Steven Chung: Outside Reading #3

I read another journal on Trail Journals, but this one was by Kellee Barnhart.  In her journal she talked about her decision to finally hike the Appalachian Trail.  She stated that she did not receive full support from her family because they simple can not understand the reason behind partaking on this sort of journey.  She also stated that her family has the "pre-conceived notion that the only people that do it are bums."  It seems to me that her family is a bit ignorant in trying to understand the purpose of hiking the trail.  It is an opportunity to step away from modern culture and technology and have a chance to be free in wilderness.  She also talks about her decision to bring her 10-year-old daughter along for the hike, stating, "I wouldn't dream of not sharing this experience with her."  Personally, I do not think bringing a child is the brightest idea.  Sure, children can have a great experience as well but I think they are too young to understand the purpose of embarking on such a journey.  Kids would not achieve the same realizations and insights of being out in the wilderness.  In addition, kids could easily harm themselves and put themselves in danger.