First Backpacking Trip – 3 Days in the Sierra Nevada
I recently had the chance to experience the beauty of backpacking, and I went into it with low expectations. But over time, I've come to realize that whenever I spend time in nature, it always turns out to be profound. This trip was no exception, especially since I had the guidance of my best friend, Michelle. She’s experienced in backpacking and was even part of search and rescue, so I felt confident and prepared with her by my side.
Our trip planning was a bit last-minute, with only about a month of preparation. Thankfully, Michelle helped guide me on how to pack and be preventive, which gave me the confidence I needed. We planned for three days in the Sierra Nevada, with Koenig Lake as our mid-trip destination. Our packs weighed between 35-40 pounds each, and our peak elevation reached 11,000 feet. A couple of weeks before, we trained at Blue Canyon Lake to get used to the elevation, so I was somewhat ready for the altitude shock.
Setting Intentions
As we started our hike, I set my intentions for the trip: to gain insight into my subconscious behaviors, beliefs, and habits. Self-awareness has always been a key part of my personal growth, and I knew this trip would help me evolve further. Since I started hiking, I’ve always had profound moments in nature, never coming back home the same person. Given the point I’m at in my life, I felt that this experience would shape my next steps both personally and professionally. Being in nature allows me to release doubts and questions, letting the elements transmute them into solutions.
The Partnership with Michelle
Within the first hour of our hike, I was hit with a wave of insight. I believe that pushing your body through intense challenges like this sharpens your awareness and connects you with your mind, body, and spirit on a deeper level. I quickly realized that this trip was not just about me, but about the partnership Michelle and I were building. We’ve been friends for nearly five years, but this felt like the next level. I saw a nurturing, caring side of her that I knew existed but hadn’t fully experienced until then.
Building a partnership like this, where it’s just the two of you and the unpredictability of nature, felt both vulnerable and intimate. I opened up about my lack of survival skills, my fears, and the areas where I felt unprepared. This vulnerability also made me reflect on past relationships and how easy it is to carry your partner’s anxieties and traumas subconsciously. As we walked, I focused on deep breathing and releasing any lingering energy from past relationships, appreciating the lessons they brought me and gaining clarity on what I truly desire in a partner.
Breathing, Elevation, and Self-Reflection
As we hiked at 11,000 feet, mindful breathing became essential. It was easy to forget how high we were and assume I could walk and talk like normal, but the elevation reminded me to stay present in my body. This breathwork also pushed out subconscious beliefs, especially around money. I intentionally wanted to dig deeper into my money mindset during this trip. While I dream of financial abundance, aligning with the necessary beliefs has always been a struggle. The winds at the top of the PCT felt like they slapped me into realizing how limited my money beliefs were.
I had to ask myself: What will I do once I attain wealth? Am I working this hard just to feed my ego, or is there a higher purpose? The realization that I want to pay it forward and help others achieve an abundant mindset shifted something in me. My pursuit of success became less about personal gain and more about creating change for others.
Feeling Connected to the Collective
A common theme started to emerge: I was thinking outside of myself, seeing my place within the larger collective. Instead of feeling alone, I felt woven into a vast quilt of humanity—a sense of belonging in the world. But just as I was settling into this tranquil feeling, we realized we had gone off the trail heading toward our camp. My energy was low, and my 35-pound pack was starting to weigh me down. In that moment, I had a choice: panic and believe I didn’t have the energy to make it, or trust Michelle and push through. I chose trust.
Arriving at Koenig Lake
As we approached our camp, I took a moment to reflect on the intensity of the journey. It was in that moment I knew backpacking was for me. The sense of accomplishment, the deep connection to the Divine, and the bond with Michelle—it all came together. That first night, as I heard something rummaging with our bags outside the tent, I thought to myself, “We’re really out here in the wilderness!” It was a reminder of how far I had come.
The Simplicity of the Next Day
The next morning, we woke up unsure of what to do with the stillness. I took time to ground myself, sipping on instant coffee as the sun warmed my skin. I felt myself melting into the landscape, becoming one with nature. Throughout the day, I explored our surroundings, journaling wherever I felt called to. Writing down my thoughts and insights felt grounding and secure—I didn’t want to lose any of the profound realizations I was having.
The simplicity of the day made me question how complicated life is back home, even when it feels peaceful. Out here, none of that mattered. In nature, the only perception that matters is whether or not you look like food to the animals. Everything else falls away.
Final Thoughts
My first backpacking trip was a journey of self-discovery, partnership, and connection to the Divine. It challenged me physically, mentally, and spiritually, offering clarity and insights that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’ve come to realize that nature holds the answers we seek, as long as we’re willing to slow down and listen.
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