GreyWolf3000's Journal: I Must Find Myself in Nature

How cliche is that?

Well, I do happen to believe that by entering the wilderness, man finds himself most calm. I'm planning on going on a long backpacking trip next summer with a good friend of mine, but need some ideas as to where to go. The trail must be at least 200 miles long, and within the continental US, preferrably someplace 2 or 3 days of driving could take me (I live in central Texas). So far, the Colorado Trail seems to me to be the most likely candidate. At 475 miles, it would take far too long to backpack the whole thing, but I could hopefully take on at least 250 miles.

I used to hate my father taking my family and me on hiking trips up in Alaska; it is only recently that I have come to see how foolish I was in not appreciating the immeasurable value that such journeys presented.

Has anyone out there fallen in love with the wilderness? Any backpackers?

Here!

[aWalrus]

I've backpacked my way through roughly a third part of Mexico. Seen most of the rest traveling in other fashions. It's eye-opening to see all the different cultures you can find within your own country. Nature is also incredible. I go camping from time to time, and I've seen some amazing sights. Traveling is great.

Good luck on your trip! Keep us posted.

Re:Here!

[GreyWolf3000]

Well, this won't be until next August, I"m just starting to plan it out now.

How many different types of terrain did you hike through in Mexico?

A walk in the woods

[sanctimonius hypocrt]

What I get out of it is a change in perception. In town, we have to filter out a lot of extraneous detail; other people's phones ringing, billboards, the smell of diesel exhaust. Out in the woods, you have to 'open up' and let in more data, if that makes sense. Kind of a mental stretch. When I come back, I can see with a fresh eye.

So, when you go out do you have some kind of objective? I find I need something to keep me focused. If I just go out for a walk for fun, then when I get tired I think, "

camels across desert

[goon]

one mob I want to have a go with trek camels [austcamel.com.au] in an area bounded by Oodnadatta, Cooper Pedy and Maree [austcamel.com.au]. It's not a *do it yourself* tour as you need a certain level of expertise to operate in these areas ... high temperatures, low water and few people.

And the camels [austcamel.com.au] are for yomping your kit not for riding.

Three letters:

[Exocet]

PCT. As in the Pacific Crest Trail. It can take you from, I believe, inside of Mexico to inside of Canada. I know for a fact, though, that it definately goes from border to border in the US. I've hiked bits of it in Oregon.

Good luck. While 7+ months may seem like a lot, 200 miles is a LONG trip and will require a lot of both planning and support. I have no idea what kind of shape you are in but you can probably expect to average 10-15 miles a day, perhaps 20 if you are in kickass shape and have done

Re:Three letters:

[GreyWolf3000]

Thanks a lot. I'm an experienced day hiker, and am young (19) and in pretty decent shape. I was hiking 20+ miles when I was like 9 living in Alaska, and I don't think it would take long to get it back. I plan on taking a few 20+ day hikes before the trip to make sure I can do it.

I'm looking into the Pacific Crest trail...it looks a bit more enticing than the Colorado Trail.

Wilderness for the spirit / Tech for the brain

[Outland Traveller]

Well, I do happen to believe that by entering the wilderness, man finds himself most calm.

Yup.. I complete agree.

always the same

[heliocentric]

It seems it's always the same means for people to find themselves. You'd think you'd just be finding what others left behind. I want to find myself by doing a coast-to-coast killing spree... by rail! You never hear of a mass murderer traveling by trains, so I think I'll find my inner peace that way.

Re:always the same

[GreyWolf3000]

Hmmm...maybe I could better find myself by eating lots of fudge. There would certainly be more of me to find...

Cool

[Stargoat]

I used to spend quite a bit of time in the Boundry Waters when I was in high school. I really enjoyed it.

Now, I'm an adult, and I haven't the money or time to do that any more.