exploring. While a
portion will be set aside for individual leisure time; reading, writing, playing Frisbee. With the
remaining time being focused on adding to previously learned knowledge of the backcountry.
The overall goal of this trip is entertainment, gathering people that care for one another, all while
enjoying the love of the outdoors.
Part 2- Group Size and Composition:
Sean Urlocker: Age-20 Gender- M Outdoor Experience- 15 years experience in
scouts
Expedition Goals- Sean wants to expand his knowledge of Appalachian Trail including
the flora and fauna.
Physical Ability- Fit but no daily workout plan. First Aid- Seans
concentration in scouts was first aid training.
Sean is one of my roommates. Sean and I are the head chefs here at Edgewood
Commons at Frostburg State University. Seans responsibilities are going to be first and
foremost first aid. With 15 years experience in scouts, Sean has tons of information in the palm
of his hand. He will be the group member reminding everyone about watching for hotspots and
infections. Along with keeping everyone safe Sean will assist me in feeding our group.
Will Newton: Age-20 Gender-M Outdoor Experience- Will has lived in Yellowstone
National Park for the last two summers; hiking, camping, and all things outdoors. Expedition
Goals- Will told me he hopes to simply have another amazing trip with buddies.
Physical
Ability- Will partakes in long strenuous hikes but doesnt backpack as often. First Aid- Wills
been engaging in outdoor activities for quite a while and knows the basics of how to stat safe in
the backcountry but has no certified training.
Will has been my best friend since the second grade! He is one of the realest guys I
know. One of those happy go lucky, keep the good times rolling type of guy. So his job within
the group is keep group moral high. In my opinion this is one of the most important
responsibilities on an extended day expedition. Sometimes group members may feel tired, sick,
or just upset while away from civilization. Having someone who can always uplift spirits is
critical for everyone to have an enjoyable trip.

Steven Cuccia: Age- 20 Gender-M Outdoor Experience- Steven has been an avid
mountain biker for the last few years. Expedition Goals- Steven said to me that he is excited to
backpack for the first time and hopes to learn a lot of valuable information about the
backcountry. Physical Ability- Steven has a regular workout regimen where he goes to the gym
at least 3 to 4 times a week. First Aid- Steven is CPR certified.
Steven and I have been friends for about 10 years now. Although we dont see each other
often due to separate lives were still there for each other. Steven brings a sense of challenge to
the group. Hes always looking to push himself and test his limits. He likes a thrill so Im
excited to see what hes able to get the group to do. His responsibilities to the group are going to
be to keep everyone on their toes, pushing everyone to their limits. Helping everyone realize
their potential.
Part 3-Detailed Site Plan:
Beginning and ending in New Germany State Park, the backpacker loop is a 24 mile
connecting trail that runs through Savage River Sate Forest. Savage River currently sits with
54,000 acres in its backyard. In facts its the largest facility in the state forest system. This state
forest also protects an important watershed running through Garrett County. This backpacker
loop runs through a number of trails throughout the forest and connects back to where it begins.
We will be using a vehicle to transport ourselves and our gear to the start of the
expedition. From my current location to the drop off site is roughly 17 miles, meaning it
should take about a half hour with traffic.
The procedure for acquiring a permit for this extended day trip is fairly simple.
Throughout the park there are six self-registration sites and one main headquarters. Before we
begin our expedition we must first stop by one of these seven locations to fill out permit
applications and complete and itinerary of the group members. Once registered we must pay a
ten dollar a night cover fee per person and we may embark on our journey. *There are 12,000
acres of preserved land throughout the park where we arent allowed camp fires*
Part 4- Activity/Time Control Plan
Activity Type- Each day throughout our expedition we, the group, will be engaged in a moderate
physical activity level. Meaning we will be moving at a pace of about 3 miles an hour.
Although we wont be moving at an extreme pace we will be caring a decent amount of weight
which will require a great deal of strength, stamina, and determination.
Transportation- Besides having to drive a vehicle to the drop off site we will be traveling by foot.
I wanted to plan a trip in which I could incorporate mountain biking. But as I was trying to put it
all together it just didnt seem possible with the amount of equipment we would be caring. So
we will be sticking to the traditional style of one foot in front of the other.
Time Control Plan- The group will be traveling a little over 25 miles throughout the course of
this expedition at roughly three miles an hour depending on elevation changes, a total of 3,500
feet of change. While hiking at times we will gain and loose elevation, in some places more than

others. Throughout the first day of our expedition we will ascend and descend a total of 1,100
feet. Day two on the other hand will stay fairly flat staying within the same couple hundred feet
of change at most. Our last day of camp plus our evacuation day will consist of a total of another
600 feet of elevation difference. The terrain of the location we will be traveling on is of
moderate pace as well. There isnt a ridiculous amount of elevation gains and loses throughout
and there arent any crazy land marks well be forced to cross as well.

