I spent the last two weeks in the wilds of Montana at Glacier National Park. Six of those days were spent backpacking with my 10 year old son, Charlie. I had never backpacked before and in my mind I equated it to going on a walk with a backpack. I was wrong.
I had all of the right equipment, and had read up on proper backpacking methods. I felt ready.
At the start of the trip our path was downward and the scenery was beautiful. I felt that the three days that the ranger allocated for us would be plenty to complete our 45 mile adventure.
However, as the days worn on the path became steeper and steeper. This combined with our overall fatigue had a significant and negative impact on us. Our four day, three night trip expanded to six days, and five nights. At times every step was an effort as I was likely dehydrated and in an electrolyte imbalance.
On a positive note I had faith that I would successfully complete the hike, which is exactly what I did. I worked together with my son and we became a team with a common goal. I think the lessons that I learned from this adventure will be carried to the other parts of my life. I am stronger than I thought I was, and I now have more knowledge to make my next hiking adventure a greater success.
Some times you just have to do what you have to do to get through a challenge. I feel that I not only survived this challenge, but I also grew because of it.
