One crazy idea

the mountains are calling...

I've been itching to get back out in the woods.  A nice long backpacking trip should cure the cubicle blues, right?  I wasn't exactly sure who would want to go, but I'm sure I could find someone.  Then- I realized I'd only need to take a few more days off of work surrounding Labour day to create a 9-day trip.  Surely no one would want to take that much vacation time for some wandering in the woods.

I had never been out by myself.  The idea rather terrified me.  You know when the wind blows and the leaves rustle which just sounds like you're about to die because you're in the woods, in the dark?! Yea.  Well, time to face my fears...right?!  Right.

I know it's dangerous.  I know I could get hurt.  But, I'm going anyway.  I know I'll get exhausted and terrified and want to give up.  I don't think I'll give up.  I think I'll realize it's ok to be alone.  It's ok to be scared.  It's ok to be a little bit bored.


I've thought of many reasons not to go.  I'm out of shape, I don't have all the gear I need (yet), it'll be expensive to buy all the gear I need, it'll be a ton of work to prep all of my meals beforehand, I lost weight recently, I never have, it might be dangerous, I might as well save up the vacation time...

It was a phone call with a friend that changed my mind.  I went from 'on the fence' and about the bag the trip all together to - 'yea...no matter what, this is happening.'  My roommate planted the first seed. She mentioned shortening the hiking durations or setting up a car-camping base-camp when I ran into some difficulties excuses.  I was talking to a friend, discussing this desire to go- but explaining how it wasn't exactly feasible at this moment in time when, he abruptly and unapologetically called me out.  That's what good friends do- they call you out, they let you know when you aren't living up to your full potential.  'No, you are doing this- you're going.  You're the one who wants to go and you can do it.'  Yep- turns out I was making excuses.  Thanks buddy.


I'm stubborn.  I'm going.  I do appreciate the concern.  I appreciate the prayers and well-wishes.  

I know it's crazy, but I don't care if it isn't someone else's idea of fun.  Letting what someone else thinks hold me back just isn't what I'm meant to do.  I've analyzed the risks and prepared accordingly, to the best of my ability.  Life isn't safe.  This is my idea of fun.  I enjoy learning more about myself.  After the initial anxiety wears off- I enjoy pushing myself to the limits to know what I'm capable of.

Stay tuned for trip details...