Osprey fall 2019

kind of crunches down our problems in a way.”

Besides the obvious physical benefits, backpacking provides a unique social experience. Total strangers become friends with one another, and some end up best friends when they arrive back at the trailhead.

Langarcia believes in the power of nature to improve people’s lives and social connections. It’s part of the reason why he started leading these trips.

“I think it’s crazy what nature can do, and does, to bring people together,” Langarcia said. He explained that by the third or fourth day, people start to get weird and open up in ways they wouldn’t normally. “[People] like to express themselves as a real person,” Langarcia said. “It’s cool when you can finally break down those barriers.”

Back at camp, we grouped up around our kitchen and would-be firepit. It was too windy for flames, but we kept warm with good company, conversation and a bizarre peanut butter pasta concoction that Masse swore by. Shell pasta, peanut butter, bagged salad mix and a secret blend of seasonings were mixed together to create a hearty dish.

The food was questionable but abundant. We were treated to a blazing orange sunset, scored with the distant howling and gurgling of sea lions on a nearby rock. As the light faded, conversations died off and camp grew quiet.

After a day of backpacking, sleep always comes easy. It’s a feeling that both Lachman and Ross recommend for everyone, without hesitation.

“There’s something about sleeping in nature when you know there’s nothing but nature around for miles that brings out something almost primitive,” Ross said. “It might be scary but it might also be refreshing and clear your mind.”

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