I've had the privilege of getting to backpack for 40 years thanks to my dad. Working through the unforeseen that occurs in almost every pack is empowering. Something happens, and you just have to figure it out. There's no out. It makes everyday life seem simpler and easier. I'm glad I just found your substack.
Thank you for that comment, and for reading the piece! I love being in the mountains and moving under my own power. I haven’t done much backpacking (in fact this Long Trail project is really my first time) but I love the self-reliance and the actual sense of calm that comes from it, which you so aptly describe.
I agree that “the true test of an experience in the outdoors lies not in what you plan but in what you don’t foresee.” There’s always something and you have every right to feel good about your solution. It takes creativity and calm to make do and adapt.
Thank you! It’s so satisfying when something like this goes right. A real confidence boost—though the trick is to feel confident and calm even if things don’t go right!
I've had the privilege of getting to backpack for 40 years thanks to my dad. Working through the unforeseen that occurs in almost every pack is empowering. Something happens, and you just have to figure it out. There's no out. It makes everyday life seem simpler and easier. I'm glad I just found your substack.
Thank you for that comment, and for reading the piece! I love being in the mountains and moving under my own power. I haven’t done much backpacking (in fact this Long Trail project is really my first time) but I love the self-reliance and the actual sense of calm that comes from it, which you so aptly describe.
Bravo! Your post inspires me to get my pack and lightweight gear ready and to use it later this summer.
I haven’t read your latest yet but I’m eager to see your thoughts on forestalling phobias!
I agree that “the true test of an experience in the outdoors lies not in what you plan but in what you don’t foresee.” There’s always something and you have every right to feel good about your solution. It takes creativity and calm to make do and adapt.
Thank you! It’s so satisfying when something like this goes right. A real confidence boost—though the trick is to feel confident and calm even if things don’t go right!