My brother and I went on a short backpacking trip in October, and it got me thinking about why I like wilderness. As much outdoor stuff as I do, I’m really a city boy at heart. I like being comfortable and I like having my stuff around me all the time.
In some way, my natural inclination toward the city demonstrates the spiritual power of wilderness. Wilderness is where the din and static of everyday life melts away. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate the beauty, quiet, and solitude nature affords. Which, of course, doesn’t necessarily mean you like swarms of mosquitoes at dusk without your Deet.
The more I venture into designated wilderness areas, the more my gratitude for the folks who made the effort to make these areas so grows. In Colorado, designated wilderness means no machinery is allowed. That means cars, trucks, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, chainsaws, and mountain bikes, to name a few. These places are set aside purely for the preservation of their respective ecosystems and to enjoy them on foot. Campsites are spread far apart, and because you have to pack everything in, it’s unlikely your neighbor dragged in his 2,000-watt home stereo for your listening (dis)pleasure.
As profoundly as I feel it, I’m not really sure how to express the importance of saving wilderness. As I said earlier, I’m a city boy. I like my stuff and I am uncomfortably aware of the exploited resources and displaced wildlife that stuff costs. So I look for a balance.
I encourage you to visit a designated wilderness in your area. Just walk in far enough to close out the outside world. Take your kids. I don’t think you’ll walk back out as quite the same person.
