Boondocking Life

I didn't attempt my first real mountain hike until after retirement. I had done some hiking in Texas - and had gone to Machu Pichu in Peru, but those hikes were nothing compared to Mt. Shavano in Colorado. Pretty crazy to take on a 14er for my first real climb! Needless to say, I didn't make it to the summit. I was carrying way too much stuff, didn't read the map at all and drove the wrong kind of vehicle to the trailhead. Those - among others - were my major mistakes. However, if I had to do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. I learned so much about how to prepare for a mountain - and I learned so much about myself.

I would say that the biggest, most important lesson on that mountain was that I carry WAY too much stuff. If I had to guess, I would say my backpack weighed 35 pounds. I thought seriously about taking it off and leaving it on the trail. What was I carrying that could weigh that much? Let me tell you... A survival kit, a first aid kit, two knives, bear spray, a gun, food for me and my dog, 2 water bottles and a camel back, a flashlight, my phone, a heavy jacket for the summit, a raincoat and my dog's leash. In classic Nancy fashion, I tried to be prepared for every possible scenario. I want to be in control of every detail. I have always been like that. My childhood was chaotic at best, so my adulthood has been an exercise in control. The mountain attempt was no different. Once I made it to the bottom, I took that pack off and dropped it to the ground with the most dramatic groan possible. I looked at Lily and apologized for any vulgarity I may have shouted along the way. I also promised her that I would do better next time.

I can apply that same concept to the rest of my life. I carry around so much unnecessary stuff - resentment, anger, self-loathing, self-criticizing, internal pressure to be or do what everyone else wants me to be or do. I suppose it is for the same reason - to control outcomes as much as possible. God has been asking me to put all of that down for a long time now. He wants me to trust him and allow him to provide for me. Why is it so hard to just put it all in his hands and leave it there? I know now that it is only slowing me down. It is just getting in the way. Life would be so much easier if I wasn't carrying all of that. It's time for me to just drop my pack and let God do the heavy lifting.

The entire trip to Colorado was peppered with those messages from God. The second night, I camped out under the stars in a tent with Lily at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. I hadn't been in a tent since I was little. I had nothing by bad memories of those camping trips, but the time in the Dunes was different. I really enjoyed it! It was so quiet and cool. The stars were beautiful. I was closer to God that night. I could see, hear and smell his creation all night. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

With that new revelation, I decided to fully embrace a more minimalistic approach to outdoor adventures. When we got home, I purchased a little tear drop camper. It is made of birchwood and weighs in at a whopping 425 pounds. It is so light that I can move it myself by hand. It doesn't have electricity or plumbing, so is completely self-contained. I added a portable air conditioner for the Texas heat, but other than that, it is all natural and ready to boondock! I have planned one trip each month to different parts of the mid-south. I hope my little camper works as well as I think it will.

I also want to apply the same concept to the rest of my life. I want my life to be a boondock. I long to return to a more simple, easy pace. I want to leave the unnecessary stuff behind. I want to be light and free to enjoy the journey. God will carry all of that stuff for me.... if I can just let him. He promised he would.