a human endeavor

I backpack because I am human; I backpack in order to be human.

I backpack to get away from people; I backpack to connect with people.

Here is backpacking the Rae Lakes Loop of the high Sierras — a human endeavor

there is joy in new adventures
there is quiet in the breaks from forward motion
there is solace in home being among the hills and the trees [Junction Meadow]
there is excitement in the fresh journey
there is delight in starting something grand together
there is grandeur in new places, waiting to be reached
there is beauty experienced in stopping to notice it
there is fresh air to be breathed in and breathed out
there is tranquility in its rawest forms [Charlotte Lake]
there is a kind of friendship which only grows in the wilderness
there is peace under the vast night sky
there is wonder under the same vast night sky
there is a kind of stillness found only on alpine lake shores [Charlotte Lake]
there is challenge in pushing limits, physical and mental
there is awe inspired by ruggedness all around
there is satisfaction in reaching the high ground [Glenn Pass]
there is a reward of adventure for all the effort
there is accomplishment in seeing and capturing the moment
there is a reward of new vistas for all the perseverence
there is comfort in the nearness of those close to you
there is simplicity in focusing on basic needs
there is depth in the bonds grown by meeting simple needs together [Upper Rae Lake]
there is awareness in being engulfed in something so much bigger
there is always more to experience [Arrowhead Lake]
there is rest from the hard work of carrying your life on your back [Lower Rae Lake]
there is rest in the hard work of carrying your life on your back [Dollar Lake]
there is calm in every pause [Dollar Lake, view to Fin Dome]
there is unexpected fun in unexpected challenges
there is contentment in having gone, seen, done
there is always looking forward to the next time

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