My boyfriend and I went back to Seattle for a month this summer to visit friends. In that time, we went on two multi-day backpacking trips, despite me (if I’m being honest) not really liking the outdoors. Dialogue: “Aren’t you so excited?” In fact, I’ve gone on extensive backpacking trips nearly every summer for the past few years because that’s what my friends like to do. Dialogue: “Look, a marmot!” “And a goat!” “Ah, the great outdoors!”

COMIC: Backpacking teaches artist lessons in patience, trust and friendship

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When I made these particular friends, I was eager to find a community. I had been in Seattle for just over a year, and part of that time had been compromised by COVID. At the time, I didn’t realize just how outdoorsy they were. Dialogue: “Thanks for having me over!” “Of course!” Or, more realistically, I was being purposefully naive. Dialogue: “Sorry about the mess, though.” My Seattle friends are very different from me. They are loud and adventurous and free-spirited. When I was getting to know them, there were times when I wasn’t quite sure what we had in common. I met these friends through my boyfriend, and so when I got included in backpacking plans, I felt like I had to say yes, despite never having been backpacking before. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be adventurous like them. What I learned was that backpacking can be uncomfortable and unpleasant at times. You get dirty in ways you’ve never been, you have to carry your garbage with you, and the bugs are relentless. Dialogue: “What mosquitos?” As a novice around those who’ve been doing it since childhood, it could feel especially exposing to try hard in front of potential new friends. Dialogue: “Hey, has anyone seen the trowel and hand sanitizer?” But the discomfort has been worth it because backpacking has fast-tracked a lot of my friendships. It’s an exercise in trust and sharing responsibilities. Someone has to book the passes Dialogue: If this spot is taken, try to book this, but avoid…” Plan the meals Dialogue: “Who thought this jar would be enough for all of us? I could eat this in 3 spoonfuls!” And split the gear It’s also an exercise in forgiveness and patience. Dialogue: “Our breakfast!” “Nooooo.”
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