Our foursome has a lot of fun on the trail and in camp. We laugh a lot; we share stories and dreams. We have been taking at least one multi-day annual trip together since 2015. We have plenty of time to get to know one another, and we understand that we also savor quiet time on each trip.

Studies have repeatedly shown being outdoors is good for both physical and mental health. According to a USDA Forest Service 2021 article titled The wellness benefits of the outdoors¹, “There are many mental wellness benefits associated with being outside in green spaces, such as lower risk of depression and faster psychological stress recovery. Studies have shown that being in nature can restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention.”

While I don’t remember explicitly talking about it, quiet time seems to happen on our trips intrinsically. Quiet time doesn’t mean you are alone, per se. It also doesn’t necessarily mean you are purposefully being reflective or mindful. Sometimes, it is simply about the quiet. Other times, it is about enjoying a solo activity. 

Most mornings, unless it’s raining, Jenae is up and out of her tent early. I only know this because I see the photographic proof once I’m awake. By the time someone else emerges from their tent, Jenae can be found in a cool spot, often on a giant rock if one is near, with her puffy blanket (which doubles as her sleeping bag) and a camera, usually busy editing photographs. 

On each multi-day trip into the forest, Julie and Jenae bring along some combination of fishing gear; Kristen packs a book (or textbook – as was the case while earning her MBA); I bring a sketchbook and a few short readings. Jenae always packs her camera and Julie brings her journal, documenting various notes about the day. When these items come out of their respective owner’s backpacks, it often signals that she desires quiet time. 

Regarding quiet time…

Of the four of us, I would say I’m the least inclined to seek out quiet time during our trips. It’s true, I won’t miss a chance to pull out my fly rod and hit a mountain stream or lake. But outside of that, I revel in our dialogue – the laughing, storytelling, brainstorming, games, questions, problem-solving, debates, encouraging, and even the less frequent crying and singing. Silence isn’t generally my jam. I find the times that the others want quite time is a great opportunity to grab my journal and jot down anything notable I don’t want to forget. Otherwise, my best journaling happens at bed time when everyone else is settling into their nightly routine; this ensures that I don’t miss out on any conversation. 

Julie

As the self-proclaimed introvert of the crew, I do generally relish in quiet time. On our treks, though, I feel less in need of the silence. Maybe it’s because as the last in line on the trail, I get some unintended quiet time. While “quiet” is not a word I would use to describe any of us, four people walking in a straight line still creates challenges around volume and therefore I miss parts of conversations. Sometimes I pipe in and ask for something to be repeated, but other times I just keep walking, soaking in the time and space and sneaking in my own sense of peace so I don’t miss out on any of it at camp.

Kristen

It’s the “snoozing” hours that hold the most magic, for me and my camera… so I tend to find myself out on my own at those times. And as mentioned above, there often is a giant rock involved in that time. Maybe it’s to climb on top of – to take in the view (or photograph), or if you find a rock that is shaped just right you can nest down, relax, process the latest photos captured, ideas, or just close your eyes and breathe, guilt free.

Jenae

At my favorite summer camp, there was a well-hidden path through the brush that lead to a magical clearing next to a creek. Those aware of its existence referred to it as, “The Quiet Place.” It was a place of calm and beauty. I think of it often as I find myself in new places where I recount a similar feeling to those times when I enjoyed the hidden spot by Piney Creek. 

Wendy

Every day on each trip, I know that we take our individual moments to enjoy the scenery and contemplate whatever is happening in our lives. These times, as much as the blockbuster conversations, are the essence that makes our trips inspiring.

¹  https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/wellness-benefits-great-outdoors