Outdoor Experiences By: Ron Toel

Leon Gorman, chairman of the L.L.Bean Company, refers to the “physical and spiritual rewards that come from participation in outdoor activities.” and thus this has become their company mission statement, and if one opens their mind can see that their product also is design around that philosophy. The spirit of health, personal renewal, and connection to the natural world is why I hike, and I imagine why so many do. Through this experience and study of how intricate and interdependent all life is, is how I found my connection with my Creator.

Hiking has created irreplaceable memories for a lifeline, and has taught me important lessons about being fit, and appreciating nature in both its majestic grandeur and in its smallest exquisite detail. While hiking I always want to learn more about the flora, fauna, and notice the geology, astronomy, meteorology and cultural history of an area. We see, up close, nature’s enduring qualities, while witnessing the changes brought on by our societies evolution. I would guess most of us concerned with conservation and environmental stewardship can trace our ethics to a formative outdoor experiences. 　

Hiking is a life sport that offers challenge by choice. Hiking can be relatively easy, accessible, and contemplate activity with a short learning curve and not requiring expensive technical gear. At the other end of the spectrum we can select a hike that provides incredible physical challenges, that immerses us in wilderness solitude or in the exhilaration that comes from taking risk to stretch oneself. We can dabble in hiking or be fanatics, or anything in between. Many people hike to “conquer the mountain”. It is an at all cost, get to the top of the mountain as fast as you can. This is a much more of a physical challenge, however, it is not as spiritual and the rewards of competition are only that of completion.

Now nature photography is a challenge. It is much more difficult, accessible, and has a much longer learning curve and does require technical gear thus turning hiking into backpacking. It provides mental challenges trying to get the “perfect image” of the surrounding wilderness and creates the ability to “see” the beauty put before us by our Creator, and the ultimate outdoor experiences. In addition to being a physical, social, and educational experience, this combination is spiritual for many. There is nothing like ascending the shoulder of a mountain plateau to make one feel the presence of a higher power, up close and personal. Staring up into a starlit sky away from the lights of our modern world makes us feel infinitesimally small and puts our petty endeavors and concerns into new perspective.

I am often struck by the fact that we plan our hikes around the weather, that we check and recheck the weather, and pray for ideal conditions. There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate gear. Ironically most memorable experiences, are the war stories that we share from the less than ideal conditions.

Hiking and nature photography is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. It is taking the road less traveled. Peak baggers can have a great time toiling all day to reach a mountaintop with no view, just to say they have done it. They likewise, can hike over rugged terrain 8-10 hours to eat a few crackers and cheese on a remote surrounding in a howling wind. Nature photographers do this same thing but are constantly looking for that perfect image to create images that no one has never seen before. All hikers have their favorite trails and destinations. Like fishermen, there are certain spots that we like to keep secret, in order to prevent them from over use and remain wild. Lace up your hiking boots, and add more destinations to life’s trailheads. Make your own memories, and find a renewal to your spiritual life.  SEE YOU ON THE TRAIL!