Section II: Risk Management

Part 1-Risk Assessment
1.
2.
3.
4.

Injury- Keep from engaging in risky behavior.

Sickness- Keep everyone on top of sanitizing and cleaning wounds.
Loss of gear- Keep good track of group gear and stay organized.
Broker/Damaged Gear- Make sure breakable gear is kept in a safe place and away from
heavy equipment.
5. Lack of water- Ration water when supply is low and allow adequate time to find water
supply.
6. Getting off course- Prepare bush whacks ahead of time and keep from wanted to go
elsewhere, remember to stay on your barring!
7. Wildlife- Know the wildlife of the area ahead of time and avoid dangerous encounters
with wildlife, remember to use a bear bag at night.
8. Terrain- Travel safely and avoid unpassable terrain to keep from causing injury.
9. Weather- Pack all necessary weather related clothing; wicking layers, shell layers, and
insulating layers.
10. Death- Make sure everyone who is on the expedition has all necessary medication.
While not allowing group members to engage in dangerous activities like rock jumping
or cliff hanging.
Part 2- Emergency Action Plan
Site Name- Garrett Country Memorial Hospital
Nearest Phone- My buddy Will who will be on the expedition has one of those fancy new
satellite phones. But if that were to malfunction for any reason the park office would be the
closest place to go. The parks office is located right off New Germany Road at the entrance into
the park.
Garret County Memorial Hospital Phone Number- (301) 533-4000
Ambulance Phone Number- Could not be located
Rescue- Northern Garrett County Rescue Squad (240) 442-5178
MD 21541

67 Friendsville Rd McHenry,

Sheriffs Office- Garrett County Sheriff Rob Corley (301) 334-1911

Potential Air Evacuation Info- Garrett County 2G4 Airport offers emergency air evacuation but
pick up sites are not defined (301) 746-8599
Campground Phone Number- (301) 895-5453
Ranger Station- (301)-895-5453 The ranger station is the main campground phone number
Part 3- Contingency Plan
There are a few factors that could possibly cause a trip to be cut short.
Injury- If an injury was to occur while out in the backcountry its a good idea to have some sort
of first aid available. Luckily on this expedition I have Sean. Sean has been in scouts for 15
years and knows all there is to know about first aid. So, he would first see if he could treat the
issue. If he has no effect on the injury then we would create the proper evacuation transportation
device. From which we will make our way to the nearest ranger station or park guided facility to
receive proper care.
Weather- All participants have experienced the backcountry in some degree. Doesnt matter is it
was an overnight camping trip for a 5 day expedition. We all understand that weather is
uncontrollable. We will withstand all elements of the weather throughout our trip. The only way
we would cut the trip short do due weather is if its a general consensus between all group
members or a state of emergency is called for that area.
Equipment Failure- We all know what can go wrong; does. Broken and failed equipment is most
certainly a possibility to consider when out in the backcountry. But there are only a few pieces
of equipment that would keep the group from completing our trip. First and foremost is the
equipment needed to purify water! If both filters malfunction and we dont have any more fuel
or iodine necessary to purify water, then we would be forced to leave early. This brings me to
my next piece of equipment; the stove. If we cant cook food and we cant drink water then its
time to go. The last piece of equipment necessary for safe travel is our shelter. On lucky nights
we might not need a shelter at all and be perfectly fine. But if the weather is bad and we cant
stay dry than hypothermia is a possibility and wed be forced to cut our expedition short.
Personal Emergency- This is a broad concept. Depends on what your definition of a personal
emergency is. But certain aspects of our personal lives are more important than our own life
itself. So specific things may cause our group to head back earlier than expected, for example a
death in the family would most certainly constitute early evacuation. Depression is something
thats interpersonal. I have anxiety myself so I understand the idea of being overwhelmed or
unable to regain happiness. So say one of my group members simply cannot go on for whatever
reason is keeping them back, I would be forced to adhere to their plea and head back to
civilization. Like I said at the beginning of this exert, personal emergencies are broad. Many
other situations may arise out in the backcountry that is simply too personal to question and those
would cause your expedition to end premature.
Alternate Hiking Routes- Lucky enough the state park Ive chosen for this expedition is
connected to a higher state forest know as Savage River. This state park also connects to Big

