I hefted my pack up onto my shoulders, tightening the straps and cinching the waist loop. It was heavy, but still less weight than I’m accustomed to carrying while trad climbing. Inside this relatively small pack, I had managed to cram a sleeping bag, bed pad, inflatable pillow, tarp, sweater, and a small assortment of miscellaneous camping gear. I also had a some food for the next 24 hours as well as (enough?) water.

A recent rain had left the ground shimmering, the sun reflecting off of the tiny droplets of water. I was hoping that my old hiking boots were still waterproof and would withstand the damp tall grasses the first portion of the trail crossed through.

I checked to make sure my car was locked, and then walked into the wild.

To be clear, my destination was only 8.5 miles away from the nearest road, so to some extreme adventurers, using the term “wild” may be a bit of stretch. For all purposes, however, I was backpacking in the Monongahela Forest in West Virginia, far from any cell reception, gas stations, or wifi. Yes – I’d consider this the wild.

The trail I had chosen was picked intentionally for its forested nature; shade is always welcome during the hot and humid summer months and renders outdoor activity more pleasant. I also chose this trail because it’s a ridge, meaning that the elevation change wouldn’t be substantial while still enabling me to benefit from gorgeous views.

I walked for 8.5 miles, spotting a very large black rat snake, a few deer, and some unidentifiable rodents. My legs were getting tired, but I welcomed the pleasant burn of physical activity. When at last I reached my camping spot, I was delighted at the simple beauty of the landscape. It was sheltered from the wind, but just a stone’s throw from a westward vista. I was able to spot the backside of Seneca Rocks, my go-to climbing spot.

After setting up camp, I “enjoyed” my dehydrated meal while watching the sunset. It was slightly surreal – the fierce wind whipping my hair around while my legs enjoyed the rest and my eyes relished the myriad of colors.

By the time 9 o’clock rolled around, I was sufficiently exhausted and ready to crawl under my tarp. I lay listening to the sounds of the forest and the mountains as they settled in for the night. I was filled with a sense of happiness and contentment that is difficult to find on the suburban-side civilization. As I dozed into the first dredges of sleep, I considered the 8.5 miles I would be hiking back to my car tomorrow. It would be a little tough, but I would relish every moment of it.

The wild lulled me to sleep.