There are some trips (such as the one to the Rawah Wilderness)) where I want high mileage, physical challenges and getting off the beaten path. These trips are (usually) solo and are an intense experience for me.

Sometimes, though, I want to share the experience with others.

Since someone and I continued in our relationship, we have shared various outdoor excursions together. But, we have different outdoor backgrounds and philosophies.

I am a backpacker who camps to hike more. Camping is not the destination in itself…it is a place to stage the next days hike. I am not adverse to a beautiful camping spot…it is just secondary to why I backpack.

someone? A different philosophy. Make basecamp at a beautiful alpine lake for two days and explore around via day hikes. The camping spot IS the destination.

So, the balance we have been striking is to find a backpacking trip that is about hiking, but keeping the mileage low (by my standards) and making sure we have a beautiful spot to end the day.

Continue reading Snowy Range Sauntering at PMags.com.