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Why I’m Eager to Leave Society
The Allure of Anger
Over the past 6 months or so I’ve started to feel the true need to escape. During this time I’ve begun to recognize the negativity that manifests in urban locations. If you ask any of my family or friends, they will tell you that I have not stopped smiling in the past 3 years. However, recently I have found that many daily conversations are filled to the brim with pessimism. Finding myself guilty of this, I’m eternally thankful that I will soon have the opportunity to put “normal” society aside for half a year.
No matter where I’ve been in this country the past year, it seems that there has been a common mentality driving us to GET MAD! But here’s the thing, I’m tired of the anger, I’m tired of politics, I’m tired of shit talking the candidate I don’t support, and I’m tired of people driving each other apart. The mask we wear with social media where we can express our voices but cover our faces has driven me mad. I yearn to sit down with those from many walks of life and share experiences over a fire.
The Happiness in Hiking
When people ask me why I’m hiking, it is hard to explain that I’m not leaving the real world but entering it. I’m hiking not to escape, but instead to return. I’ve shared meals with liberals, conservatives, Christians, Muslims, Jews, 18 year olds, and 70 year olds. While I don’t always agree with them, I always respect them and learn to trust them. I’m hiking because it’s easier to enjoy stars over television, and far more reasonable to dislike the rain rather than each other.
Somewhere in the 100 mile wilderness.
Perhaps we’ve lost our way of having civil disagreements and caring for those who may support an ideology that we do not. If there is anything I have learned from hikers, it’s that they will literally give you the puffy off their back if someone else is in need. So here is to the love of the trail and everyone on and off it. I look forward to when people begin calling me Gas Monkey again, accepting rides from strangers, and all the good company that lies ahead.
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Comments 2
Good luck to you Ian! If you end up needing anything when you pass through NH let us know. I used to be a hiker and married on a mountain in NH and would be so much more of one today I think knowing a lot about foraging and such that I would be probably too slow making dinner on the way :). Have a safe trip and post a lot about it. Kate C (I met you years ago when your dad got his chocolate lab at our place).
Best thing I have read on here in a while. Great perspective.