Day Three: Life lessons learned from backpacking trips.

Writing Challenge Day 3
I'm doing a 31 day writing challenge, found on the Reverb website, designed to reflect on the past year and look forward to what's to come in 2011.

  
Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). 


Definitely at the top of Hurricane Pass in the Grand Tetons. I went backpacking a ton this summer, and one of the trips was through the Teton Mountains in Wyoming. I have this strong affinity for the mountains and being in nature; it always makes me feel refreshed and alive and carefree. Unless I'm caught on the Death Canyon shelf during a huge thunder/rainstorm. Ugh.


This picture is the hike on the way up (we were heading up to the top of that rock formation). It doesn't look that steep, but it was pretty intense. The trip was pretty exciting, because as you can see ahead, our trail was covered in deep snow. We had to find a different way (that involved some bouldering and rock climbing). There were other hikers using ropes and anchors (and ice picks) to get up to the top of the pass.







This last picture is at the top of the pass. Honestly, the only thing I can tell you is that the air feels so much fresher and more purified up there. Even though it's thinner because of the 10,000 ft. elevation, it's like you don't want to stop breathing in because it's SO refreshing. I can't get enough of mountain air.

Another reason why I love backpacking is because there are so many life lessons you can take away from them. For example:

1.) Pick a goal (even if it's short-term) and stick to it.
The trick to hiking (especially steep rock faces) is to pick a spot ahead and set that as your goal to reach. Once you get to that landmark, take a break for 30-45 seconds, then keep moving. When climbing up a steep portion of the trail, you want to take few "packs off" breaks, because it expends a lot of energy getting the heavy packs on and off. It's best just to keep moving, taking short breaks the whole way. Looking at your end destination (a mountain peak or shelf) can be SO overwhelming at times. I remember looking at the top of Hurricane Pass and thinking, "There's NO WAY we'll make it all the way up there... before lunch!" Well, we did it.
---> Making short-term goals can make your long-term goals much more manageable. It's easy to get overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion or quitting. You can't give up in backpacking. You need to get to your next campsite, so you'll have shelter and a place to cook your next meal. Just. Keep. Moving. Break your long-term goal into a group of smaller tasks and tackle one at a time. Soon, you'll be standing at the top of your "mountain." (:

2.) Think ahead and be prepared.
Obviously, there's a lot to think about with backpacking; everything you need for the trip you carry on your back. There's no running to the store if forget a raincoat. There's no scrounging through the cupboard if you run out of food. It's SO important to think of any possible scenarios and pack accordingly.
--->Thinking ahead goes hand-in-hand with preparation. Make a list of things you want to do and see in your life. Writing goals is a first step to "thinking ahead" and being intentional about your future. Start with a list of 10 things, even. Maybe you want to learn Italian. Maybe you want to go on a cruise in the Mediterranean. Maybe you want to own a community center/artist workspace. Or maybe that's just me. (;

3.) Don't focus too much on the trail that you forget to look around.
In Cascade Canyon, I was so busy focusing on my feet and not tripping (the trail was super rocky) that I BARELY looked up to enjoy the view. I have a couple pictures from this part of our hike. I don't remember seeing those scenes in person.
---> Don't be so focused on your job, your finances, or whatever is important to you that you forget to relax and look around. It's good to look down sometimes and slow down to "get your footing," but don't let that stop you from enjoying life.

4.) Terrain changes. Weather changes. Plans change. Adapt.
On our trip, we experienced a lot of little (or big) setbacks. People in our campsite we had reserved. Animals that chewed through pack straps. Huge storms and hours spent under a rainfly waiting them out. The only way to survive and have a successful trip is learning to adapt.
---> Be innovative. Be creative. If something in life isn't going as planned, find a new trail. Flexibility is key. Things will happen in your life that you're not prepared for. Those are things you cannot control. You CAN control your reaction and response to those things.

5.) Plan for photo stops and a little off-roading.
Some of the best views are off the main path. I've met plenty of people while backpacking who think of the trip just in terms of the end destination. They can't wait to reach the mountain peak or the highest point of their journey. They don't take time to take pictures and relax because they're so focused on what's ahead. ENJOY the moment. It's not always about the destination.
---> Be unique. Don't follow the "trail" (or your life plan) just because it's what you feel like you should do. If you don't like your job or major, change it! Don't be afraid to get off the main path and do something you love. And always, always take time to take some photos or just soak in the view. The journey is not measured in miles, but in memories.

6.) Develop an appetite for adventure... at least to some extent.

7.) Love nature. Have a free spirit.

8.) Take risks. Do things you wouldn't normally do.

9.) Push your body.

10.) Be peaceful. Reflect. Take time to relax and rest up at the end of the day or the end of the journey.


Any more to add?