All Men (and Women) Are Created Equal...On The Trail.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Great concept Thomas Jefferson, unfortunately in today's society it's all about how much money you have and who you know. It's sad that even in 2011 we are still struggling with these issues. For me, this is why nature is so appealing. If you want to feel at one with the earth and equal to others, set out for a couple of days on a trail of your choice. Pack what you need to survive on your back and go. All men (and women) are created equal on the trail.

If you are hesitant to go on an overnight hiking trip, think about these things...

*Nature doesn't have a corporate office.

*Every day when you wake up, you don't have to fight traffic to get to where you need to go. It all depends on your legs and feet.

*The only time constraint that you have is making it to your shelter at the end of the day. Preferably before dark, ha.

*How successful you are doesn't depend on someones opinion of you, how smart they may think you are, or who you know...it depends on your ability to walk.

*You are not working to obtain material things that you don't need. All you need is on your body (clothing) and back (water, food, and shelter).

*Nature doesn't discriminate.

*Nature doesn't care about what you look like. You spend your time looking at what nature looks like.

*You will only see beauty on your hike. That's what we need to work on seeing in each other.

So if you are in the pursuit of happiness, give nature a chance and let it give you the happiness that you need.

~Meredith