Run state park. What does this all mean? There are tons of connecting trails throughout the
layout of our expedition. Connecting trails that lead either to a state park run facility where we
could seek refuse, and main highway systems that can be used for emergency pickup.
Alternate Driving Routes- Our expedition circle is surrounded by New Germany road, Savage
River road, Big Run road, and I-68. If something should go wrong and we are forced to
evacuate, we must take a connecting trail towards the nearest landmark. Either one of the state
park ran facilities throughout savage river and its surrounding parks, or to the closest major road
and call for assistance.
Evacuation Plan- If something were to go terrible wrong and we were forced to evacuate as a
group wed have to make a decision. Depending on what is causing the evacuation is the first
thing to consider. Because that leads to the second variable of how were going to evacuate. If
someone breaks their leg taking the route with the highest elevation gain, even if its the shortest
distance, would be the too challenging. If someone were suffering from an allergic reaction than
the safest bet would to take the shortest route if the terrain constitutes travel. Collectively we
would have to weigh the options of all evacuation routes and create an educated opinion of
which option would suit the group best. Savage River State Forest also has tons of connecting
access roads that will allow travelers like ourselves safe escape during emergency.

Part 4- Weather Parameters

I may have mentioned this earlier but every member of my expedition group has had some level
of outdoor recreation experience. This experience couldve been a weekend fishing trip,
overnight camping, or a month long expedition. Regardless, everyone has been outdoors long
enough to understand the unpredictability of the weather. Its safe to say that all members
wouldnt allow your normal weather constants the pleasure of ending our trip early. The trip will
be cancelled if a state of emergency is issued, flash floods in effect, a blizzard in reported, or the
group agrees that we cant take it any longer.

Section III: Equipment & Rations

Part 1- Equipment
Individual Clothing- The location of our expedition will take place throughout the Northwestern
portion of Maryland. We will take this trip during spring but towards the later months. I feel as
if we must be fully prepared for any aspects the weather may bring. Being a local Marylander I
feel as if I understand that this specific time of year is kind of up in the air as far as weather. Its
getting cold but isnt always cold just yet, the rain is sporadic, and the chance of all weather is
right around the corner. Everyone will be required to bring a wicking layer of polyester or
polypropylene, which I recommend, both bottom and top. A shell layer is always necessary
when in the backcountry because keeping dry is a must. Both top and bottom are a good way to
ensure you remain as dry as possibly at all times. Since it will be getting cold towards the

evening itll be important to have some sort of insulating layer, sweater or jacket, sweatpants or
wool socks, something along those lines. Other than that everyone will be required to have a
pair of broken in angle covering water proof boots. This is the most important clothing item
because it will receive the most use and take the biggest beating. While also being the most
important item to keep yourself safe and moving forward.
Group Equipment- First and foremost everyone in the group will need to have an extended
internal frame backpack. This will ensure that everyone has adequate space to hold all necessary
equipment. Now the equipment that will go into these packs are based on the time of year,
number of days well be out in the field, and what activities we will complete while in the
backcountry. The second most important piece of equipment is your shelter. We will be taking
three personal tarps so everyone will be carrying their own shelter. Everyone will need to have
some sort of headlamp or flashlight to allow for safe travels during the evening hours. Space
batteries are a plus unless they are changed the day before the expedition, but extras are always a
safe bet to stay ahead. Everyone has to eat at some point so group members should be prepared
with a Spork and some kind of bowl to eat out of. We also will need the proper pots, pans, and
stove in order to cook our meals. These will be spread out between group members when
traveling. One of the most important concepts to understand while out away from civilization is
proper hydration. So everyone will be required to either have two Nalgene bottles or a camel
back with equivalent water storage. Going along with proper health care everyone will need to
carry their own bottle of hand sanitizer to eliminate the spread of bacteria. Another important
tool to have in the backcountry is a compass, everyone should carry one at all times for
reassurance. Besides what Ive listed above along with the clothing I discussed earlier,
everything else is up to the discretion of the group members. I would recommend all of them
bring a pair of camp shoes because I remember what a trip is like without them; not pleasant. I
like to bring some sort of reading material while Im out and about in the backcountry;
magazine, book, or maybe something to write a daily log with. Something to help you clear your
head when it comes time to go to sleep for the night.
Leaders Equipment- Besides the equipment and clothing listed above there are a few things I will
be required to bring as group leader. One item I will be carrying is your everyday tool kit. This
type of kit would be used to patch holes in tarps, provide extra string, and small tools to take
apart and adjust damaged equipment. We mustnt forget the bear bag to keep our food and
equipment out of harms reach during the evening. I will also be carrying extra batteries in case
anyone needs them. As group leader I will also take responsibility of carrying the fuel needed to
support our stove along with the water filter needed to have safe drinking water. In case there is
a malfunction with the water filter mechanism I will also carry a bottle of iodine for backup. I
know one item I need when out in the backcountry is baby powder or gold bond. Something to
dry my feet after a long day of activities. Ill be sure to bring a large enough bottle so that my
group members can use it when needed. I also have this fascination with duct tape. Not only for
mole skin to protect hotspots and blisters. But rather because I think it can fix anything and
everything. Lastly, as group leader I will be in charge of the first aid kit.

