kevin
Trail Wise!
Posts: 25
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Post by kevin on Apr 10, 2017 19:21:11 GMT -8
Howdy y'all, I am new here and fairly new to carrying my camp on my back. I started walking the country roads to get myself in condition to better care for my wife as she was declining in health. It turned into open air therapy when my wife's friend (my friend as well) started to walk with me. The further we went, the more I found I need to have with me and my backpacking evolution began. I have camped out of my pack a couple of times so far and modify the contents according to the trip now. The adding more stuff for weight conditioning phase is now past and I am looking forward to longer adventures down the trail. My wife passed away five months ago now and I am finding peace in hiking the trails in the state parks near by as well as exploring into other states. I will eat beets if they are pickled, wear a kilt on occasion, and buckskins in historical re enactment events. Most of my time is spent under a cowboy hat on my little ranch in the NE corner of Texas.
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desert dweller
Trail Wise!
Power to the Peaceful...Hate does not create.
Posts: 6,291
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Post by desert dweller on Apr 10, 2017 19:55:35 GMT -8
Welcome kevin. Great reply!
Backpacking is probably the most therapeutic activity a person can do. The rhythm of the walk and the clearing of the mind work together to help one to figure things out. You're on a good path.
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gabby
Trail Wise!
Posts: 4,539
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Post by gabby on Apr 10, 2017 19:56:31 GMT -8
I don't see anything wrong about the way in which you've been doing it so far - in fact, it's probably the best way to start. Classic. Right action, right mind: you seem to have found a really good path.
I understand how important getting out by yourself is in emotional adjustment of just about any kind. I wish you the best in your efforts to deal with what can only be called a devastating loss. May your trails be truly peaceful and illuminating.
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Post by cweston on Apr 11, 2017 4:05:59 GMT -8
Welcome. I'm so sorry about your wife, and so glad that you've found something that helps you deal with life's ups and downs.
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kevin
Trail Wise!
Posts: 25
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Post by kevin on Apr 11, 2017 4:24:17 GMT -8
I appreciate the welcome and kind words. Encouragement is fuel for the day ahead! Going out for a jaunt in the rain to see if mud is still slippery when walked on.
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Deborah
Trail Wise!
Yes, that's me.
Posts: 1,115
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Post by Deborah on Apr 11, 2017 4:38:15 GMT -8
Welcome from Colorado. We have a few trails up here you can follow and I hear some include hills.
Pics f you wearing your kilt are welcome in the Official Kilt Thread.
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mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
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Post by mk on Apr 11, 2017 4:54:10 GMT -8
I'm so sorry about your wife kevin, but glad you found backpacking and the forum. Welcome from the DFW area.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Apr 11, 2017 5:43:02 GMT -8
Howdy!
And here I was all ready to suggest beef jerky as an alternative to fresh meat.....
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texasbb
Trail Wise!
Hates chicken
Posts: 1,223
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Post by texasbb on Apr 11, 2017 6:17:13 GMT -8
Welcome, kevin from NE Texas! I'm formerly from SE Texas, now in SE Washington.
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Post by trinity on Apr 11, 2017 6:35:27 GMT -8
Welcome, from the Texas Hill Country. So sorry about your wife. You have found one of the best means of healing there is. You are also close to some pretty nice backpacking destinations in Arkansas.
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Post by autumnmist on Apr 11, 2017 7:31:05 GMT -8
kevin , I too am so sorry to learn of your wife's passing. Your tribute to backpacking and being outdoors in the peace and solace of nature is well stated. I'm glad for you that you were able to discover its benefits to help ease the transition and sorrow from loss of your wife. And I'm sure that helped her as well as you could bring that peace to your care for her during her last months. Welcome from Michigan. P.S. We LOVE photos if you'd like to share.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
Posts: 12,708
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 11, 2017 8:20:13 GMT -8
Another welcome, and condolences. Like others have said, I think there's no place for healing like the outdoors. Going out for a jaunt in the rain to see if mud is still slippery when walked on. I've finally had a chance this winter to test that, after years of CA drought. My tests suggest that it is, but I'll be glad to have you confirm my results.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2017 9:27:17 GMT -8
Welcome, from Central Texas. I'm very sorry about your wife.
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Post by starwalker on Apr 11, 2017 10:13:56 GMT -8
There are some good trails in SE Oklahoma, Broken Bow Lake for one. A number of trains in the Ouachita Mountains are also a couple of hours north of the Red River. Glad you are here, may you find peace on the trail.
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Post by starwalker on Apr 11, 2017 10:14:18 GMT -8
You will find that we share our lives both the good and bad on these boards. Feel free to talk.
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