Amen, Mags. <br>Although I would say that there is a huge difference between engaging in a dangerous activity (hiking solo) and being reckless (hiking solo without food, water, or maps). <br><br><div class="gmail_quote">
On Thu, Dec 2, 2010 at 1:41 PM, Paul Magnanti <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:pmags@yahoo.com">pmags@yahoo.com</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;">
Despite what best practices may be, I will continue to hike alone.<br>
<br>
Being solo, every feeling, sight, smell, and sensation is much more intense.<br>
<br>
I am focusing on the wilderness....not my companion(s) who may be with me.<br>
<br>
When I make a pilgrimage into the wilderness, I sometimes need to do it alone.<br>
<br>
I want to walk off trail where other people do not go. See that alpine lake<br>
nestled against the ridge and<br>
<br>
sparkling in the morning light.<br>
<br>
Reckless? Perhaps. But I have the knowledge, experience, and (most importantly)<br>
desire to be solo, to be immersed, to really experience<br>
the wilderness.<br>
<br>
"Only by going alone in silence can one truly get into the heart of the<br>
wilderness. All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.<br>
–John Muir"<br>
<br>
<br>
At times, I want to experience the wilderness with others. Share the mountains<br>
with Adrianna; sometimes with other friends. Show that vista that means so much<br>
to me and share it with others.<br>
<br>
But, I need to experience the wilderness solo at times. And not have that<br>
immersion at times would be more reckless for me.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
----------------------------<br>
Paul "Mags" Magnanti<br>
<a href="http://www.pmags.com" target="_blank">http://www.pmags.com</a><br>
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-------------------------------<br>
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust<br>
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched<br>
--Thoreau<br>
<br>
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</blockquote></div><br>