A Reminder of What’s Really Important

I recently completed a three day, two night solo backpacking trip. This was the first time I went out overnight by myself. It was a wonderful trip through mountains and forests, along rivers and streams, among birds and squirrels and deer.

One of the things I love about backpacking is that it strips away all the clutter and noise of day to day life. No cell service so no contact with the outside world. No TV or computer games to fill my time. No chores or busy work around the house, no errands to run. And on this trip, no conversations with hiking companions. Just me, my thoughts, and miles of walking.

Not so All Alone

Ok so first I have to say, when you picture a solo backpacking trip, you are probably thinking of long periods of isolation with no human contact. This was not exactly the case for me. I walked alone during the day but I stayed in two popular backcountry campgrounds. These campgrounds are set up with a communal cooking and food storage area, including fire pits and picnic tables, well away from the tenting area. This helps contain food smells in one central area and keeps animals away from the tents.

When it was time for me to cook my dinner, I joined the other campers at the picnic tables. Inevitably, the conversations started. “Where did you come here from?” “How did you like that hike in?” “Are you staying for just one night or more?” “Do you get out backpacking a lot?”

You should know that I am not a person who socializes often. Meeting new people is unusual. I work at home for myself, by myself. On a typical day, I interact with only the two people who live with me.

As an introvert, social interaction, particularly conversations with strangers, can be very draining. I have to admit, I tend to avoid it.

But in the backcountry, it was much easier. We all had at least one common interest (backpacking) and that made conversation flow more easily. It was a great reminder for me that meeting strangers can be very interesting. And sometimes, it’s nice to feel like part of a group of like-minded people with a common interest.

Finding a Greater Appreciation for Everything I Have

Something I have felt many times after backpacking trips is the intense feeling of gratitude for the little things I usually take for granted.

On my first backpacking trip, many years ago, I didn’t pack the right clothes and I got cold. I wasn’t careful about staying dry and I got wet. Being cold and wet can make for some long days and very long nights. When I was done that first trip and got back into the car at the end, being able to turn on a heater and have warm air blowing on me felt like a minor miracle.

Even when you’re warm and dry, sleeping in a bed is such a wonderful experience after you’ve been sleeping in a tent. Even two nights in the tent was enough to remind me how great it is to have a comfortable bed where I don’t have to worry about how to stay warm and dry.

Other things like a warm heated indoor space to retreat to when it starts to rain, drinking water straight from a tap, and fresh food are things I can easily take for granted. In the backcountry, water must be treated to make it safe to drink. Fresh food is too heavy to carry so freeze dried and dehydrated foods dominate the menu.

When I have to do without these simple things for a few days, I find I am intensely grateful for them when I return. The first warm shower after a backpacking trip is absolute bliss.

Finding a Greater Appreciation for the Person Closest to Me

There were times when I was hiking and when I was at camp that I felt like I was just putting in time. The hiking seemed to drag on and I just wanted to be at my next milestone. At camp, there were times when I had a couple hours until dinner or until bedtime and I was just sitting there, putting in time. This doesn’t usually happen to me on backpacking trips.

The difference is, I didn’t have Dan along to share the experience. Typically, we would be talking about the backpacking trip or reflecting on life or planning the future. Without Dan there to chat with, the minutes felt a bit longer and a lot emptier.

When I got home, I felt a deep appreciation for Dan and everything he adds to my life. It’s easy to take him for granted when we’re always together. I’m glad I got that jolt — this person makes my life better! I never want to forget to appreciate him.

Future Backpacking Trips

I am looking forward to more backpacking trips both on my own and with Dan. I know we’ll have some great adventures together but I’ll also have some time on my own with solo backpacking trips.

Solo backpacking was a great experience. I will definitely be going out alone again. And I’ll return a better, more appreciate partner and human being.