In reading a book called "Backpacking One Step At A Time, By Harvey Manning," I came across a topic he refers to as Respect. I figured this was a good topic of discussion as it deals with basic human viewpoints. As Harvey talks about beginners and veterans, his thoughts are on the dangerous things and memories told over campfires over the years and of the narrow escapes, and as one person to another asks "How did we make it this far?" They both might laugh nervously, for they should have died many times over when they were young and raw and fearless.
Maybe at that point they become silent remembering companions or friends that did not make it and were now missing this campfire. For the thing these old veterans learned is that fear is healthy and when scared, they now say it loud and proudly, having ceased years ago to fret about being called a chicken.
But how about beginners? They may be driven by pride or social pressure to run when in their gut they know it would be wiser to walk. Or they may continue toward a planned objective when deep down in their heart they know it would be better to retreat. There is often that fear of not measuring up to manhood or not meeting up to another's expectations, or of becoming old and not as good as one used to be that drives someone onward.
Be it a hiker or a camper, and no matter how inexperienced, one almost always realizes when he or she is in great danger. One knows when the terrain is so steep that a fall could be mortal. Or when the wind is so strong that a bad storm is surely building, or when the temperature is dropping to unsafe degrees.
The author states that beginners are in danger of dying out on the trails or in remote locations, or from bad planning or total inexperience because they do not have the guts to be cowards. They have been led approach the great outdoors without any sense of fear, but just with the idea of overcoming or taking control of a place or thing, by use of will and determination, without thinking it though in regards to the dangers. So he says that the outdoor experience can build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, through learning respect and humility, and admitting to ones self that being afraid is healthy and when fear rears up to take the proper steps to prevent disaster.
What if anything does this article remind you of when you read it? Do you remember those foolish thoughts and actions that could have been the time you almost did not make it home? Share your experiences and express your opinions on this topic of conversation, as do you agree or disagree with this author, or can you add to this way of thinking to educate others.
Maybe at that point they become silent remembering companions or friends that did not make it and were now missing this campfire. For the thing these old veterans learned is that fear is healthy and when scared, they now say it loud and proudly, having ceased years ago to fret about being called a chicken.
But how about beginners? They may be driven by pride or social pressure to run when in their gut they know it would be wiser to walk. Or they may continue toward a planned objective when deep down in their heart they know it would be better to retreat. There is often that fear of not measuring up to manhood or not meeting up to another's expectations, or of becoming old and not as good as one used to be that drives someone onward.
Be it a hiker or a camper, and no matter how inexperienced, one almost always realizes when he or she is in great danger. One knows when the terrain is so steep that a fall could be mortal. Or when the wind is so strong that a bad storm is surely building, or when the temperature is dropping to unsafe degrees.
The author states that beginners are in danger of dying out on the trails or in remote locations, or from bad planning or total inexperience because they do not have the guts to be cowards. They have been led approach the great outdoors without any sense of fear, but just with the idea of overcoming or taking control of a place or thing, by use of will and determination, without thinking it though in regards to the dangers. So he says that the outdoor experience can build confidence and a sense of accomplishment, through learning respect and humility, and admitting to ones self that being afraid is healthy and when fear rears up to take the proper steps to prevent disaster.
What if anything does this article remind you of when you read it? Do you remember those foolish thoughts and actions that could have been the time you almost did not make it home? Share your experiences and express your opinions on this topic of conversation, as do you agree or disagree with this author, or can you add to this way of thinking to educate others.
