Chile
Contents
During our backpacking trip in Patagonia, we had ample time for reflection and discussion. I kept coming back to my love of backpacking, which was cemented even more during eight days on the trail. Some of the reasons relate to the beauty and fun of being in nature, while others relate to the physical and mental challenges of trekking which create a new perspective when returning to “regular” life (whatever that is these days).
The Beauty and Solitude of Nature
The O Circuit is a roughly 75-mile hiking loop in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile which includes the highly trafficked “W trek” along with a more remote section of trail usually called “the back side of the O.” On the back side of the O, there were times we were completely alone in what felt like a vast wilderness. This sense of complete solitude made me appreciate my fragility as a human and understand how fruitless worry and striving can be. As a wonderful creation, wilderness is intricate yet elegant; it is sufficient exactly as it is. However, one thing wilderness is not is safe. In creation, I see a larger reflection of us human creatures. We have a bit of the wild in us, but we often attempt to overcome our nature by striving (to achieve, to improve, to attain security.) Sometimes it is better to simply be and to rest in the understanding that being is enough. Backpacking is a good exercise of this mindset. You need only put one foot in front of the other on the path you are on and appreciate the gift of the current moment.
Simplicity and Necessity
There is no excess in backpacking (at least hopefully). While Christian and I are by no means masters of the UL (ultralight) philosophy, there is still a mandatory minimalism imposed when carrying everything on your back over mountains for days at a time. This simplicity of possessions is accompanied by a simplicity of tasks. Without access to social media, extraneous possessions, or to-do lists, it becomes clear how little is truly necessary in life. In daily life, every to-do can feel compulsory, however, when on the trail, the only necessary work is hiking, cooking, and pitching a tent. These simple tasks can be therapeutic as they allow for reflection, appreciation of small joys, and even connection when shared with another. In “the real world” tasks like these often become hurried chores done while worrying over our other (usually superfluous) to-do items: the same to-do items that are often created by the excess possessions and commitments in our lives (Excess begets excess begets excess).
While it isn’t achievable or even desirable to reach the same level of simplicity in real life, backpacking serves as a reset that reminds me to assess what is necessary when I return from the backcountry. It also reminds me of the costs of excess and the value of simplicity. When considering adding something to my life, I naturally tend to focus on what it will add (comfort, beauty, satisfaction, fun), however, each thing also comes with a cost, be it monetary or otherwise. Often possessions take away our time through their required maintenance, cleaning, and greater decision-making that comes along with greater choice. Activities take away from our dedication to other commitments or can easily become distractors that aid us in avoiding reflection, rest, and other vital but often overlooked activities. One of the benefits of simplicity, which is easy to appreciate when backpacking, is mental freedom. Away from the usual clutter, your mind is free to wander, reflect, and dream. It was beautiful to be able to share those reflections and dreams with a partner during this trip, and one of the most cherished parts of every backpacking trip is the conversations sparked with others who are along for the journey.
Appreciation of Simple Things
Although it was our longest, the O-Circuit was also the most luxurious backpacking trip we have undertaken. There were flush toilets, food and beer available for purchase, electricity, shelters for cooking, and even hot showers at most of the campsites. Regardless, hiking ten miles a day, followed by eating lentils and rice for dinner, and sleeping on the ground each night would still be considered ‘roughing it’ in our books. These experiences always give us a deeper appreciation for “small” things that we take for granted in our middle-class Western life: things like a bed, the ability to get an abundance and variety of foods on demand, and even the ability to settle an argument with Google. Backpacking also helps us appreciate the still simple, but much deeper things in life like having an able body that enables us to go on trips and see unspoiled nature.
Being subject to the forces of nature while backpacking can open your eyes to silver linings. The weather in Patagonia is notoriously terrible; we were told to expect relentless wind and rain. These conditions could easily lead to a miserable trip. I love the outdoors but I have my limits (getting cold and waterlogged being a couple of them.) I decided to have the attitude that since we were not promised anything I would try to appreciate any short moment of good weather for the gift that it is. Going into day one, we were treated to beautiful blue skies and light to no wind. What a gift! We did end up experiencing rain, violent winds, and even snow at different points of the trip, but the clouds always seemed to miraculously clear in time for us to see the best viewpoints. Our trip was not perfect, but because of that posture, we felt our overall experience truly was a gift. It is easy to overlook minor bright spots, but when you are looking for them, life becomes more beautiful.
One Path (and no choice but to follow it)
In “real life” it is easy to change course when something gets difficult. You can push yourself physically by going on a hike or a run, or push yourself mentally at work or school, but there is always the option to give up. It might not always look like quitting. It may be changing course (literally or figuratively). Changing course is not inherently bad, but doing it solely because something is getting too challenging is not how I want to live. There are often points on a multi-day hike when there is no option but to continue forward. Thoughts of quitting cannot even enter your mind. There were specific points (trudging up, then sliding down John Gardner Pass in the thigh-high snow and high winds comes to mind), when I likely would have turned around if I had been on a day hike. Given we were 30 miles from the start, there was no going back. In that situation I had two choices: keep walking or rest for a while and then keep walking.
