I finally had the chance to take Krys out on a backcountry camping trip this past weekend. I'm paying for it currently with my right knee being funky, but I suppose a flat, 10 mile roundtrip was a better option than a 5000ft gain, 30 mile one. We hiked an eastern portion of the California Riding and Hiking Trail starting from the Twin Tanks backcountry board, heading west, and stayed the night between Geology Tour Rd and Ryan Mountain. Its been awhile since I've had company on these little excursions and I have to say, two is definitely better than one. Given our differing schedules (or more so, Krys having one and me, not having one) it was refreshing to finally be able to share these moments.

There have been conversations in the past regarding music and listening to music on hiking/camping trips. Generally i've always felt the general consensus to be, leave the bluetooth speakers at home and enjoy the sounds of nature. While I still don't listen to music while on the move, lately I've found that having some kind (granted low volume and ambient) of music allows me to mentally ground myself a little. For myself, the silence and stillness amplifies the myriad of thoughts in my head and I've noticed the calming affect of music for myself. Granted, as a dancer (or dare I even refer to myself as a bboy still..?) I have always gravitated towards music and the energy of music and my subsequent reactivity, be it hype or chill. Does this mean I'm dependent and unable to completely disconnect? Whether its in the car, at home, or writing this right now, generally some kind of music is playing. On the other hand, I'm reminded of the natural human gravitation towards melodies, that even infants respond positively to harmonizing chords and steady rhythms regardless of cultural origin even before the intellectual understanding of music.

Also, can't give enough love to the Honda Element <3