Why Do You To Go Into The Wilds?

[Survivaldon]

I have had the desire to be in the woods, deep in the woods, ever since I can remember. I think it has something to do with the Cherokee blood running through my veins. Even though I am only 1/8 Cherokee, I have always had the desire to live as my Indian ancestors did. I study the ways of the Indians from all the different tribes. Lakota - Sioux, Blackfeet, Crow, Seminole, etc. Getting back to the roots of how each tribe lived and touching the same land they did and exploring the same ground as them makes me feel very connected to them and it keeps me grounded within myself. ;)

So, what is the resaon(s) that you go into the wilderness?

How did you know you wanted to go exploring the first time you did?

How far do you usually go when you go out?

[Survivaldon]

Doesn't anybody here know why they ever started going into the wilds or backcountry?

If not, then what are we all doing here people?? :confused: :confused: :confused:

[allanscot]

I got hooked when I was about 8 building dens in the trees at the back of garden and going to Cub camps.

When I was a Scout I started to explore the local woods near my house with friends building rope swings over reservoirs and the like.

I finally started to explore further a field on my bike, started to climb munros and got into rock climbing. A lot of my best memories and experiences have come from these.

Nothing beats exploring somewhere new or waking up on a sunny morning at a remote camp site surrounded by trees with the sound of the birds and the early morning dew on the grass. I am lucky to live near Glasgow where we are never to far away for the country side.

Ray Mears and his Bushcraft re-kindled my desire to get back to our roots and living from the land. I have become too used to using disposable lighters and all the other modern kit that I carry without thinking.

I am doing the West Highland Way at the end of month, wild camping where I can to re-teach myself the skills that I have lost over the years since I was a Scout!

Being a Cub leader (and running more Scout nights than I would like) I am aware that I have gotten into a rut and stopped passing my passion for the outdoors onto the next generation. That is the reason I joined up this forum and also BushcraftUK to research and share outdoor experiences.

[Superslogger]

I look forward to trips away just to get away from the madness of modern urban living. It started when I was considering a life in the army and started mountain walking to get fit. Now I'm hooked for other reasons!

[Marmot]

i guess my first taste of the outdoors was in america, we use to live in arizona and for the holidays we'd pack up our ford people mover full of camping gear, drive for a couple of days and then find a camp site.
so that got me hooked, and then when we came to britain i went through beavers, thought cubs was rubbish and then started again in scouts, am now vice chairman of my local venture scout unit where we plan and organise people to go off and do trips and w/es.
never really got into the bare camping side of things - although im pretty certain i could - have read enough books on the subject

[ken_nerve]

So, what is the resaon(s) that you go into the wilderness?

How did you know you wanted to go exploring the first time you did?

How far do you usually go when you go out?

I go into the wilderness to be alone, I get to move at my own pace instead of being led by society's hectic pace. I run when I want to, I stroll when I want to and I can sit around for hours if I so desire. Though I like the company sometimes and go with 1 or 2 like-minded friends.

I dont know... I just went.

Not too far, I usually just do simple overnighters.

[Ollie]

I go to get away from things, and to stop me getting unhealthy, overweight and lazy! Quite simple, really! :D

[grummit]

i go to unwind and get away from urban life but on a small island it is hard to get away from light polusion or get to lost as to not see other walkers :(

[Marmot]

why not take up scuba diving? that would help u get away from all those pesky walkers

[m011i3]

I suppose the wilderness /outdoors is many things to many people.
It's a human instinct for example to be drawn to the warmth and security of a campfire irrespective of its obvious behefits.
i'm approaching fourty with 4 kids (3 are in their late teens - we started early) and i've got everything i want in material form ...except free time which is such a valuable gift to have- so I take to the outdoors whenever I can and enjoy the "get away fom it all" aspect !

[timmygowalkies]

For me, it's partly for sentimental value, and partly for the love of the outdoors. Before my Dad died we went walking a few times and ever since I've loved all aspects of the outdoors. I have places where I can go where it is so tranquil I can sit and reflect and sometimes cry from memories. There are other places that I feel free, without a care in the world. There are other places where I can go and look at myself and think what a lunatic as I stand on the top of the hill in hysterics as my hair blows all over the places and I hold onto rocks so i don't get blown away!