Solo backpacking as epistemic suicide

[David Chenault]

Fact: Glacier, at least on the Pacific side, has a stunning lack of snow. I did a 40+ mile loop Friday-Saturday without skis or snowshoes (but with crampons).

Thesis: If existence as such is defined intersubjectively (in the post-Derridian world), than solo backcountry travel is an especially effective and absurd way of establishing ones identity.

Evidence: http://bedrockandparadox.com/2012/01/09/prematurely-seeking-death/

Gear:
Shangrila2
WM Ultralite
Ridgerest Sola'
DAS/Micropuff pants
Bushbuddy/Firelite 900
MYOG 'race' pack
MYOG poles
Camp Magix 10
Cap 2 ups and downs
French Roast pants
Boreas pull-on
Litespeed jacket
etc

[Paul Wagner]

But did you have fun?

Or did you forget your novel, and only bring a thesaurus?

[Nick Gatel]

Dave,

Normally I truly enjoy your trip reports and stories. I also enjoy hiking solo, which I do most of the time. Now I am truly confused. Do I need a need a new camera, or listen to Death and the Maiden?

;-)

[Nick Brown]

Thanks David. Interesting thoughts and nice photography. Gives the sense you are in a good place, getting after "it". Traction towards whatever that is for you.

[Roger Caffin]

Shouldn't this be in Chaff?

Cheers

[Mark Primack]

Screw the philosophizing–beautiful pics. I too love solo hiking in the winter–except when post-holing. My family gave me a PLB last year, and while it won't save me if I slip over a cliff capped by slippery moss, if its a mere ankle break, it might help. I've worked so hard to get in shape to get up the mountains that I actually don't want to die out there, as that would end my adventures and the possibility of maybe heading back to Alaska.

[David Chenault]

A few years I resolved, as an experiment, to not bring reading material on backpacking trips for the whole year. Now I never do, and am better able to just sit and appreciate as a result. And it's lighter.

[James Castleberry]

Good article and photos. Pushing boundaries and facing death. No fu**in' around. First Kierkegaard, now Derrida. Never heard of either of these cats but trying to follow up and at least grasp their key points. I've probably spent too much time with Terance McKenna and Timothy Leary, or current philosophers such as Neil Kramer who incorporate the psychedelic experience into their philosophy. Lot to be said for facing the possibility of death as a learning experience. I'll take solo backpacking over warfare or cage fighting.

[Nick Gatel]

Many, many years ago I brought reading material and it never was utilized, so I lightened my pack of it forever.

[Leslie Thurston]

david, clearly there's a unique depth to your experiences that ultimately reflects an uncanny kinship with the natural world. reading material in hand, or not, the photos serene, your observations profound, i found the thread entirely inspiring and enlightening. WORD.

[Author]

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