"..nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people. " Mark Twain
As I reflect on 2011, especially the last 4 months, I still find myself motivated by 'Into the Wild'. Lately I've been reading Thoreau's 'Walden', and 'Hawaii' a novel by James Michener. I find myself jumping back and forth from one book to another depending upon my mood. Each time I switch to Into the Wild I become more fascinated by the story. Especially McCandless's conclusion that "happiness is only real when shared." To me this is a very powerful insight.
My original quest, when I departed October 9th, was to challenge myself against solitude. ( Someday I would like to sail to Hawaii, solo) The desert offered a good man against the elements scenario. The desert can be harsh, so too can the ocean. (Not to mention it's Wintertime and the weather is great) I'm a bit of a searcher, I'm after exercise, weight loss, knowledge against the elements, and as always a great adventure.
At first I was trying to eat bare minimum while drinking lots of water, I pulled this off for nearly two weeks. I felt great. I once worked a job in 2007 that required drinking lots of water. It was amazing to me how much energy I felt and how healthy it made me feel. I figure sailing for 3 weeks across the pacific is going to require eating small rations and drinking lots of water. I think small rations because I don't want to be 300 pounds when I get to Oahu. Also, what if I get stranded in the water for a month and run out of food. No good. I think I have accomplished my goal of this exercise. I have gained very good knowledge that I'm going to need, and the discipline it's going to take to pull it off.
My thought now is whether I the same Hiker Mike that left October 9th. I think not. ( I wasn't actually Hiker Mike yet, although I was hiking; that is neither here nor there. :) Since coming to the slabs I have found a social network and learned some things about myself that makes me rethink my plans. I would still like to sail to Hawaii, to accomplish this trip solo would be a great feat. I'm not so sure however that I still hold steadfast to making the trip solo, or maybe going solo has a different meaning now.
Recently I finished the book "Sailing alone around the world". Honestly it didn't motivate me to jump in a boat and set sail. The more I think about it, I wanted to sail alone for the wrong reasons. Or, maybe I already did set sail alone and I'm good with what I've learned from it. I think what I want is to sail to Hawaii with somebody who wants to sail to Hawaii.
I believe Happiness is best when shared. I have experienced happiness on my current journey and I don't want it to end. I want to share.
Casting off the bowlines,
Hiker Mike
Oooh, you've touched on something that's been true for me. I lived in mansions on the Malibu coast, private beach and all. Every day I saw the ocean steps beyond the front windows. I got to drive beautiful, fast cars. And to top it off? The bills belonged to someone else. The place was mine to use for about 28 days out of every month.
ReplyDeleteIt was wonderful. And it was sad. I had all that, but I quickly learned that without someone with whom to share it the experience seemed hollow somehow. Like a beautiful package with nothing inside.
I've traveled alone and I've traveled with others. Both experiences have had their pluses and minuses. I do enjoy traveling alone, but I learned going to a romantic place like tropical Cancun and staying in a romantic resort room alone was a bit sad.
You always write good comments.
ReplyDeleteThank You, HM
You inspired a post, with backlink ;)
ReplyDelete