What I learned by backpacking....

“That you really won't melt by walking in the rain.

That somewhere, somehow, you really can find it within yourself to "pull that last hill".

That a hot meal on a cold day taste better than it does at home.

That being alone in the dark can be a great thing.

That good boots are worth whatever they cost.

That a mid afternoon nap in a sunlit field restores more than your body, it refreshes the soul.

That frienships forged while hiking seem to last longer than those made while golfing.

That the "view from the top" means more to a backpacker than it does to others.

That what others see as stark, a backpacker sees as splendor.

That when times are tough, a walk in the woods helps.

That all the riches in the world pale in comparison to beauty of experiencing nature up close and personal.

That with harmony, comes peace, both within and without.

And that even the most miserable experience while backpacking is better than no experience at all.”

“deep man, real deep”

“Last night I started the book, "Panther in the Sky." It's about Tecumseh. I'm partly missing the quote, but in the Prologue the Shawnees are being chased by Gen. Harrison. Tecumseh's sister is chastising a squaw for belittling another. She says, "The harder the road, the softer your words must be." Pretty good words for life.”

“Don't lose your spoon on day 3 of a 7 day hike.”

“Chili, you forgot one of the most important things. Don't let the spouse buy your camp shoes ;)”

“Yeah mapleleaf, its about hip-deep.”

“My sentiments exactly chili.

Very well put.”

“Nice words”

“Basically, I learned that I can survive in situations that I somewhat feared before experiencing BPing...”

“The easy path is the most unfulfilling.”

“You stole my soul Chili.. : )”

“You never know how good a hot shower feels until you have been on the trail for 10 days.

The feel of dry socks and shoes is one of the best feelings in the world.

All the possessions you really need can be fit into a 3000 cubic inch bag.

You can’t really see a landscape until you become a part of it.

The best things in life are those that you work hard for.”

“A picture is worth a thousand words, but actually being there is worth a million.”

“So true!”

“Yup, except that I need about 4 500 cu in.”

“I learned that while you may not melt, hypothermia is Real.”

“i learned that there is not a bear lurking behind every tree waiting to devour me”

“Good thoughts, Chili. Good thoughts.”

“well put”

“Chili...that was awesome!!!

Folks look at me like i am crazy when I talk about backpacking....but some wonderful things I have seen and felt...they never will........”

“Bears smart, Garcia good.”

“That God has given us the best things in life!


8)”

“I thought TP would surely be mentioned somewhere in the first 5 posts.”

“Leaves of 3 are not a very good TP substitute.”

“Well said, Chili36.

While many people at the top are enjoying the view looking back down, I look up! The heavens are clearer and the vastness reminds me about how small and insignificant I am.”

“The peace you have within yourself.”

“that is really good chili, Reading makes all the memories come back, Oh yea and if you find a fork in the middle of the trail its a good thing you picked it up when you get to camp and find out you forgot your own, I put in on my stove and got it red hot before i used it”

“when raining its much more enjoyable hanging in a hammock than laying in a tent”