During the recent hike on the Kungsleden Trail in Northern Sweden I had plenty of time to contemplate this topic and many others. Hiking solo in the wilderness allows you to do a lot of thinking. I think there are 2 parts to this, why do I do it and why do I document it.
Why Do I do it?
Well that's not too easy to answer. I don't think I have worked out all the reasons why I do it, but here are my thoughts. I guess it is just to push myself. It isn't about losing weight or getting fit as there are many ways to do that without going to the middle of nowhere. I think it is just because I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and see what I am capable of. Maybe there is a bit of natural explorer in me, I have certainly always had a curious nature in me and wanted to know how everything works. Maybe that's it. I love the feeling of being in true wilderness with nobody for miles around and having the sense of complete destiny over what happens. I am really not that sure.
When I am recovering from the utter carnage of a hike I sometimes ask myself, Is it worth it? I sit and stare at my gear on the way home or just contemplate the aches and pains. Normal casualties for a trip are:
Toe nails
Blisters on feet or hands from hiking poles
Stomach issues, obvious reasons here
Chaffs and rubbing
Sunburn
Insect bites
Gear damage
Damage to the wallet. Getting to and from remote places isn't cheap normally.
And I am sure there are many others I have overlooked, but of course its temporary pain and long term it is always worth it.
Why Do I Document It?
I think this is an easier one to answer. Partly it is to self document for later in my life, it will be nice to look back on these adventures, but mainly it is about inspiring others. It certainly isn't to brag. I am in no way an obvious choice for adventures. I am a 50 year old overweight male with a fear of heights, a dodgy leg and back. I have sleep apnea and therefore need a cpap machine at night. Also I have some other issues I won't go into here.
So I hope you see I am not your typical adventurer. I have just decided to solve each problem as best I can with a can do attitude and sheer stubbornness. It is so easy in life to just use conditions and issues as excuses. I want to inspire others that have solvable issues to look at things differently and say how can I do that with this problem. Not to say, I can't do that because I have this problem.
I know it is easier said than done and I know not all issues are solvable but for most I just want to inspire people to get out there and have a go. For those people with issues that just cant be circumvented I am happy to have you along to join in my adventures.
My advice has to be research your issues, reach out to people for help and just be stubborn and driven to solving or mitigating issues.