Some people say “why would I pack everything I need for camping as small as possible and then carry it on my back into the middle of nowhere”.
Others say “isn't it the best that I can have all these small things to put in a backpack and carry it on my back so I can survive in the woods for a few days with what I have on my back. I have such freedom to go wherever I'd like”
Well the 10 of us that went backpacking at least know we can do the latter. The TEN best things about backpacking are:
- If you find yourself off the trail and going north instead of west it's great you have all you need with you on your back
- It's a freeing feeling to put all you need on you're back and wonder around the lakes until near dark and then you camp
- Going a different direction lands you in a better place than where you had originally planned on going
- When you go by a fire pit with hand made log benches you can stop and camp even though it is not on your map
- If you have a creek with running water near by it is your kitchen sink, drinking water, and washing water
- It is okay not to shower, not to brush your hair or teeth for three days
- Cooking and sharing the wild combinations of food is half the fun
- It makes you stronger
- It is a lot like life … you have a destination in mind and a higher power leads you somewhere better
- The wilderness experience is a very important part of life (spiritually and physically)
