What are your reasons?

“I guess I like backpacking so much because I have the itchy feet syndrome. I hate haveing to stay in one place long...I like to explore, I like to see new things all the time in my surroundings. Backpacking alows me to roam freely and still have a place to go to at the end of the trail although often enough I hate getting into that car after and leaving said trail (I would make a great thru hiker I think, spirit wise). It is a challenge, especially when solo because I must face fears, and get that adreneline rushing. Solo is best for me because I never have to worry about taking breaks. I just keep going from before sunrise to mid to late afternoon unless there is an excellent veiw where I will pause a moment to take it in. I depend on myself then and have my own rules. I have no crutches and do things I normally would shy away from to avoid looking foolish if it should not go the way I plan. (Plus I can skinny dip and sun bathe freely!!)”

“It's all Mike's fault that I am a backpacker.”

“Is it really? LOL How sis that happen?”

“I do it to escape the constant metal manipualtion and emotional torture I am subjected to by those damn rice krispies.”

“HPM are they cursing you?”

“He made an impression on me. I was always interestd in this little hobby, but never had the guts to seek out others or try it solo. While returning a gift to the REI in Oak Brook, Barbie saw a flyer that Mike place there inviting peeps to join his club.

One week later I e-mailed him expressing my interest and next thing I knew I was meeting him and Gary down at Hoosier National forest for a weekend trip.

3 miles in to a 11 mile hike that day, my knees told me to stop. My head and heart told me to push on. They baptised me that night by the fire as Wounded Knee.

The next day was worse. Mike won me over and ignighted the sparke into a fire.”

“I hear them calling me.”

“

Come to us, humanpackmule....”

“interesting thread...
anyone else?”

“Itchy Feet is most often caused by a fungal infection.”

“I hike to flush the crap of humanity off my beleaguered shoulders...also why most of my gear is earth tones...(I don't WANT to be seen from a distance!)

TT Trips now and then are okay, but I prefer to be out alone, so the crap I see every day is given some perspective....”

“I'm still too chicken to go by myself. I get really anxious knowing I'm alone. I have trouble even hiking alone. I start singing hoping the bears will go away. But that's pretty tiresome. I think my imagination is too vivid for my own good.
Someday I would like to try going with someone faster or slower than I and just meeting up at camp. I'd be ok with that.”

“Just to simply "get out" and "be away"”

“"Someday I would like to try going with someone faster or slower than I and just meeting up at camp. I'd be ok with that.”

pixie.

I thought we all hiked that way. I'm never the same speed as everyone else. Some are faster, some are slower. We don't make an effort to walk hand in hand that I know of? LOL.

Anyways. Hike your own hike.

Hello Jerbear, if you are out there tonight.”

“I would make an effort to walk hand in hand with pixie along the trail. TD you must not have seen a pic of her..lol”

“Something similar to what pixie and towndawg brought up - hiking alone or hiking with a groups that will simply meet up somewhere at the end of the day.

The thing I've really grown to dislike is hiking while roped together (such as on a glacier). The rope seems to be a "corrupting" factor in the outdoor experience. It keeps you connected to other persons and their timetables (slower or faster) takes away from enjoying your surroundings (probably due to rope management), and requires following a planned route. Still like using a rope while rockclimbing, just not while hiking/peakbagging.”

“As a kid, I lived far from everything. My parents were too busy or just didn't want to drive me so I walked everywhere. I walked to school & work. Occasionally I'd get a ride but I got to like walking. I used to hike 3 times a month or more for 25 years until my wife got repeated doses of cancer. She's doing very well now but I'm out of the habit. Have to start again.”

“It my mental escape from the toil and torture of daily life. I like going solo, I've done more solo than with others. But, I also like the companionship and conversation of a group hike, don't matter if its two or ten really. It gives me a break where all I have to think about is the next step.

I love it though, I hope I can keep it up as long as I'm breathing.”

“I hike to see beautiful scenery, wildlife, sometimes if I'm lucky, for solitude in a beautiful place, and for excersize.”

“PORK!

SNAFFLE!

CRAP!”

“have led us to this moment...or...as Bad Co Said:

Walkin' down this rocky road
Wondering where my life is leadin'
Rollin' on to the bitter end
Finding out along the way
What it takes to keep love living
You should know how it feels, my friend

Ooh, I want you to stay
Ooh, I want you today

I'm ready for love
Oh baby, I'm ready for love
Ready for love
Oh baby, I'm ready for love

Now I'm on my feet again
Better things are bound to happen
All my dues surely must be paid
Many miles and many tears
Times were hard but now they're changing
You should know that I'm not afraid

Ooh, I want you to stay
Ooh, I want you today

I'm ready for love
Oh baby, I'm ready for love
I'm ready for love
Oh baby, I'm ready for love
Oh, for your love”

“Taken from Seven Years in Tibet:

Because of the absolute simplicity of it.

Your mind is clear, you have focus. You are free of confusion.

Light is sharper,
Sounds are richer.

There is a powerful presence of life within you.”

“Many reasons, all of them already listed except for.... the photo ops.”

“I love the scenery.......and company....I will go alone if I have to...BUT isn't it great to share the journey with someone else.......I guess I am a social hiker....”