Why I hate backpacking...

You may have heard this line before--- I hate backpacking, but can't wait for my next adventure. Maybe not. But for me, this line couldn't resonate more.

Backpacking sucks. Everything you need to live for a few days is carried on your back. You walk constantly. You get the nastiest blisters you could ever imagine. Your feet just hurt. Your body hurts. You feel muscles in places you didn't know existed. You have to collect water out of dribbling creeks. You smell bad horrendous. You eat Cliffbars four times a day. And a "treat" is dried fruit. You build a fire to keep bugs away... and to sit in the smoke to hopefully smell a little better.  Its just plain hard.

But there is really nothing better.

I have been home from my latest epic adventure for almost two weeks and can finally write this post. It took a little while to get over this hike. It was a little brutal. Due to our time constraints we only had five days to traverse 77 miles in the South Carolina mountains. ((Yeah--- who knew South Carolina had mountains?!))

This trip is typically done in 7-10 days. For some reason we thought 5 days would be fine--- and it was. If you didn't mind the long days, putting in 16.5 miles a couple days and going constantly. The trail is a beautiful trail. We walked along a huge river, climbed the tallest mountain in South Carolina, walked along many ridgeline, and walked around one of the most beautiful lakes I have seen. 

               

I have told you all the reasons why I hate backpacking--- okay not all, but a lot. Now let me tell you why I can't wait for my next adventure. 

1. There is absolutely nothing like being out in the wilderness. I love being in nature. Smelling the fresh air. Being thankful for a small breeze that cools off your face. 

2. I love living in the moment. We live in such a busy world that rarely are we actually thinking about the steps we are taking. When you are on the trail you literally think about every step you take. This especially is true after you disturb a yellow jacket nest and get stung multiple times. Then you even more so watch every place you put your foot. When else do you do this in life? All day. When you walk so slowly you smell different trees. You notice small bugs. You hear the trees moving ever so slightly. Its incredible really when you slow down and realize all the intricacies around you. I love that. 

3. I love the bond you build with people. Someone asked me if I was ready to strangle my husband when we got back. Oh the contrary. After the trip I have never felt closer to Ryan. He carried my pack when I couldn't take another step. He always seemed to take a break at the exact moment I needed one. He would build a fire for us every night. He was constantly uplifting. And Lauren--- I couldn't have done it without her. Her constant laughter, encouragement, motivation. She and I are the perfect trail companions. She pushes me to do things I would have never dreamed. 

4. I love being places you can only get to by walking a really really really long way. On this trail there was one place in particular that was awesome, and you could only get to by a)boating or b) walking 13 miles. It was awesome and beautiful.

5. The sense of accomplishment and feeling like a badass. When I ventured out to do 77 miles in 5 days, I didn't really realize how ridiculous that idea was. That is a TON of miles (especially since there is elevation gains) and a TON of miles really quick. Five days isn't very long--- but the fact that we did it- we finished. It was amazing. Easily one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, along with one of the greatest feelings. I am so proud. 

So now you know a little bit more about my trip, the reasons I love it, and the reasons why it really does suck. Ryan and I are already throwing around ideas for our next trip. We have big dreams--- but who knows if they will happen. 

When we got home I said--- I think I reached my breaking point. 5 days. That was tough. Then I thought for a few minutes, I didn't cry. I only wanted to quit once or twice. Actually--- I don't think I reached my breaking point. I think its time to do a little more.