Wildness found on a Wilderness Trail: American Camino (Blog 13)

 In American Camino, one part of this chapter stuck out to me: the concept of leave no trace. In this chapter, he reflects on the experience that one hiker had where he carved into a stick and wanted to leave it at the top of the summit. To him, this was meaningful. It highlighted the journey that he had walked, and it served as something of an appreciation to him. Though environmentally, it was impossible for the place where he laid his stick to happen naturally. At the top of the summit, it wouldn't decompose properly and would also interfere with the experiences of the hikers who come after him. The idea of Leave No Trace is to try your best to not take, leave, or interfere with nature, and this reminded me of when I was a scout. I was drilled to have this concept in my mind. Through every hike, campout, or anything in the wilderness, they made sure that we knew this concept, and I thank them for it. Using Leave No Trace, I've been able to fully be within nature, knowing that I'm protecting it, while also having a positive/enjoyable time doing so. I also know that I won't be negatively affecting the experiences of the other hikers that will come after me, since the only way they will know I have walked where they have is through the trail they are walking on.  

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