Yesterday we sent 11 boys out into the wilderness. Now I see men walking back into our main camp. They built their forts, conquered their fears, and survived all alone through the dark hours of night. Now they sit around our camp fire swapping stories and comparing shelter building strategies. Colin came in close contact with a marmot; it practically walked into his pine branch structure. Other guys saw deer, eagles, and other creatures. But no dangerous animals; although Nick was prepared for it, with his hand carved spear that looks as though it could have done some damage to a mountain lion.
So what was it like spending 15 hours alone? You talk to God a lot, since there is no one else to talk to. You read your Bible a lot. There’s no cell phone or i-pod to distract your thoughts. You become aware of how dependent you are on people and things to help you occupy your thoughts and give you something to do. I think the guys were surprised to discover a lack of boredom; a new sense of appreciation for time alone with no distractions.
Personally, I feel jealous. The leaders were not given solo time. I feel in need of some right now.
“Packs on”. We’re hiking again.
Posted on
Wed, July 22, 2009
by Chris Spitters