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"Death March" -vs- "Cathartic trance"
Lets talk about the typical "death march" on the end of an absolutly, way too long day of hiking. As you are stumbling and agonizing your way through the woods back to your destination, what do you think about. I have had this discussion verbally with a lot of folks in the past years. What I have found is a huge spectrum of answers. I go into almost a trance like state and am almost void of thought and/or feeling. I point my body in the right direction and my feet and legs just seem to take over. I can feel time going by and have little regard for it and only stop to eat, or bivy in an extreme situation. I would love to know what all of you think about on those last exhausting miles of such a trip. We all, I am sure, feel great enlightenment upon reaching our destination...even if it is just to pull out your bag and fall into a deeper than normal sleep
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The ability to endure agony and pain makes the moment of triumph only sweeter.... -
I think about the 3 hour drive home and the beer in the fridge.The best, the most successful adventurer, is the one having the most fun. -
I think about how attractive Canoe camping is beginning to look."If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them more than the miracles of technology. We must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." Lyndon B. JohnsonComment
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I'm thinking ... I'll never put my body through this kind of agony again. Then, I go out the next weekend and do it all over.Originally posted by adventureboy
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I usually zone out while 2 or 3 lines from the current most annoying song on the radio repeat ad nauseum in my head. I keep them in my head so as not to torture my hiking companion or dogs.
ecc
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So what's so great about climbing 46 of these anyway. I'm out of here and I'm never leaving my den again.Comment
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My only thought is...
Why did I pack so heavy? I only get the zoned out effect when I hike at a constant steady speed for more then a mile. It actually starts to feel like a natural high. Its from being in the woods period. Whether I'm just getting there or on my way out I enjoy the moments that I'm there. That and its the "runners high" effect. You push and push until you feel like you can't go no more and then (boom) you hit a breaking point and feel like you can go forever. Anyone else here get the same way or feel the same effects? Jason
Square Peg, Round Hole, Big Hammer!!Comment
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I'm reorganizing my pack and gear in my head. That and thinking about all the other gear I need to make this d**n quest more bareable....
Oh yeah, and about how much I love this stuff despite all the agony I'm going through...
Muddler"Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul." John Muir
my fishing/hiking blog: http://thewestcanadafreak.blogspot.com/Comment
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Nothing new to add, really...zoning out... the beer...the "earworm" tunes..."I've learned my lesson" (but I haven't!), etc. I have experienced the same phenomenon on a too-long canoe trip as well, and the rhythm of the paddle in the water starts weird tunes going through my head!Comment
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On those last few miles of trail, I usually feel completely worn out, but then also, I feel complete. I have a wonderful satisfaction of being physically worn but spiritually recharged.
I am thinking usually:
- should I pack up my poles now?
- Should I undo my belt now?
- Will my auto windows be intact?
- Where is my wallet & key?
- make sure I save my tracks on my GPS so I don't have to download 180 miles of highway tracks.
- Will I be able to change behind my car?
- Which stuffsack had that last piece of chocolate?
- Where's the best place to stop for an Ice Cold CocaCola - Full Sugar Full Caffeine!
Rick
The measure of your ignorance is your belief in tragedy. What the caterpillar calls the end of the universe, the master calls the butterfly...
...unknown...Comment
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maybe another one this weekend
If things go, well, off the plan on friday I will be experienceing this effect once again as I head towards the gate in St Huberts. My Colvin/Blake/Nippletop/Dial day trip may turn into quite a long hike if the conditions are not favorable. Either way I will just be glad to be out in the woods, making a few more checmarks, and feeling alive....The ability to endure agony and pain makes the moment of triumph only sweeter....Comment
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In my mind I'm thinking: "I hope I'll cross or catch up to a couple of cuties"
Last edited by Martin; 11-01-2004, 09:49 PM.Who needs a Psych when you have the outdoors.Comment
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Man, I've thought that while climbing my first 20 or so peaks. lolOriginally posted by RivetI'm thinking ... I'll never put my body through this kind of agony again. Then, I go out the next weekend and do it all over.
I try not to get to that point anymore. I've been close to fatigue/exhaustion, but each time was prepared for its potential in the last leg of the hike. I just prefer NOT feeling that again, but I always seem to think I'm Superman when I'm out there. Not looking forward to the day I meet my kryptonite. Learning from the mistakes of others is something I'm starting to value the more I venture outdoors.Comment
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I usually think about kicking Kevin in the ass for bringing me out there as he is trudging along in front of me.
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I have two modes, depending on terrain.
On downhills I reach a kind of meditative state through total concentration on foot placement, pacing, and body orientation. It's similar to Zen meditation, where the goal is to completely suppress cognitive thought. In this case my body takes over and there is no conscious thought process - my body makes the decisions and I just go with them.
On level ground I tend to think about beer, food, hot showers, and never, ever, ever doing this again...Comment
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