A Walk in the Forest

A year ago, I started to crave backpacking again. I think this was inspired by a couple of guests who were about my age and shared with me their adventures of hiking the Appalachian trail. It brought back quite a few memories that I had from my previous backpacking trips. I recalled many challenging moments, but also remembered those moments of pure gratitude and awe, like when I arrived on the top of a mountain to a crystal blue lake. I remember my thoughts, that only those who would or could take the time and have the energy to carry what they needed on their back for a few days would see this beautiful lake. Another recent memory, was of laying in my tent with the fly off and viewing the stars and listening to the coyotes and other night animals. And even though, I am usually bug bitten and exhausted, those moments make it worthwhile.

I realized that my younger self often “pushed through” aiming for miles, destinations and accomplishment. I wasn’t craving that or the fatigue and pain that can come and go on a physically challenging backpacking trip. What I was craving was a long-relaxed walk in the forest. I wondered, how long of a walk could I take while carrying just enough to meet my needs but also not weigh me down too much. And so, I began the next backpacking stage of my life in my 60’s. I decided to call my journey’s – Walks in the Forest or the Woods, because truly I wanted to take my time, and enjoy being in the forest.

One important thing that I try to remember is that it never serves me well to be too rigid or strict. For one, I do have physical limitations and I have no desire to seriously injure myself, and I want the flexibility to change plans as needed. But more importantly to me, is the ability to not “miss out” on the adventure. Sticking to “the plan” can and has let me miss out on connections. Connections with other people, with the forest and all that it encompasses, whether it be an edible mushroom or a most interesting frog who seems very interested in a human staring at it.

I started the year of backpacking first on the Finger Lakes trail, then in March I headed to Florida, walking parts of the Florida trail. I have tales to tell, but also had to humbly shorten my time on the trail due to ticks and alligators (especially since I travel with my pup, Druid.) I visited the Apalachin trail in South Carolina, and fell in love with it, promising to return. Along the way I had the support of good friends and had short but engaging conversations with other “backpacking” enthusiasts.

In April, I taught a couple of friends some backpacking basics with a promise to go on a trip with them. That trip happened in June up in the Adirondacks. A dear friend and outdoorswoman joined me and the guys and we spent a few days hiking up small mountains and through the forest visiting a ponds and lakes on the way. I can’t begin to share all the stories and memories that I have from these few short trips – but I can tell you it was well worth my time, and I can’t wait to go again, which is part of “the plan” in the next couple of weeks. At the moment, though I continue to take my daily walks in the forest with Druid, which keep me connected and grounded. Maybe you will one day join me for a walk in the woods?

With peace and gratitude,

Eshay and Druid