Quote:
Originally Posted by gspot01
The Vikings believed that the exact date and method of our demise has been predetermined, a worldview that fosters bravery, ferocity, and recklessness. Our modern view is that if the medical establishment can intervene quickly enough, we can be saved (which nevertheless doesn't always happen), a worldview that fosters excessive prudence and risk-avoidance.
I think a rational stance somewhere in the middle is the best course. You have to take measures towards self-preservation and survival in the worst case scenario, but at the same time realize that when your time is up, it's just up. In the meantime, if you want to go camping, hiking, or fishing by yourself, go. Just be careful.
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Through my life's experiences, I guess I've ended up with a philosophy similar to the Vikings, although I have faith in a very different God.
In the days before cell phones and satellite radios (I remember those days), people still went into the wilderness, sailed the oceans, and flew into the sky - sometimes with others, and sometimes alone. I'm pretty sure the non-return (death) rate was higher - but that didn't stop people from going.
After living in Alaska for 6 years, you see the occasional death despite having the best equipment and training available. Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you.
I camp with my wife (and sometimes kids and other friends and relatives) because I want to spend time with her. But she doesn't get up at o'dark thirty, so I usually go for a dawn hike (1-5 miles) alone. One time, I came back to a black bear having destroyed our food supply - my fault for failing to put the dry goods tote back into the vehicle for the night - but my family had survived without me just fine. It did cost me an upgrade from a tent to a PUP.
I usually prepare well, but I don't let lack of complete preparation, mistakes, or omissions stop me from a looming adventure.
Enjoy camping!
Fred W
2014 Rockwell A122 A-frame
2008 Hyundai Entourage minivan
camping Colorado and adjacent states one weekend at a time
last trip: Black Hills, Custer State Park
next trip: Utah 5 National Parks