![]() If thru hiking, I do not want to carry all those extra tools in order to make something. For carving, that may mean packing a hatchet, folding saw, and more knives. When setting up basecamp, you maybe able to carry more materials and specialized tools. In basecamp situations, things will be very different than if you are performing a thru hike. Weight and size is something to definitely consider when packing for the trail. It also helps if these activities pack small too. Having an activity that does not require a lot of tools and materials to pack is very crucial. Journaling is such a valuable tool for mental health that it needs to be (in my opinion) a necessity on long hiking trips.Īctivities That Don’t Weigh Much or Take up Space Draw things that inspire you along the trail like a really interesting bug, a beautiful flower, or a breathtaking view. You can not only keep a written journal, but it can be a visual journal. For blogging, I am going to use my journal a lot. Use it as a diary to write down the events of each day, what happened and how it made you feel. Not just for the venting, but it helps to organize ideas, make plans, and so on. I started years ago keeping a journal and it helps me a ton. The trail will be an emotional roller coaster at times, so having a place to write or “vent” your frustrations can be good. I highly recommend keeping a journal for your thoughts and feelings. Any little thing that you can do to keep you mentally in it is a good thing. There are a ton of other things you can do along the trail to fight that boredom. If carving is not a risk you are not willing take, that is great! Know your limits. Have a good first aid kit handy incase of an accident. Even the most experienced carvers will have slips, but novice carvers tend to slip a bit more. This is only learned by experience, so this means practice. Learn your capabilities, comfort level, and limits is going to be important. When we have control, we can be safe while we are carving. Practice is great because it gets your muscles used to the tiny movements that are needed when carving a piece of art. Now it needs to be said, you should practice before you get out there in the middle of no where. If it is soft and spongey, leave it be on the ground. We also want to make sure that the piece is not rotten already. We do not want to harm any still living trees for the sake of our carving. When selecting wood for carving, make sure it is already lying on the ground. The material for carving is cheap will be all around you lying on the ground! That’s it! If you are carving an idol, charm, or something else, you may only need a straight knife to get the job done. Imagine eating your food with a utensil that you created! For that, I require a straight knife, a hook knife, and a pencil. I enjoy carving spoons a lot which is a perfect object to make for the trail. Whittling is a great activity because it does not require many tools to get started and those tools are light. Here are some ways I plan on passing the time spent alone and not allowing for boredom to overcome me. As long as this hobby can be packed up comfortably into your backpack, you are good to go. This time could be well spent to continue with your favorite hobby or to try a new one. For me, when this anxiety and doubt creep in it means it is time to get into my own little world and make things. This boredom can be felt hardest if you are going on a solo hike for the first time. Keeping the mind occupied will help with thoughts of self doubt and anxiety. During the 5-7 month trek on the Appalachian Trail there will be times where you are not only battling the elements and terrain, but you will be battling boredom. ![]()
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