I found myself traveling 5,000 miles from California to Florida, camping in a multitude of my country’s beautiful parks along the way. It involved endless days of hiking, sight-seeing, and a lot of learning. Here is what I discovered on those 6 beautiful weeks and 5,000 short miles:
Before 2015, the most camping I’d ever done lasted for an entire two days. Granted, it was a backcountry experience trekking through Mt Haleakala. My friends and I have learned much since then like how great of a difference it is to invest in lightweight supplies. I mean, we packed a nearly 25-pound tent and a hefty store of canned goods!
Still, I consider my level as a camper novice to the highest degree. Even with a few more camping excursions under my belt, I refuse to think of myself as an expert. I’m a beginner at best. We all have to start somewhere, and there is always something new to learn.
In retrospect, this post merely covers the wealth of knowledge (or discoveries) I walked away with. There are but few moments and monuments in life that are truly sublime. For the first time in my life, I’d witnessed one. I felt closer than ever to who I was as a young girl. I felt things I haven’t felt since my childhood—feelings that, I assumed, disappeared with my youth.
Out there, I grew a deeper appreciation for nature and for myself. I’d take none of that back. But those are a completely different breed of lessons worthy of their own narrative.
