3 Lessons I Learned Spending 12 Days in a Remote Wilderness

There were more bears than people.

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There were more bears than people, and we didn’t see any bears.

That’s the sort of remote wilderness I was immersed in — while on a 12 day ride, hike, and rafting excursion in the heart of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. There, I trotted along on a mule named Bunny beside my father and six other men. Collectively, we set out to find solitude, Native Cutthroat, Bull Trout, and of course, adventure.

Spoiler…we found much more than that.

By the end of the trip I had caught over 600 fish in one week — yes, I was the only crazy person that kept count! Still, outside of the fishing, I learned three amazing lessons from that trip that will never leave me:

Lesson #1

Lifelong Friendships are Invaluable

Out of the eight anglers on this particular journey, I only knew two of them. The rest of the group, however, had been doing these trips together for decades. Watching them all around the campfire, seeing how they enjoyed the camaraderie just as much as the fish and scenery, taught me how incredibly fortunate we are to have friends that stand the test of time. Having companions you can depend on, who’ve lived life alongside you, gives both sides of the friendship an invaluable sense of belonging. It’s likely that by reading this, you’re probably either thinking of that special friend, or friends, you have. Count yourself lucky and never take them for granted.

Lesson #2

You’re Happier With Less

I didn’t have an iPad to stream Netflix. I had two outfits that needed to last 12 days. All of my belongings fit on my back. I was present with my friends. I was fully immersed in my surroundings. I was happy.

My realization that ‘less is really more’ hit me the first night we camped. I was less stressed with the bare essentials than I was with all the extra stuff we all have in our homes. So, when I got back to my house I took a good look around, and while I was grateful for my possessions, I discovered that they aren’t what gives my life meaning or satisfaction. When distractions fade out over a speckled Montana sunset, I found a contentment that can’t be found under a roof. I’m finding ways back at home now to make do with less. It’s freeing.

Lesson #3

There are Still Wild Places Left to Explore

Truth is, Colorado’s population’s exploding, and it seems no matter how hard I try to find solitude, I always have to share it with strangers. Spending time in the Bob Marshall Wilderness was incredibly encouraging. We covered over 60 miles end to end, exploring the majority of it in solitude. Looking up the mountains above the river, I didn’t see trails, or roads, or signs of people. I saw the wild.

Of course, big S/O to Montana Wilderness Lodge for making the trip safe and enjoyable.

I’ll leave you with this — never pass up a chance to get into the remote wilderness. I guarantee, there are lessons there that you can only learn in the quiet arms of the mountains, and along the gentle currents of the streams.

Check out a quick video of my trip through the Bob Marshall Wilderness here!

Bob Marshall Wilderness Video Link