Thankful for Chance at Backpacking

ppine · 06-27-2012, 10:14 AM

I am feeling very emotional about the backpacking trip coming up next week. After a bad horse wreck in 2007, the idea of being able to carry a pack seemed out of reach. Going with old dependable friends that have been hiking partners for 25 years and bringing 5 dogs fills me with gratitude and brings tears to my eyes. It will also be the first backpacking trip with my partner Cindy after 14 years together. It is quite possibly the best way to "connect with the natural world." It all sounds like a cliche until you are faced with the possiblility of not being able to go. Does anyone else ever have these emotional kinds of responses to going "out there?"

Grandpa · 06-27-2012, 10:26 AM

Ppine, I hope your hike goes well physically for you. I know the mental and spiritual values will be there. I also know the emotional buildup of the comraderie with old friends and old dogs. And yes, the thought that soon I won't be able to continue with these grand adventures with my friends is already causing turmoil and emotions within me.

By the way, where ya going?

Judy Ann · 06-27-2012, 10:46 AM

Awesome! Be safe and careful about pretending that you are 20 again!

Barney · 06-27-2012, 12:00 PM

Good for you! I wish you all the luck and good time out there. I guess when we're healthy our view on things is very different. We should all be grateful to have our health.

ppine · 06-27-2012, 02:59 PM

Thanks for the kind words from everyone. We are going to a little rinky dink wilderness area near Lassen NP that has never been logged. It received little use until the last 10 years or so. It is full of lakes on a volcanic plateau at about 7000 feet. It you climb one of the cinder cones and get above the forest canopy you can see Mt Lassen and Mt Shasta.

eyebp · 06-27-2012, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppine

Thanks for the kind words from everyone. We are going to a little rinky dink wilderness area near Lassen NP that has never been logged. It received little use until the last 10 years or so. It is full of lakes on a volcanic plateau at about 7000 feet. It you climb one of the cinder cones and get above the forest canopy you can see Mt Lassen and Mt Shasta.

That sounds pretty freaking cool. Good for you for making it happen.

wvbreamfisherman · 06-27-2012, 08:22 PM

Sounds like a nice adventure, and a great chance to spend time with friends. I've never been quite that emotional about a trip, but then I've never (yet) had to face the notion that this may be the last time (or worse, that this may have BEEN the last time). That day will come far too soon, I'm sure.

On the other hand- on the AT earlier this summer, I met a thru hiker called "65" that first thru hiked the year he was 65. He is hiking Key West to Canada this year, and he will be 73 on the trail, so hopefully there will be a number of good years left for me...

Good luck with the trip, and looking forward to hearing about it!

Hikenhunter · 06-28-2012, 11:00 PM

You have a positive attitude and attitude is 1/2 of the way any thing turns out. Have a great time and let us know how the trip went afterward.

charley · 06-29-2012, 08:04 AM

I am almost 65 and I just did the longest backpack trip since startin back a few years ago. Only 5 miles in, spend the night, and 5 miles back out. It was hard but I enjoyed it. Enjoy your trip. Enjoy the company of fine friends and good dogs. It will be a good memory. Have fun and be safe.

Judy Ann · 06-29-2012, 08:18 AM

What an inspiring story Charley. You will be posting a TR here won't you?

At my age I enjoy hearing how people are returning to their favorite hobbies and getting back outside after illness, injury and retirement (or whatever circumstances prevented them from previous passions). Stories of reconnecting with friends and family always make me happy for others.