Journal entry #1, 48hr solo, Utah Desert, 3/18/2008

It's kind of crazy sitting on this ledge with my feet dangling over a 200 ft. drop, hearing and seeing commercial airplanes flying overhead. It reminds me that although I am away from society for 25 days, I never forget that there are millions of people in America going about their lives doing the same thing they have been doing since they remember. A lot of people live as slaves to society even though they think they are free. Could it be that some people are slaves to the "all you can eat" mentality in America? For instance, if you are craving a hamburger, you can drive your car (don't even have to walk or put any energy into getting where you want to be) to your favorite burger joint. If you want alcohol, weed, chocolate, then you can get it any time you like. One becomes spoiled of having everything one wants at their fingertips.

Out here, you pack what you need on you own back! You feel, first hand, the amount of work it takes to haul around what you need! Imagine carrying everything you need, and start dangling everything you want in your everyday life on the outside of your pack. I know I would not be able to carry all of that stuff more than 15 steps before getting tired! I don't need alcohol, weed, shrooms, drunk driving, that jacket, that car, that lifestyle, that new gear, your sympathy, your judgements.

What I do need is good friendships, my family, my brother, my dog, the freedom to think and feel without the fear of judgment. I need food, shelter, water, strong relationships, solitude, myself strong, healthy, and sharp. I need to be more helpful to others, a better brother, a better nephew, a patient person, a better friend, express how much I need some people in my life, show more compassion and feeling, get outdoors more, into the wilderness!!!