The fact that I'd never been backpacking was a secret source of shame that I carried with me for a long time. People were always surprised when I'd admit to being just a dayhiker. Apparently I give the impression of being outdoorsy, but honestly, I'm not. I don't like to be dirty. Sleeping bags make me feel like I'm in a straight jacket. I hate how much work camping is, which is why I don't cook (besides boiling water or making s'mores) or set up a tent. I sleep in my car and can't stand the thought of my dirty feet touching my clean sheets, which is why I go through tons of wet wipes. I straighten my hair and put on makeup every morning.
I am not outdoorsy.
Backpacking did not sound like fun to me, and the only good reason I could see for doing it would be to get to far away places you could only see on foot. Glacier is the perfect example of that. When you look at the maps, you realize that you can only drive to a small portion of the park; most of the good stuff is in the backcountry. I received my backpacking permits last month and figured it would be a good idea to go backpacking with other people at least once before I try it on my own at Glacier.
Luckily, I had two experts who were willing to go with me. Kristin, Hannah, and I planned a trip to Haunted Canyon in the Superstitions. It's only 12 miles with about 750 feet of elevation gain, so it would be a pretty easy trip.
When we pulled up to the trailhead, it was pouring rain and 45 degrees. Hannah was ready to brave the elements, thinking it would be an adventure, but I was NOT excited. Kristin saw the look on my face and suggested that we wait and see if the rain would let up. Luckily it did, and it turned into a perfectly beautiful day.
So, the whole trip was actually kind of anti-climactic. I was worried I wouldn't be able to carry 35 pounds on my back. It was fine. (I asked Kristin, "Does this mean Jason is going to make me help carry the rope in canyons now?") I was worried about sleeping outside. It was fine. Everything was just fine and lovely. It was a beautiful green hike along a stream through a canyon. Hannah commented that it looked like something from a storybook. There was lots of giggling and singing about "Zee Moose" and Disney songs.
Here is a video from when we arrived at our campsite:
The only not-so-great parts were that I was cold at night and Kristin sprained her ankle on the way out. But overall, the trip was no big deal. Why did I make it such a big deal in my head???? I guess that's what an anxiety disorder does to you.
I am much less nervous about doing this alone at Glacier. Well, except for the whole being-mauled-by-a-grizzly concern. But I'm trying not to think about that. The point is, backpacking was no big deal and I'm excited to go again.
We found a spot that looked perfect for a wedding ceremony... I think the look on Kristin's face clearly communicates her feelings regarding marriage.
I am not outdoorsy.
Backpacking did not sound like fun to me, and the only good reason I could see for doing it would be to get to far away places you could only see on foot. Glacier is the perfect example of that. When you look at the maps, you realize that you can only drive to a small portion of the park; most of the good stuff is in the backcountry. I received my backpacking permits last month and figured it would be a good idea to go backpacking with other people at least once before I try it on my own at Glacier.
Luckily, I had two experts who were willing to go with me. Kristin, Hannah, and I planned a trip to Haunted Canyon in the Superstitions. It's only 12 miles with about 750 feet of elevation gain, so it would be a pretty easy trip.
When we pulled up to the trailhead, it was pouring rain and 45 degrees. Hannah was ready to brave the elements, thinking it would be an adventure, but I was NOT excited. Kristin saw the look on my face and suggested that we wait and see if the rain would let up. Luckily it did, and it turned into a perfectly beautiful day.
So, the whole trip was actually kind of anti-climactic. I was worried I wouldn't be able to carry 35 pounds on my back. It was fine. (I asked Kristin, "Does this mean Jason is going to make me help carry the rope in canyons now?") I was worried about sleeping outside. It was fine. Everything was just fine and lovely. It was a beautiful green hike along a stream through a canyon. Hannah commented that it looked like something from a storybook. There was lots of giggling and singing about "Zee Moose" and Disney songs.
Here is a video from when we arrived at our campsite:
The only not-so-great parts were that I was cold at night and Kristin sprained her ankle on the way out. But overall, the trip was no big deal. Why did I make it such a big deal in my head???? I guess that's what an anxiety disorder does to you.
I am much less nervous about doing this alone at Glacier. Well, except for the whole being-mauled-by-a-grizzly concern. But I'm trying not to think about that. The point is, backpacking was no big deal and I'm excited to go again.
We found a spot that looked perfect for a wedding ceremony... I think the look on Kristin's face clearly communicates her feelings regarding marriage.
Tony Ranch
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