poem?/verse/I don't know what to call it

[Peanut]

Hey there!! I'm looking for something I came across a few months ago that make me smile...I just perused and counldn't find it...something about why would we want to backpack. It may have even been specifcally about thru-hiking, I'm not sure...I think it started out with that question and then went through all the challenges/discomforts of backpacking, but in a funny way if I remember correctly. Does anyone remember where to go to find it? Thanks!!

[Hammock Hanger]

Hey there!! I'm looking for something I came across a few months ago that make me smile...I just perused and counldn't find it...something about why would we want to backpack. It may have even been specifcally about thru-hiking, I'm not sure...I think it started out with that question and then went through all the challenges/discomforts of backpacking, but in a funny way if I remember correctly. Does anyone remember where to go to find it? Thanks!!
I may have it... I'll go check my files..

Here is something I posted, not sure it was what you were looking for.


Hammock Hanger's 2007
The Great Eastern Trail Journal
Guest Entry by Why do you hike??


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Friday, June 29, 2007

http://209.200.85.146/trailjournals/photos/4974/tj4974_061807_095549_229598.jpg (http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=229598&back=1)
Hanging Rock Firetower, aka: the Bird House - Click picture to see full sizeHow many times has someone asked you, "why, why do you hike?" It is always hard to put into words the "why". However, while researching a website for a trail I am about to hike I came across their mission statement. It was so right on target that I thought I would share it.
Mid-State Trail Assoc. Mission Statement:
``Why do large numbers of hikers venture into the wet, wild woods with biting insects and stinging nettles, on trails lined with roots and studded with rocks? There is something different and deeply appealing about hiking in the out-of-doors. The wilder and more beautiful the land, the better the hiking. Clearly, these experiences are spiritual. It is the deep, but bright, secret of hiking. Spiritual experience is essential to our well being, so hiking remains popular.'
--- Tom Thwaites
Today's urban society disconnects us from nature. Glass, steel, asphalt, concrete; they all distance us from nature. All too easily we cling to the false hope that we have mastered nature, rather than standing in respect and stewardship of all things within nature, around us. Restoring our connection to nature, actually our place within nature, requires of us that we get back to nature, removing all those obstacles put between us and nature by our urban society.
Primitive nature experiences restore one's sense of inner peace and strengthen one's soul. Foot travel over a remote primitive trail brings an exhilaration, an aliveness that cleanses us of our worldly woes and restores our spirit.
The Mid State Trail was created to foster these simple, natural, spiritual experiences, so that we may all enjoy a greater respect for nature and therefore protect nature for all future generations. The foot path's length offers an extended unity with nature to long-distance walkers. MSTA: http://hike-mst.org/
Why do you hike?? - Why do you hike?? (Why%20do%20you%20hike??)

[Peanut]

Thanks, that's not really what I am looking for, but thanks for trying...and for sharing...I like it.

[johnny quest]

Stop and see what road your traveling.
Look down at your path of life.
Maybe wide and paved if things are good
Rocky with thorns if you are in strife.
Perhaps its flat, shaded and well marked
As far as your eye can see.
Maybe its all uphill and littered with rocks
Full of dropoffs, switchbacks and scree.
Theres no use in anger. Don't throw up your hands.
Don't look to the left or the right.
For this is your path. You cant trade it out.
And it will do no good to fight.
The terrain....thats hopeless. Against it you'll never win
You will only tire and fall
But put your shoulder square against the task thats at hand
To move forward...even if just at a crawl.
Because each new obstacle, hurdle or snag
It really is a blessing in disguise
For what doesn't kill us makes us stronger indeed
More discerning, perceptive and wise.
So make peace with your road, this path that your on
And don't be resentful of mine.
I've had as many deadends and deadfalls as you will
As many lost trails and impossible inclines
But if we keep plugging, and never give up
Then one day this journey will end
Our pilgrimage of life we will finally complete
And where our paths cross i will meet you... my friend.

[johnny quest]

silence, just the soft crush
of new snow under my snowshoe
nature drops its blanket of white
the mountains sigh, the woods renew

silence, just hare and deer and I
to enjoy this first winters day
gods blessings float down by the millions
in an intricate aerial ballet

silence, look up to the snow filled sky
and thank god in a clear deep voice
a prayer of awe and thanks with eyes wide open
head thrown back in full rejoice

[johnny quest]

He stood there before her, his face turned away
Why, she asked, would he break up this home?
And he searched the horizon for the right words to say
To explain to her why he must roam

But his mind started to wander and the silence just grew
as he noticed a hawk circling round
Over that mountain past the highway...and then down it flew
And he wondered just what it had found

Then he left the bird’s drama as a glint caught his eye
Off the setting sun’s last blood red ray
Just enough light to see an old Airstream go by
And out of sight down that long straight highway

Then her roaring silence caused his head to jerk back
From his stare toward the far mountain’s dome
“So you see” he exclaimed, as if it made sense
“And THAT is why i must roam!”