Safety/Rescue/First Aid Equipment- Safety is the number own concern when out in the
backcountry. There are tons of elements that can cause serious harm at times. Its impeccable to
be one hundred percent prepared for anytime of situation. Not every first aid kit is the same so
its important to make sure you have the correct safety equipment for the activity youre
engaging in. I will purchase a first aid kit from a local outdoors store, HtO. This kit will have
everything from bandages to mole skin. All the way to allergy medicine and everything inbetween. I mentioned earlier my belief in duct tape and I wasnt kidding. This is an item I
believe should be part of any safety kit. Say a group member breaks a leg. We cant get the
stretcher we build to carry our injured member down the mountain to stay together. I promise
you with the right strength and enough duct tape itll stay together. In case we find ourselves in
an area that were unaware off and cant seem to make our way back, a flare gun is a critical tool
for our survival. If our satellite phone is working we wont have to use the flare gun but its a
solid backup plan. Wed be able to find an open area where we could signal our distress and
possibly be rescued because of it. Lastly, in case we run into any unpredictable wildlife I will
bring bear mace to protect our camp. Animals can be unpredictable and irrational so its better to
have the necessary safety equipment to protect yourself in any situation. I might be missing a
couple items that might be valuable but Im sure over time I will create a comprehensive list of
necessary safety equipment.

Part 2- Food, Water, and Fuel:

Breakfast: 2 Boxes of Oatmeal (zip lock) 1 bag of bagels (zip lock) Peanut Butter
(original packaging) 2 bags of Dried Fruit (zip lock)
Lunch: 2 Packages of Tuna (original packaging) 4 Bags of dried Jerky (zip lock) 2
Packages of cheese (original packaging) 1 bag of beagles (zip lock) 1 bag or rice (zip lock) 1 can
of beans (original can package) 1 box of mac n cheese (zip lock) 2 cucumbers (placed at the top)
Dinner: 1 box of angel hair pasta (zip lock) 1 can of tomato paste (original can package)
2 cans of precooked chicken (original packaging) 1 bag of rice (zip lock) 1 can of beans (original
can) 1package of soft taco shells (zip lock) 2 bell peppers (placed at the top) 1 roll of hard salami
(original package)
Snacks/Miscellaneous: 1 bag of coffee (zip lock) 1 small container of cooking oil
(original packaging) 1 large container of trail mix (zip lock) 2 boxes of variety cliff bars (zip
lock) 2 bags of dried raisins/cranberries (zip lock) 1 large container of variety snack mix (zip
lock) 1 bag of powdered Gatorade (zip lock)
The emergency stash of food will consist of multiple bags of freeze dried meals. No one
really enjoys these meals. But they weigh virtually nothing after your back is filled to the brim
anyways. This way we will be able to eat for a few days in case of emergency but yet it wont
weigh us down while on our expedition.

