Why do You Hike?

[DavidR]

I've started a POLL to see what motivates others to hike. I thought about this as I hiked the Pinhoti this week, and here is why I hike; I would say escape and refresh. I enjoy getting away from my normal life and back to nature and all her elements. It's somewhat indulgent with all the sensations. The scents of moist brown leaves baking in the sun reminded me of brown sugar, bourbon, and butter. The trees conjured thoughts of ash and red wine. The soil made me think of mushrooms, Italian foods, rich broths. The chill of the morning air and the occasional rain were welcome. The simple warmth of a mug of coffee by the campfire with a good book. All simple yet indulgent things that I find refreshing. What about you? Why do you hike?

[Pathfinder]

David,

Just curious, why don't you post your poll right here on this forum?

[wirerat123]

It's the great escape, and it also just feels right to be out in the wilderness with minimal needs, just covering the basics, and it never ceases to amaze me how many things we consider necessity that are nothing more than convenience.  Less to worry about, less to require of yourself.  Just throw your needs on your back, put one foot in front of the other, and enjoy the world as it was supposed to be.

[DavidR]

David,

Just curious, why don't you post your poll right here on this forum?

Thanks guys. I post the poll on Alabama Tent and Trail to give readers yet another great reason to visit the site.

[Joshua Szulecki]

David,

Just curious, why don't you post your poll right here on this forum?

Kinda wondering the same myself, since we have a poll system in place. I mean, a little self promotion is fine, but...

 I can't find it despite a few minutes searching, but I recall doing a similar poll a few years back. If I can find it I'll put a link to the results.

Edit: It wasn't a poll. It was an open discussion about whether individual nature photogs were photographers first or bikers first. My bad.

[DavidR]

The reason I gave above is true, but the main reason is that I am really interested in the information that polls and discussions generate and I am drawing from multiple message boards, web sites, groups, etc. It’s easier for me to ask readers to visit a central poll that to visit all the sites to summate all the data. I suspect that there is a way to embed the html for the poll in various places, which should update a central database, but I haven’t had time to find out.

[Joshua Szulecki]

Oh, I wouldn't have even questioned it if I knew you were "simulcasting" the poll on multiple forums.

[2dogsrunnin]

My wife and I just enjoy being outdoors, and our two Brittanys love running through the woods.  Since I am not interested in hunting, hiking does just fine.  We just started this about two years ago to prepare for the Grand Canyon.  Now we hike most every weekend.

[SmokeDiver]

One part is meeting like minded people. The other part is the simplicity of it. It doesn't cost much unless you want it to. In the forest you don't have to check in with anyone, there's no mail to read, no phone calls, no noises. No one bothers you about anything. You walk until you are tired or find something interesting, you eat when you are hungry and you sleep on the ground when you need rest. There are no dinner appointments, no deadlines, no wondering how you will fit your next activity into your schedule. You just do it at your leisure.

[wirerat123]

I don't sleep on the ground   I'll leave that to those that don't mind sore shoulders and hips, and tossing and turning all night.

I'ts the journey, the destination, the people, the simplicity, the escape from the man made world and the complications we've created.

[camel]

To see God's gifts to us. Nothing speaks Church like a cup of coffee by a stream , waterfall or mountainside .
Camel

[jamfan]

To see God's gifts to us. Nothing speaks Church like a cup of coffee by a stream , waterfall or mountainside .
Camel

Well Said.  For me it's a lot of that, and just plain solace I find in it.   Also when going with friends, there is a camaraderie you can't find in normal civilized life.

[WolfVanZandt]

I enjoy the challenge (it's hikes like the long walks we take during the Howl that makes me think that my heart condition isn't all that bad after all) and there are many things that you never see unless you get off the pavement and start walking. East Bee Branch Falls and the Big Tree are a case in point.

[stargazer]

I love so many things about hiking:  the quietness(I love stopping during the hike and just listening to the "quiet"), the challenge ( I have pushed myself to many limits while on the trail), the chance to know that I can live simply; being with others that enjoy and appreciate God's gifts in nature and the time away from stress!

[Acree]

Backpacking, for me, is the ideal embodyment of the phrase "life is a journey and not a destination."
It is a journey from where you start the trail to where you end the trail.
It is a journey you make with your body as you work hard just to keep moving up that next mountain.
It is the final test for your own preparations in how you pack your supplies, food and water.
It is every living thing you encounter along your way.
It is the sound of the birds as they sing to the wind that gives them flight.
It is the taste of honeysuckle and tang of wild berries.
It is the larger-than-life sky and it's armada of clouds that sail across it.
It is the sweet smell of a pine forest.
It is the cruch of leaves under your feet and the gurlge of a nearby stream.
It is the feel of bark.
It is the songs the insects sing to each other using the whole of their tiny bodies.
It is the crisp morning as you set about checking your gear for the day's hike.
It is the friends you take with you.
It is the time where you are alone for long talks with your soul.

[Firedog]

Very nice Acree

[DavidR]

Thanks for all the input everyone. It's great to hear that there is a common sentiment among those who enjoy the outdoors. The poll results across several boards show that 61% hike to refresh, 57% to escape, with exercise at 42% and relaxation last at 38%. The comments that everyone has made resounds with the connection to nature on a deeper level. Muir said it best when he wrote, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.  Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.  The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

[Mountain Dog]

Well done Acree.  I've been asked this before and never had a good answer.  All I could say it certainly is not to feel hungry, thirsty, sweaty, stinky, tired, cold, hot, or to find where else you can form a blister.  I think you captured the esence of the reason we are addicted to this journey.  Thanks for the input.

[A.Quigley]

Just ran across this post and thought I'd chime in.
 I loved walking thru the woods as a kid. Would head out in the morning with a saugae and biscuit in a bagging and be gone till dark. Loved listening to the wind in the trees, watching the wildlife around me and see the wonders of nature all around me.
 I just started back hiking this past year. Not really an escape for me because I love both my home life and work. I have other hobbies but this one challenges my body but helps it also. The beauty in the woods are a wonder and I love to see new ones just around each bend.
 Can't wait till my next trip which will be next weekend.