Earlier this year, my cousin (who lives in Wyoming) told me that she and her partner had secured permits for four people to hike the Teton Crest Trail and asked if my husband and I would want to join. 2024 is the year of 40 and the year of 10 years married and 20 years knowing each other. In other words, our answer was pretty much an instant yes (as long as grandparents were in to watch the kids, which yes, yes they were!).
We hiked for four days and spent three nights at different places along the trail. It was unlike anything I’d ever experienced before and, it seems crazy to say this, but the highlight for me was being responsible just for myself and my basic needs of food and shelter. Yes, it was insanely beautiful and it felt so special to do this with my husband and family I feel so close to. But, what I felt so powerfully as we got further into the hike, was that everything felt so stripped away and simple.
I write this knowing full well that this trip was a product of huge privilege. My kids were being cared for by family, we had the means to fly to Wyoming and we had the necessary equipment to go backcountry hiking and camping. I became acutely aware early on that my body was also fully capable of physically handling what it took to carry a big pack and ascend and descend freely without *much* pain.
This all being said, those three days showed me how little I actually need. Now I have a place to go back to in my mind when I need a reminder to complicate less and be present more. And when I can strip away the mess, I feel greater connection to others and a greater sense of community. Here’s to greater simplicity, continuing to nurture a more minimalist lifestyle and make space for more experiences like these.
Pictures below at a glimpse of what it all looked like!
1 comment
So cute, Al! Love the take away and can’t wait to spend more time with packs on with you, Andrew and Ash soon!