Thanks for the feedback everyone. It has been a BIG shift for me to think more along these lines, so I'm really glad to hear that you can feel how big it is too.
What a paradigm shift! As one who is carrying a load at the moment, your column is making me re-evaluate how I view that load. Is it something to resent? To try to unload? Or is it something that can make me stronger, just as carrying a 20-lb. backpack can strengthen you as you train to climb a 14er? Lots to think about.
Meanwhile, congratulations on your and your son's summit!
Why is it so hard for some of us (me) to figure this out and then change how we carry our backpacks? After spending a lot of my free time the last 6 months hiking many of Colorado's peaks and trails alone, doing a lot of soul searching and questioning while climbing, descending, and pausing, this post was right on point for me. I still have a long way to go. Thank you for giving me more to think about.
BTW, Mt Sherman was my first 14er, about 25 years ago. Congratulations to you and Ian on making the climb!
So good, Ian. I liked being reminded that there will always be a load -- to have life -- is to have a load. It's not something to get rid of. It's something to carry safely and with as much ease as possible. Thank you for this insightful message!!
Dear Ian, You don't need to respond really but I just want to write how much I enjoyed this. My hubby and I moved to Denver 1975 until 86 then to Evergreen til 90. We absolutely loved backpacking everywhere. I also streamed Montview today and got to see golden shimmering aspen. On Tuesday, I will meet Viv and Scott Showalter in Philly at airport and then to Providence and Little Compton RI to meet friends in college with my guy and Scott. Appreciating your offerings. Blessings Mickie
Thanks for the feedback everyone. It has been a BIG shift for me to think more along these lines, so I'm really glad to hear that you can feel how big it is too.
What a paradigm shift! As one who is carrying a load at the moment, your column is making me re-evaluate how I view that load. Is it something to resent? To try to unload? Or is it something that can make me stronger, just as carrying a 20-lb. backpack can strengthen you as you train to climb a 14er? Lots to think about.
Meanwhile, congratulations on your and your son's summit!
Ian,
Why is it so hard for some of us (me) to figure this out and then change how we carry our backpacks? After spending a lot of my free time the last 6 months hiking many of Colorado's peaks and trails alone, doing a lot of soul searching and questioning while climbing, descending, and pausing, this post was right on point for me. I still have a long way to go. Thank you for giving me more to think about.
BTW, Mt Sherman was my first 14er, about 25 years ago. Congratulations to you and Ian on making the climb!
So good, Ian. I liked being reminded that there will always be a load -- to have life -- is to have a load. It's not something to get rid of. It's something to carry safely and with as much ease as possible. Thank you for this insightful message!!
Friend of Elizabeth Jameson here. I really appreciated this perspective and it was something I needed to hear. Thank you.
Dear Ian, You don't need to respond really but I just want to write how much I enjoyed this. My hubby and I moved to Denver 1975 until 86 then to Evergreen til 90. We absolutely loved backpacking everywhere. I also streamed Montview today and got to see golden shimmering aspen. On Tuesday, I will meet Viv and Scott Showalter in Philly at airport and then to Providence and Little Compton RI to meet friends in college with my guy and Scott. Appreciating your offerings. Blessings Mickie