(one ounce per person/per

day)
Fuel Requirements: It looks like we are going to need approximately 1 canisters. But well
bring a full two just to stay on the safe side
Water Purification Requirements: For this trip I am going to bring 1 water filtration system with
a replacement filter tube. Along with the filtration system we will also be bring extra fuel in
order to boil water when needed. Lastly, I will also be brining one vile of iodine just in case
worst comes to worst. For some reason I dont care much for the chemical method, simply
personal preference.
Part 3- Detailed Budget
Travel- It is roughly 20 miles to and from the drop off location from our starting point. 40 miles
round trip at an estimated 25 miles per gallon would put us about 2 gallons round trip. The
average price for a gallon of regular fuel in the area is about 3 dollars and 50 cents. Cost of gas
= 7$
Food- 2 cucumbers (.99) green bell pepper (.75) red bell pepper (1.25) dried mango (3.49) dried
pineapple (2.50) dried salami stick (6.99) white cheddar cheese (3.34) cheddar cheese (3.59)
powdered gatorade (2.00) coffee (7.99) taco shells (1.99) 2 bags of bagels (2.50) 2 boxes of
oatmeal (3.00) 2 boxes of cliff bars (3.99) 4 bags of beef jerky (10.49) 2 bags of trail mix (4.99)
dried cranberries (4.99) raisins (5.49) party mix (6.49) pasta (1.25) beans (1.49) macaroni (2.67)
2 bags of rice (2.59) canned chicken (2.99) tomato paste (.55) 2 cans of tuna (1.67) peanut butter
(3.59) cooking oil (3.99)
Total = 158.17$ (information gathered from online peapod shopping on GiantFood.com)

Supplies- 6 pack of batteries (8.99) fuel (13.99) first aid kit ( 32.73) tarp (24.95) flare gun
(39.96) bear bag kit (15.59) bathroom supplies (19.99) trash bags (4.64) zip lock bags (13.85)
Total = 185.17$ (information found on various websites)
Equipment Rentals- No one will have to rent any type of clothing or equipment for this trip.
Sean has an extra backpack that I will use because I havent purchased one for myself yet.
Everything else has been purchased ahead of time.
Permits- It is going to cost us 10 dollars a person per night to camp on site. So this trip will cost
30 dollars in total per person. Total = 90 $
Overall Total Budget- 439.34 $
Part IV: Environmental Consideration
The Environment- During our expedition we will be traveling in a preserved portion of Garrett
County. We want to leave this beautiful historic site in as prestige of a condition as it was before
our arrival. In order to do this we must make a conscious effort to follow and practice all
principles of Leave No Trace. This means staying on the trail while keeping a conscious mindset
in order to prevent erosion and trail widening. It goes without saying that while on this trip we
will make sure that we leave with everything we came with. This means that we pack out
everything! Besides human waste for we will be using cat holes because thats too much for me
to handle. There is one aspect of LNT that our group will be practicing that might not go over
well with the group. Campfires are one of those camping aspects that most people under look. I
use to be part of the statistic myself before learning and practicing LNT principles. I will try and
keep our campfires to a minimum but with our group its up in the air. In order to minimize our
impact I will require that we use mound fires each time we decide to light up.
Natural History- During our expedition we will be traveling throughout Garrett County and the
local area. Garrett Country is the western most county in the state of Maryland. Founded from
Allegany County in 1872 and was actually the last county to be founded in Maryland. Named
after John Work Garrett, the president of the B&O railroad, Garrett County, lies in the Allegheny
Mountains which is a part of the Appalachian Mountains. Garrett County contains over 76,000
acres of parks, lakes, and publicly accessible forestland. Popular activities in the county include
camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, alpine and cross country skiing, snowmobiling,
hunting, ice fishing, fly fishing, whitewater canoeing, kayaking, rafting, boating, swimming,
sailing, horseback riding, and water skiing. Today there are six state parks throughout Garrett
County including our locations; Big Run, Casselman River Bridge Road, Deep Creek Lake,
Herrington Manor, New Germany (our location), and Swallow Falls.

Work Cited

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/savageguide.asp
http://www.angelfire.com/extreme3/campingconnections/CC/SavageInformation.html
http://www.mountaintravelguide.com/Maryland/Garrett/Hiking/BackpackerLoop.htm
http://www.gcmh.com/
http://www.northerngarrettcountyrescue.org/
http://garrettcounty.org/airport-2g4
http://www.landsofmaryland.com/County-Data-For-Garrett-County-Maryland
http://www.summitpost.org/fuel-consumption-how-much-fuel-to-bring/754460
http://ww.giantfood.com