Originally published September 18, 2009
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
–Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
I promised that I wouldn’t talk only about the don’ts and the warnings, and so here we are, finally, at the first post about The Good Stuff.
But, Her Side, what exactly is The Good Stuff?
Why, I’m so glad you asked. The Good Stuff is the other side of the Rules. In the Rules, we’re talking about things you should think about, prepare for, caution against, and learn about in order to make solo camping and hiking as safe as possible. And you do those things, making this activity safe, so that you can go out and enjoy yourself. So that you can leave your worries at home and focus on…wait for it…
The Good Stuff.
The first one is very simple. It’s so simple, in fact, that you’re probably going to roll your eyes. Ready?
The Power is in the Possibilities.
I know, I told you it was simple. But just give it a second, let it sink in. While you’re taking a moment, look at this photo:
by joanarc4.
That’s Delicate Arch in Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. Pretty spectacular, right? Oh, wait. While I’m thinking about it, here’s another one:
by joanarc4
That’s the Great Smoky Mountains on the border of Tennessee and North Carolina. You can really see why they’re called that, right? Oh, just one more, for the heck of it:
by joanarc4
That’s the Narrows in Zion National Park, Utah. Yes, there you hike in the river. It’s amazing.
So have you thought about the possibilities yet? Hiking lets you see incredible views, be in incredible places, and feel incredible things. And that’s just possible locations you can find yourself when you hike. Why should you have to wait to gather a group to explore those possibilities?
What are some other possibilities? I know that when I set out on my road trip, I wasn’t sure I could do it. I was worried I’d be lonely, or not be able to handle the driving, or take care of car problems, or handle the physical activity. You know what? I found out I could do all of those things. When I returned to “normal” life, I was suddenly more confident that I could handle all the ins and outs of daily life on my own, too. So another possibility is conquering your fears, squashing your insecurities, and getting to know your own capabilities.
It’s a rush.
One more thing, and then I’ll let you think of your own possibilities. I’m going to quote Dr. Seuss again:
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the [gal] who’ll decide where to go.
–Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go
Where do you want to go? It’s YOUR decision, when you hike and camp solo. So what’ll it be?
(c) Her Side of the Mountain, 2009.
Her Side of the Mountain 