Experiences like that have helped me to understand that I can choose to tolerate misery and that sometimes I can even enjoy a grueling challenge. Putting myself in these situations also recalibrates my estimation of my abilities and builds my mental toughness. When I am in future situations where more paths are available, I can still choose to continue forward when it gets hard. Another aspect of following one path is the singular focus it brings. In life, myriad choices distract us from being able to prioritize and reach a goal. I could do a thousand different things, so I become paralyzed and do nothing. Backpacking serves as a reminder that picking a direction and committing to it is rewarding.
Come Backpacking With Us
If you have an interest in trying backpacking or already love it and just want to get out more often, please let us know! Christian and I would love to hit the trail with you.
Even if you have never hiked before, we would happily loan you gear and show you the ropes. It can feel intimidating to try new hobbies as an adult because it seems like everyone is already an expert and you would be holding them back. On the contrary, we cherish the opportunity to share our love of the outdoors (and our considerably less-than-expert knowledge) with those just starting out.
See you on the trail!
Before and After the O Circuit
Photo Highlights from Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
Before backpacking Torres del Paine in Chile, we visited the Argentina side of Patagonia. We visited a glacier and went on a few beautiful day hikes!
A few more favorite photos from the O Circuit
After we finished backpacking Torres del Paine we headed up for a few days in Santiago, Chile. Our friends, Tyler and Yasi, were on their way down to Torres del Paine for their honeymoon and we got to meet up and explore Santiago with them.
Book Recommendations
We love reading Wendell Berry. He has a lot to say about simplicity as well as our relationship with land and nature. He writes great fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Below are just a few favorites.
A short poem: Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front
What Are People For? by Wendell Berry
Support independent booksellers: buy new or used on Biblio
In the twenty-two essays collected here, Wendell Berry, whom “The Christian Science Monitor “called “”the “prophetic American voice of our day,” conveys a deep concern for the American economic system and the gluttonous American consumer. Berry talks to the reader as one would talk to a next-door neighbor: never preachy, he comes across as someone offering sound advice. He speaks with sadness of the greedy consumption of this country’s natural resources and the grim consequences Americans must face if current economic practices do not change drastically. In the end, these essays offer rays of hope in an otherwise bleak forecast of America’s future. Berry’s program presents convincing steps for America’s agricultural and cultural survival.
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry
Support independent booksellers: buy new or used on Biblio
“For thirty-nine years Wendell Berry has brought us stories from the fictional town of Port William, Kentucky. […] Jayber Crow, is the story of a man’s love for his community […] Sent to an orphanage at the age of ten, Jayber grows up knowing of loneliness and want, and learns how to be a watchful observer of human goodness and frailty. With the flood of 1937 he returns to his native Port William to become the town’s barber. Slowly, patiently, the observer becomes participant.
“This is a book about Heaven”, writes Jayber, “but I must say too that it has been a close call. For I have wondered sometimes if it would not finally turn out to be a book about Hell — where we fail to love one another, where we hate and destroy one another for reasons abundantly provided or for righteousness’ sake or for pleasure, where we destroy the things we need the most, where we see no hope and have no faith…where we must lose everything to know what we have had”.
Sounding themes of love and loss, despair and deepest joy, Berry’s clear-sighted artistry in depicting the Port William membership will not soon be forgotten.”
A poem by Christian - November 2023
America the Beautiful
America of beautiful rivers, hills, and plains
America of grand mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls
America of vast deserts, forests, and jungles
America of diverse indigenous, settlers, and immigrants
America of vibrant tastes, smells, and colors
America of staggering architecture, art, and literature
America of democracy, liberty, and justice
I don’t speak of the United States
I’ve learned that the great power in the North doesn’t own the word “America”
Nor does it own the beauty of hills, mountains, deserts, peoples, and cultures
America is beautiful North and South
No, rather than the North, I speak of our experience in the South
I don’t speak of the Mississippi, but of the Amazon River, the cerros of Paraguay, and the Alto Plano
Not the Rockies, but the Andes, the glaciers of Patagonia, and Iguazu
Not the Mohave, but the Atacama, the Valdivian, and the Amazon Rainforest
Not the Cherokee, but the Quechua, the Spanish, and the melting pot of Buenos Aires
Not a grilled hot dog, but choripan, guiso, and Valipraso
Not the Empire State Building, but Machu Picchu, the paintings of Pedro Lira, and the writings of José María Arguedas
Nor do I speak of the costume of elections
Rather I speak of the dream of all people of America, both North and South
The dream that is constantly struggled for but is yet to be fully attained.
The dream that we raise our voices to demand for everyone, everywhere.
Democracy!
Liberty!
Justice!
We are keeping this blog ad-free. If you’d like to support us, consider making a small donation:
Leave a Reply to Raydene Taylor Cancel reply