For me, it's just getting out there. I like seeing what's over the next hill. I enjoy sitting on top of a ridge or a pass and admiring the views, or finding a place near camp to watch the sunset. I love the night noises. I even enjoy crawling out of the tent in the middle of the night if it's a clear night--the moon and stars are awesome. (If it's raining, not so enjoyable )

Like W_D, for me there's no such thing as "success" or "failure." Even the trip on which my dog got sick the second day was a good trip, even though we had to turn around and go back. I set up camp in a lovely spot about 5 miles from the trailhead and we just relaxed for two days.