Five Million Steps Book: Adventure Along the Appalachian Trail, Author: Lon Chenowith

Five Million Steps Commentary: Adventure Along the Appalachian Trail

Backpacking in the wilderness is a sport full of surprises and challenges. Any age can do it.
It just takes a little planning and old fashion grit. The rewards of making tracks over a fresh
layer of snow, walking for hours alone in forest, and crossing the grasslands and gaps is
a grand experience whether there is sunshine or rain clouds. It may take a little while, but
soon the rumble of the town noise is gone and all you can hear is your heartbeat and a bird's
vibrant sing song. You see the world from on high and such travel has a way of giving gifts
of peace and even contentment, a missing ingredient with today's erratic and hectic pace.

When we do relax in post modern American it is usually before the 235 channel television
or to some hip hop beat playing in the background. Sure, some backpackers have ipods
and headsets, but most of wilderness travelers appreciate the purity of the experience apart
from the information and entertainment binge American culture is on. It has sucked all of us
in to some extent. So there is joy in strapping on the backpack, working up a sweat, elevating
the heartbeat, and taking in the sights God tucked in far away places where photographers
droll. Yes, the experience is better than what a photograph can capture. Breath in and smile big.