Love the imagery and references to self development like the arduous climbing we have to do to enjoy the views. Nature has so many incredible metaphors for growth—even better when we can anchor them into physical experiences so they’re not just imagined but embodied. Looking forward to part 2!
This hit right when I was obsessing over this the last few days. I crave for the grounding and the healing and the deep self realization that comes from such.
Late teens through late twenties I threw myself deep into the wilds from particularly in Alaska to NW Mexico and Baja, the SW US everything between west of the Mississippi plus 4 months in Peru. Much was done solo off trail and for long stretches.
This tapered and continued as I grew had kids etc. In 2010 with my two children out of my day to day, I began to prepare for my dream walk. Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Thinking of taking several years, likely interrupted with required money making.
Then I unexpectedly learned I was to be a father again with a woman I was much falling in love with.
I canceled the trip.
Instead I started farming. Another story for another day.
That destroyed my freedom to wild walk as I had. They atrophied, the farm and the wild ways.
3 1/2 years ago the farm was abandoned. Another story for later.
Silver lining of losing farm is my wildliness is returning and I have leisure time and energy to pursue it.
Was just planning an autumn couple month solo wildy romp in SE Utah and four corners.
Last night as I looked at all the satellite maps etc. at the ease of my desk.
Made an effort to relive the harsh and harrowing flash floods,
bears and other aggressive animals,
being lost,
hopelessly lost,
hypothermic,
hungry,
exhausted,
beyond exhausted,
hyperthermic,
dehydrated,
Being scraped and bent wrong,
Tent bound
Lightning too close
Cold rapid water crossings
Avalanches
Whiteouts
Choking on Forest fire smoke
Rip tides
I honestly began to be gripped with fear. True from the gut kind.
These discomforts amongst the beauty and splendour and cosmic magnitude in unbridled nature forged a strong and grounded man.
They, the ‘horrors’ and the wholeness, held every truth worth knowing.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I’d love to read any piece you write about your experiences, either with the farm or in nature. Sounds like there’s a lot to say!
I climbed Mt Washington when I was in college. I, too, remember the feeling of thinking that I was almost to the top, only to realize that my exhaustion was no indicator of the amount of my progress. Nature can be humbling. I had the same experience many times in the Smokey Mountains. But the reward of almost total silence at the top of the mountain, the vastness, and again the humbling of my spirit was well worth the climb. Thanks for reminding me.
I really like how you describe the reward. It really is a surreal feeling that you can’t get anywhere else. Dare I say it’s almost a religious experience
Scripture tells us that everyone, without excuse, knows that God exists. All of nature proclaims his existence. Yes, it’s definitely a religious experience.
"Maybe there’s a reason I look like a woodsman 🤔" Now there is an insight 😜. I loved this journey. Can't wait for the follow ups. Why is it that woodsmen think about the steak and beer?
This was such a fun and refreshing read. Loved how you brought out both the peaceful side of hiking and the hilarious chaos that sometimes comes with it. The way you described the forest, the sounds, and even the mushy legs part made it all feel so real and relatable. And that little self-development takeaway at the end? Solid.
Love this story and all that you learned from it! I related a lot to the beginning, where you wrote about drinking and smoking weed in the woods. That's teenage suburban life at its finest! After finishing this piece, I feel inspired to get out in nature (like right now). Great job!
I absolutely enjoyed this post, Nur! Thanks for taking me into the woods and up on that mountain. I can clearly relate to what you are describing.
For me, I get this feeling when being out at sea, a wild coast and wide, scarce landscapes. There is something in the hostility that is both soothing and grounding, reconnecting with our rawest nature - while making it so crystal clear how fragile our very own existence is.
Enjoyed every word of your self discovery (along with your stoner laughs!). Thank you for the delightful read in the midst of our political turmoil.
I've climbed 3 mountains and walked countless, endless trails. Eight years ago a texting driver slammed into me and left me with a bodily roommate named Painpal (no sympathy please). Now, I hobble more than hike, but still get out there. Pretty sure we need it to be "human as animal".
Nature reminds us of the endless abundance we can create in our lives. When I walk barefoot on the grass, I recieve so much energy. Thank you for sharing the wisdom you recieve through your hiking adventures.
Love the imagery and references to self development like the arduous climbing we have to do to enjoy the views. Nature has so many incredible metaphors for growth—even better when we can anchor them into physical experiences so they’re not just imagined but embodied. Looking forward to part 2!
So glad you enjoyed it, Rachel!
did you go up huntingtons or lionshead or tuckermans?
Lions head via tuckerman’s. I’d like to do Huntington in the future since it’s supposed to be the most challenging
hunts is an absolutelt wonderful experience
Dude.
