It’s only been a few days since I returned from a short solo backpacking trip. For five days, I hiked along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. The section I hiked ran through the beautiful Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Taylor County, Wisconsin. As far as backpacking goes, I took it easy, hiking only 6-11 miles a day. (I say “only,” but that was plenty! I carried a heavy pack, and it took a couple days to get used to hiking with the extra weight.)
I hiked midweek — one of the perks of having a teacher’s summer break — so I did not see many other people on the trail. My last day, I saw no-one. This left me plenty of time to think. I brought paper and a pencil and spent time recording my thoughts every afternoon and evening once I had set up camp.
Over the course of my long walk, my journaling shifted from a mere chronicle of the day’s events toward introspection. I felt quite alone (I was quite alone!), and my reflections focused on relationships and loved ones.
As I grew more accustomed to the woods, and as my pack got lighter and more comfortable, my walk became more enjoyable. I got into the rhythm of walking; I began to enjoy the simple motion of putting one foot in front of the other. It struck me that I could perhaps find some of this joy while going for a long walk in New York — no need to head into the wilderness.
Perhaps I should try walking home from school once in a while. It’s a six-mile walk that takes me through SoHo, Chinatown, Downtown Brooklyn, and Prospect Heights. Like my hike, there would be a lot to see, but I know this landscape. Maybe I can focus on putting one foot in front of the other.