Road Wisdom: The "Right Way"?

“One Touch of Nature Makes The Whole World Kin.”

-W. Shakespeare

This simple and optimistic observation literally came up from under our feet as we were hiking in northern California one overcast afternoon last month. The quote was displayed on an inconspicuous trail-side plaque in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. We were hiking in a grove that was home to some of the oldest remaining Redwoods in the world when we found this keen observation by an artist known more for Elizabethan theatre than wilderness ethics. Stopping to contemplate this simple reflection we fell silent hiking out to the car as we were both stirred by the realization that regardless of our personal and recreational differences, there is a common thread that connects us all, nature herself.

We have meandered over 20,000 miles traveling and teaching about the Leave No Trace principle Be Considerate of Other Visitors, and this statement resonated strongly with us. It gave us an opportunity to discuss the various perspectives of outdoor recreationists we have encountered along our path as Traveling Trainers. From mountaineers to hikers, horseback riders to mountain bikers, and everything between, we have been inundated with the opinions and passions of the outdoor recreation community, young and old, female and male, urban and rural. Almost anyone who finds pleasure in the outdoors will tell you why their own approach to experiencing nature is the “right way” to enjoy the outdoors. And why everyone else’s is intrusive and unsustainable or just “wrong.” So goes the wisdom behind the suggestion to be good to one another while we share the finite spaces that seem to grow more cozy each time we head outside.

What is it then that brings us together as an outdoor community with so many points of view to debate?

Instinctively we venture outdoors in local parks, on stretches of river along our land, and in mountain ranges that watch over us all from distances only the imagination can measure to find solitude, adrenaline, or perhaps community. We do this because we are happy there, and for a time, share a sense of community and togetherness that other areas of our lives may not offer. Next time you head outside, please consider that the other individuals and groups you meet on the trail or in the park are people just like yourself seeking enjoyment and peace in the out doors.

All the best,

Agata and Jason