Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Solitude is....

On the topic "Wilderness is.." many of you pointed out that wilderness has something to do with there being fewer people around. So should we feel guilty for spoiling the wilderness when we are present? When two backpackers meet on a trail who is at fault for spoiling the wilderness experience? Or is the wilderness really that dependant upon us being alone?

In reality, is it really that bad to meet other people out there doing exactly what we love to do. People from all walks of life come together to experience the wilderness. I know that some of my most memorable moments on the trail or on a peak are of the people I meet.

Why do people have to be seperate from the wilderness? Unless you subscribe to the theory that Adam and Eve were dropped here, people have always been a part of the natural world. Has our technology changed us so much that we can no longer connect to nature like our ancestors once did?

I would say that with the proper state of mind we can connect to and be a part of the wilderness. I believe that most people I meet out there are just as much a part of the wilderness as I am. Otherwise they would not be out there. Thats why I say it's safer to walk for three weeks in the wilderness than 3 hours accross the city.

What do you think?

thinair

I should clarify..."Unless you subscribe to the theory that Adam and Eve were dropped here"

as in dropped by ALIENS

I don't want to start a religious debate here

If a wilderness is defined by an absence of people, then one might argue that the mall parking lot is a wilderness at 3 am!

I had a similar discussion with a Sierra Club member earlier today during a hike. The conclusion: No clear definition. If you put a trail through a wilderness, the area immediately near the trail is no longer a wilderness--but the surrounding areas where no human impact occurs may still be.

Jeffrey -
See my post at the topic: "Wilderness is ..."; I think it matches or comes pretty close to your line of thinking. Basically, solitude is without people (so I agree, you could actually get some at the Mall at the right time), but wilderness is without impact ... or without certain kinds of impact (because a tree falling and then its gradual decomposition are both examples of impact). I love a little solitude in the wilderness, but more often I like to share it with wife, kids, bud. Let me know what you think at "Wilderness is ..."
- Talus