[Paddlewise] Wilderness: Isolation or Adventure?

Been reading a book by a couple who purposefully overwintered in their
steel-hulled sailboat in the ice in Antarctica (Time on Ice, Deborah Shapiro
and Rolf Bjelke, International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press, 1998).  A good
read for those interested in polar stuff.  

But what got me going was their reaction to "rejoining" the human race.  They
were so "detuned" by their isolation that they found even print ads in
newsmagazines too much stimulation.  And, it was so unique to speak
face-to-face with members of their own species when the thaw began that they
had a fresh perspective on the human race (not entirely favorable!).

Anyway, this set me to wondering to what extent similar stuff happens to others
when they are out alone (or, in small groups) in wild areas.  I think I change
when I have been out either solo or with one or two others for a couple weeks. 
I slow down.  I contemplate more.  I look at things around me with more care. 
I listen better to others.  I become a nicer person, I think (he said,
immodestly!).

What about the rest of you?  I know many others on this list have spent weeks
as a twosome (the Dempseys, for instance) or a fewsome, anyway.  What changes
for you?

I'm curious, because the value to me of wilderness travel is part the
adventure, but also the "retreating" aspect, and until I read Deborah and
Rolf's book, I had always thought it was the wildness and the adventure
component of wilderness travel which attracted me the most.  But, maybe it is
"retreating" that is the real attraction.

So, how does wilderness travel affect YOU?  I'm curious.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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