Wisdom of pre-Beast trip?

[futurecadet]

For the past 6 years I have gone on some sort of trip to do volunteer work with friends during June. This year the trip ends on June 29th, two days before R-Day, and I am trying to decide whether or not to go. On one hand, it would be nice to have a "last hurrah" with my friends - these trips are usually a very special part of the summer - but I do not want to be physically or emotionally exhausted before Beast. I would like to know if anyone has done a trip (vacation, travel, charitable, etc.) a few days before beast and whether or not they though it was a good idea. Did it make the mental or emotional adjustment more difficult? Is it important to be extremely well-rested right before beast? I could probably make it to West Point on the 29th or 30th, but do I need more time up there to make sure I have everything ready?

 

[robinhood17]

I personally went on a week long trip in the mountains before I came for R day. I flew out on June 30th, and made sure I was back at home on the night of the 28th to get everything prepared, sleep in the next day, eat my favorite foods and just get ready to leave. The whole week before though was filled with hiking, running, fishing, having fun. Super tiring, but it was stuff i like to do.

bottom line: spend the time before you leave doing something you enjoy. just give yourself a little time to get a good nights rest, pack, and see the things you love before you come out here.

Good luck!

 

[Dixieland]

One thing that comes to my mind, are you from an area of the US where you have humidity? Several of my cadet's friends from the Pacific Northwest came East early in the week to try to acclimate to the humidity and get used to the time change.

Be sure and follow West Point's instructions about hydrating yourself prior to R-Day.