I enjoy experiencing the autumn season by carrying my house in the great outdoors. Now some people would say what does that mean? Especially seeing a picture like this with gear galore. You kind of wonder if this is something you ought to be doing. Carrying on your back sleeping gear, a tent, food, clothes, and more.
But honestly, backpacking in nature allows you to get away from the comforts of your own home and stretch yourself in the natural home of God‘s creation. Carrying a “house” or pack is not always comfortable of course. You’re doing something you aren’t used to. But the reward outweighs it.
Carrying a backpack has allowed me to experience trails in a way I never would be able to if I was just going out on day hikes. There’s something pleasant to be had by exchanging good conversation, watching a campfire, or just being alone in nature, hearing the sounds of creation all around that brings a new perspective to life.
I’ve gone on two short backpacking trips so far this fall season for two overnights, and they’ve both been beautiful. One was just shy of some beautiful waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park, in fact the largest falls in the park, Overall Run.
The other was a hiking trip with my dogs and my husband to a rocky summit where you can see forever it seemed. Both excursions were unique in their own ways, one a solo venture and the other with family. Both trips allowed me to get away from my own little box of my house and experience the great outdoors in a new and uplifting way.
Check out my hiking blog for ways that you can experience an adventure in the great outdoors safely. And don’t forget to check out my hiking adventure books where you can come along on a day-by-day adventure for many months and see what it’s like to experience trail-living long-term.
And if your hiking club or group or library would like an experienced hiker to come talk about backpacking, let me know! Description here.