Lori- I could not agree with you more! Turning inward or trying to figure out what's wrong with my life is the LAST thing on my mind when backpacking. It is pure escapism. I am 100% focused on my surroundings and simply "doing". I "feel" my surroundings with such a heightened awareness that I become the mountains. When younger I used to think I would figure out grand things when backpacking but it has never happened - way too into the experience, the moment. My mind actually becomes incapable of huge philosophical thought - from an intellectual standpoing it sort of turns to mush. I become a pretty simple person - eat, walk, sleep, feel sunshine on my skin, route-find, watch my step, observe everything, camp chores.

PS Lori, I would have thought that you would have been sent out on the search and rescue going on.