Describe an object that is important to you and explain why

zipper of the backpack was open. I noticed that there was a brown and black

Stevenson, J. (2010). The complete idiots guide to backpacking and hiking. New York; Penguin Group.

Summer was a wonderful time in the mountains of the Eastern Sierra for the Paiute people. They looked forward to getting up to the higher elevations to beat the heat of the infernal Owens Valley. Many happy times were shared in the high mountain camps of the Paiutes. They established relationships, enjoyed the flowers in the meadows, and lived their life to the fullest just like we do today. The only difference was that they were the only people around at the time living a wild existence in an even more wild land inhabited by Grizzly Bears, coyotes and ravens.

For many young people the summer season includes plans to travel the world, take leaps in life, explore new things, and make lasting friendships. For some people summer means traveling across the country from Maine to California. Residing in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Yosemite National Park. Allana Hall describes Yosemite as “a tight knit community nestled in tree covered wilderness that leaves you speechless and wanting more”. Yosemite is a unique city-like national park that lies far from most other civilization but is bustling with guests and locals within the walls of the valley. Allana states “everyone stays in canvas tents, were charged $7 a week for rent. Living here is simple, and everyone is like family. There is a

Rat Kiley’s “canvas satchel filled with morphine and plasma and malaria tablets and surgical tape and comic books and all the things a medic must carry, including M&M’s for especially bad wounds for a total weight of nearly eighteen pounds.” (O’Brien, 2009, pg. 5) Henry Dobbins carries a twenty-three-pound unloaded M-60 with approximately fifteen pounds of ammunition draped on his body. Henry Dobbins also carried “his girlfriend’s pantyhose wrapped around his neck as a comforter.” (O’Brien, 1990) Mitchell Sanders carried the Kiowa, an illustrated New Testament and condoms. Norman Bowker carried a diary. Ted Lavender carried six or seven ounces of top-notch dope. Ted Lavender also carried tranquilizers and extra ammunition because “he was scared”. (O’Brien, 1990) All men have “to carry a steel-centered, nylon-covered flak jacket, which weighed 6.7 pounds, but which on hot days seemed much heavier”. (O’Brien, 2009, pg. 3)

From discovering turtle nests, cliff jumping, to the daily wind down it was a blast. After catching two baby turtles, Stuart and I made sand castles for them to live in and brought food for them to eat. Koopa Troopa and Shelly were our very own turtles. We eventually had to let them go and release them into the lake. At this point my seven-year old self was probably very emotional and probably cried. Once my turtle phase was over, we often times went cliff jumping. A few miles down the lake was a group of cliffs that we would jump off fairly often. The feeling of falling from the rock and splashing into the water was so fulfilling and invigorating. Since running up and down the cliffs was relatively tiring, we eventually would take the pontoon back to our dock and unload all of our belongings. When the day would come to an end, our entire family would cozy up around the TV and watch The Wilderness Family movies. Most of us would fall asleep on the couch and wake up when the sun shone through the huge glass windows that surround us. By then the weekend was over, and it was time to go

When I was eight years old, I caught a big, long trout, and the feeling of victory made it memorable. Now, I fish every opportunity I have. Furthermore, the beauty of nature is refreshing. The scenery outside is breathtaking. While I was at Christopher Run Campground, located in Mineral Run, Virginia, I awoke to a beautiful, colorful sunrise. In awe, I learned to appreciate the magnificent landscape. I will cherish that enduring moment forever. Also, the peaceful noises of outdoor life are calming. A nearby stream of flowing water made the setting more serene. As I heard the birds chirping and the wind blowing from the sounds of nature, my stress level immediately declined. Lastly, the amount of fun I have is indescribable. Roasting marshmallows are the best part of a campfire. On a summer night in August 2014, my family and I sat by a bonfire devouring our heavenly marshmallows; it is one of the most unforgettable moments of my life. Gooey, chewy, and delicious, these sweet treats make my smile grow wider! Telling scary stories with family and friends is entertaining too. Exchanging spooky tales around a fire is not only a fantastic bonding experience but an amusing

Transitioning from my comfortable sixty degree waterside house to a one hundred degree tent was challenging. I had to live independently, collaborate with others from different states, and work past my heat tolerance. The isolated enclosement known as my campsite was dirty, cramped, and reeked from the stench of porta-potties baking in the southern sun. Limited showers made everyone all the more uncomfortable around each other. I wake, aching from sleeping on the ground,

The Igloo Sportsman backpack is perhaps one of the best coolers ever for hunting adventures when you do not want a large cooler weighing you down. It holds an average of 4.2-stars and most people cannot stop talking about how great it is. This Igloo Sportsman camo cooler can hold up to 18 cans and it is adjustable to ensure it fits you properly. There are also exterior pockets for you to keep other things in it and eliminates the need for another backpack to

Sophomore year had ended, and my summer had just begun. After a long wait to gain permission to go on a backpacking trip. My father gave me the approval. I took my love for the outdoors and began to explore it even more.

CamelBak Rouge is a great pack for those planning to complete a short mountain hike. Larger sized packs might benefit those looking to carry more supplies on a long 5 or 6 hour trek into the wilds.Best Bits

this summer nina visited Niagara Falls for three days, and had a lot of fun seeing how beautiful it all was. she only went camping once all summer! her usual summer routine went like this: waking up, getting dressed, and watching tv. After that she would play some video games and maybe go shopping with her

When I reflect on what matters the most to me I begin to look at what gives me a sense of purpose. Family, country, and believing in myself is what gives me that purpose and is what matters to me. I feel these characteristics are in the make-up of my DNA and what drives me day to day. If I were to pass away tomorrow, I feel in retrospect that I would not have any regrets because I live everyday with the mantra of family first, country second, and believing in myself.

Although it may seem illogical, my love for hiking started before I could even walk. When I was still quite young, I remember being put into a child carrier on my dad’s back, my head bobbing in rhythm to his steps. I am told that sitting in that backpack is the quietest I had ever been, as I was enraptured by the passing trees give way to the sunny slopes of the alpine. Upon learning how to walk, I began to pester my parents to free me from the prison that was the child carrier, and ever since then, hiking has become one of my favorite hobbies. Hiking gives me a sense of accomplishment and provides me with a place that I can find peace from the literal and metaphorical noise in my life. My parents have fostered my love for hiking and nature, by bringing me on vacation every year to hike for at least two weeks.

new backpack for the school year. My goal was to address this inadequacy by collecting, cleaning and redistributing gently used and new