Long comment…
This hit right when I was obsessing over this the last few days. I crave for the grounding and the healing and the deep self realization that comes from such.
Late teens through late twenties I threw myself deep into the wilds from particularly in Alaska to NW Mexico and Baja, the SW US everything between west of the Mississippi plus 4 months in Peru. Much was done solo off trail and for long stretches.
This tapered and continued as I grew had kids etc. In 2010 with my two children out of my day to day, I began to prepare for my dream walk. Arctic to Tierra del Fuego. Thinking of taking several years, likely interrupted with required money making.
Then I unexpectedly learned I was to be a father again with a woman I was much falling in love with.
I canceled the trip.
Instead I started farming. Another story for another day.
That destroyed my freedom to wild walk as I had. They atrophied, the farm and the wild ways.
3 1/2 years ago the farm was abandoned. Another story for later.
Silver lining of losing farm is my wildliness is returning and I have leisure time and energy to pursue it.
Was just planning an autumn couple month solo wildy romp in SE Utah and four corners.
Last night as I looked at all the satellite maps etc. at the ease of my desk.
Made an effort to relive the harsh and harrowing flash floods,
bears and other aggressive animals,
being lost,
hopelessly lost,
hypothermic,
hungry,
exhausted,
beyond exhausted,
hyperthermic,
dehydrated,
Being scraped and bent wrong,
Tent bound
Lightning too close
Cold rapid water crossings
Avalanches
Whiteouts
Choking on Forest fire smoke
Rip tides
I honestly began to be gripped with fear. True from the gut kind.
These discomforts amongst the beauty and splendour and cosmic magnitude in unbridled nature forged a strong and grounded man.
They, the ‘horrors’ and the wholeness, held every truth worth knowing.
I knew then that it (or equivalent) must be done.
I am happy that your work popped up just now.
Thank you.
Thanks for sharing this with me. I’d love to read any piece you write about your experiences, either with the farm or in nature. Sounds like there’s a lot to say!
M
I climbed Mt Washington when I was in college. I, too, remember the feeling of thinking that I was almost to the top, only to realize that my exhaustion was no indicator of the amount of my progress. Nature can be humbling. I had the same experience many times in the Smokey Mountains. But the reward of almost total silence at the top of the mountain, the vastness, and again the humbling of my spirit was well worth the climb. Thanks for reminding me.
I really like how you describe the reward. It really is a surreal feeling that you can’t get anywhere else. Dare I say it’s almost a religious experience
Scripture tells us that everyone, without excuse, knows that God exists. All of nature proclaims his existence. Yes, it’s definitely a religious experience.
"Maybe there’s a reason I look like a woodsman 🤔" Now there is an insight 😜. I loved this journey. Can't wait for the follow ups. Why is it that woodsmen think about the steak and beer?
Hahaha I think these days, I’d be more motivated by a nice warm bath to soothe the muscles. Thanks Ian!
No it is just the right order....hike, steak, beer, bath.
There's something about climbing a mountain and reaching the top! It's a pretty amazing feeling! The views always make it worthwhile 😊
Absolutely! It’s an awesome way to test our limits
Man, this is fantastic! Love it, and very much looking forward to part two.
Thanks ginger!!
This was such a fun and refreshing read. Loved how you brought out both the peaceful side of hiking and the hilarious chaos that sometimes comes with it. The way you described the forest, the sounds, and even the mushy legs part made it all feel so real and relatable. And that little self-development takeaway at the end? Solid.
When you are doing something for yourself, you learn much more than doing just for others. I'm looking forward to part 2.
Love this story and all that you learned from it! I related a lot to the beginning, where you wrote about drinking and smoking weed in the woods. That's teenage suburban life at its finest! After finishing this piece, I feel inspired to get out in nature (like right now). Great job!
I absolutely enjoyed this post, Nur! Thanks for taking me into the woods and up on that mountain. I can clearly relate to what you are describing.
For me, I get this feeling when being out at sea, a wild coast and wide, scarce landscapes. There is something in the hostility that is both soothing and grounding, reconnecting with our rawest nature - while making it so crystal clear how fragile our very own existence is.
Enjoyed every word of your self discovery (along with your stoner laughs!). Thank you for the delightful read in the midst of our political turmoil.
I've climbed 3 mountains and walked countless, endless trails. Eight years ago a texting driver slammed into me and left me with a bodily roommate named Painpal (no sympathy please). Now, I hobble more than hike, but still get out there. Pretty sure we need it to be "human as animal".
I've always wanted to take that train to the top of Mt. Washington.
Nature reminds us of the endless abundance we can create in our lives. When I walk barefoot on the grass, I recieve so much energy. Thank you for sharing the wisdom you recieve through your hiking adventures.
Love the endless abundance idea