Hike Your Own Hike, Hang Your Own Hang, and Hunt Your Own Hunt!

     I awoke to notice the temps had dropped severely. My breath had frozen to the plastic sheeting and Mylar I was using as a shelter. The fire outside my Harlton Hacienda had gone low after burning almost five hours, and heat no longer penetrated the my cozy little bubble of a shelter. However, I wasn't chilled as I slept in a raised bed, with a good sleeping bag. I'd gotten a solid eight hours, and that would make all the difference in the coming day.

     I called my student's name to check on his status. He was sleeping in a super shelter running parallel to mine, with the fire between us. He grunted a "Good morning" to me, and we crawled out of our shelters into the subzero morning air. It was time to stoke the fire, drink some coffee, and spend a few hours gathering more deadfall for the following evening.

     The main camp for this event was located about two hundred and fifty yards East of us. It consisted of various hammocks, ground tents, and a fellow even slept in a covered sled. It was easy to see who slept well, and who may have had a rough night. No worries though, everyone was comfortable enough to be safe, and there were provisions aplenty for those who might need them.

     All in all, it was a typical gathering, full of work, friendship, and shared memories. It also had two very important elements; everybody there did their own thing, and information was freely given and debated without condemnation. People asked how things worked, why someone liked what they did, and where and how to buy or make an item or setup. No high horses in sight. Something I think may be a rarity in today's outdoor communities.

     The raging success of social media has given voice to many who previously had no outlet for their ideas or philosophies. It has also established a platform for some to add a "standard" to outdoor activities and skills that previously had no comparison other than by their exposure to television programs and magazine articles. Now, any person that has an adventure can capture it digitally and upload it for the viewing  pleasure of countless masses. That's pretty cool, in my book.

 And like anything else, there are those that seek to profit from said exposure, Not all of it is capital gain. However, there surely are those that fit that bill. And still there are some who's profit is recognition for hard work, overcoming obstacles, or dedication to perfecting skills. All of this is perfectly fine. But then come the folks who tend to judge, compare, or minimize the efforts of some in order create said "standard" with the intentions of boosting their own egos, or filling their own coffers. Don't be surprised, this is a common business practice that has been going on for years!
"Our brand name soap cleans better than three times the amount of the generic!", has been heard by anyone with a T.V.

     Understand that there are a countless variety of outdoor communities out there. There are hikers, ultra light hikers, hunters, fisherman, survivalists, bushcrafters, bikers, tent and trunk campers, R.V. campers, trekkers... The list goes off into the sunset. And for each activity base, there is a long list of physical, mental, and equipment requirements. Many people often partake of more than one of these bases, finding enjoyment in whatever they do. They may find mastery in one place, and use the same skills in another. They also may never seek mastery, but enjoy all aspects of the adventure provided by whatever they happen to be doing at the time.

     Others may just wish to pursue certain passions, with mastery as the goal. They spend years planning climbs or through hikes, their eyes on the prize, and their minds focused on success. These folks have determination and persistence, and they deserve the praise for their accomplishments.

     Thanks to social media, there is yet another group. At times they may feel called to make

comments or provide information on the posts of others. At times the interaction my be critical, and isn't always welcome. The anonymity of the internet protects people, and may allow them to say things or voice opinions they may not voice in a real social setting. There are those that criticize or hold to standard in order to project a certain school of thought, or maintain a philosophy. They seldom handle criticism themselves, and have difficulty distancing themselves from conflict.These sorts of people may have difficulty in real social gatherings, and are usually found in any real aspect of life, such as coworkers, customers, ect...

     And let us not forget those that minimize others accomplishments while maximizing their own, whether for an ego boost, or financial gain.

     And still, there are others who are just plain right, and tend to share opinions based on hours of practice, immersion, and study. These folks, I've found, are usually to a level of maturity that allows them to shed the arrogance of accomplishment (we've all had that!) and extend helpful advice and tutelage to those seeking it. These guys are my favorite! You see, a master may have failed a thousand times to have the experience to be called so.

     Everyone, whether they know it or not, has a philosophy. The problems lay in how it is presented, and that once presented, we have no real control over how people will react to it. Just because we believe one thing doesn't mean somebody else believes it as well. Then we, as people need to decide

how to react when our philosophies are rejected.

     This may be the very problem with mankind. (Chuckling)

     Here's the rub; these things don't really occur in nature. A lot of outdoors enthusiast actually go out in order to escape these things in our lives. It makes me angry to see a young child post the following in an archery group on Facebook: "This is my first deer. (an 8 point) Please, no bashing"

     The thing is, we shouldn't have to ask to not be bashed. Everyone that goes out into the wilderness should have the right to at least search for whatever it is they may be looking for. You do not need to compare yourself to anyone! You are awesome just the way you are! Other than safety and good stewardship of the wilderness, we don't ever need to hold ourselves to the standards of others. If an item of gear works for you, don't listen to those that force their opinion of a better product on you. Dale jr. would still out drive me, even if I had a Ferrari and he had a Ford Focus. That's just the way it is, and that's fine by me!

     The wilderness is a gift to us. It's up to you to bring the respect and perspective into the picture. No one else can do it like you do, and don't expect to do it just like anyone else. Be safe, smart, and devoted, and the skills you want will be there when you need them!

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Safe journeys!
     ~Jeffy~                            http://www.commonfolkselfreliance.com/Default.asp