Nature is such a powerful force, and venturing out into it provides for such a genuine connection, both with the outdoors and oneself. Nothing, at least anything I've experienced, is as freeing and pure as waking up in the woods, with faint sounds of birds chirping, the wind gently finding its way through the trees, and hikers moving around and crunching the ground outside of your tent; as hiking solo or with a dear friend on a beautiful trail; of witnessing breathtaking, secluded views after hours of uphill battle with the granite surrounding you.

Regardless of the beauty, there is great importance in preparing accordingly for the known and unknown when exploring, whether it be a quick stroll to view the autumn leaves changing or a backpacking excursion.