My first backpacking trip ever took place this Memorial Day weekend. I took forever to finally be able to say I was all packed up and ready-to-go, but as soon as I had finished I had a wave of nervousness pass over me. I was excited but anxious about what the trip would entail for me both physically and mentally.
I should have weighed my pack this day because it was definitely a pretty hefty backpack full of things that I may have not needed – now I know I packed too many things. But I couldn’t turn back because we (myself, J, and M) started off down Old Jackson Road. Our route would take us down Old Jackson Road to Low’s Bald Spot, a route where I take my 3-day programs often, through the spot further into the Great Gulf Wilderness.
If I can remember correctly, we hiked for about 6 miles until we got into the Osgo
od campsites. In the picture, that is where the left-most circle is around the trail junction. Most of the campsites were full with other backpackers who, thinking ahead, had probably left earlier and snagged the best tent-sites. We did manage to find a really great site, though, right next to a tree and a rock.
That night we had a delicious meal comprised of some sprouted lentils, mushroom-flavored couscous, and Stove Top vegetable stuffing. This was honestly one of the best meals of my life! Definitely worth hiking for.
Dessert was a gigantic brownie I snagged from leftovers for a program I had at the Highland Center and some marshmallows cooked over a Jetboil stove. We shared some laughs before it was time for bed.
In the morning, J was the first to wake up and he gathered all of our things together to make breakfast from the bag we hung up the night before. After breakfast we hiked out the same trails we hiked in on and took our time. We all got to know each other a lot better and I really enjoyed their company and that I was invited on this backpacking trip.
The whole trip could not have gone better than it did. It was the best camping trip I’d ever had so far and I hope to backpack many more times in the future. Especially with friends as amazing as the ones I have here.
