Wild Encounters: Unforgettable Moments in Backpacking
From Life-Threatening to the Unusual: A Journey Through Backpacking Adventures
Backpacking is a journey that can take you through both the most tranquil and tumultuous experiences. On one side, you encounter breathtaking landscapes and serene moments. On the other, nature's unpredictability can lead to events that will stay with you forever. Let's delve into some of the most bizarre and life-altering escapades encountered during a backpacking trip.
Life-Threatening Moments: A Canoeing Adventure in Adirondacks
One such experience happened during a canoeing trip in Adirondacks, back in the 1990s. I was a young boy, along with my brother and dad, spending a night in a lean-to on an island in Racquette Lake. The weather took a drastic turn as a microburst hit the area. The wind was strong enough to uproot massive 100-foot trees, tossing them like playful children. Our lean-to, built by some unwitting individual who had no clue what they were up against, made it through the night as a miracle. The next day, the calm after the storm provided a stark contrast to what we had just experienced. It was at this moment, surrounded by the horror of the previous night and the peace of the next, that I gained an early understanding of the power of nature and the true meaning of fear.
Unforgettable Encounters: A Bear in Cimmaroncito
Backpacking also means facing the unexpected. One encounter that stands out vividly from my backpacking experiences happened in Cimmaroncito, a high-desert-forest area within the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico. Our scout group was there for a layover day, taking in the living history/learning center, showers, and an afternoon nap.
Within hours of settling down, a loud and chaotic commotion filled the air. Sonic booms of running and shouting echoed through the camp, accompanied by the sight of many camp staff dressed in colorful and humorous costumes, chasing after a confused-looking black bear. It turns out the bear had found a snack in an adult's tent two nights prior and bonded the bear to these portable shelters, making it a fast-learner.
The bear's mischief led to a series of unfortunate events. Eight tents were destroyed, three rainflys broke, and two backpacks were damaged. The sheer audacity of the bear to break into a tent with a scout inside, which led the scout to blow a whistle and scare the bear off, turned this bear into a dangerous threat. The next day, the wildlife officers shot it, leaving a sound so loud under the stellar sky that it seemed like part of the night’s beauty.
Lessons Learned: Reflecting on Nature's Rules
This experience serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to basic survival and outdoor rules. Keeping food out of reach and away from sleeping areas is not only a common sense guideline but an absolute necessity in the wilderness. The negligence of a single individual caused a chain reaction of untold damage and an unnecessary loss.
These moments of sheer unpredictability or near-disaster serve as valuable lessons in wilderness survival. They teach us to respect nature, to be cautious, and to adapt quickly to ever-changing environments. Whether it’s the life-threatening canopies of Adirondacks or the shocking presence of a black bear in the heart of Philmont, backpacking is an adventure that challenges and teaches.