#135 - 60 Years of Backpacking with JR Harris

Text the show!JR Harris has been backpacking for 60 years.  It all started when his parents decided to send him to Boy Scout camp to avoid summers in NYC and though he may have gone against his own will that first time, it soon became something he missed when the summer came to a close.JR is now in his mid 70’s and has seen adventures all around the world.  He’s been to incredible places, diverse countries, and seen the wildest places, mostly on his own.  In 1993 he was elected to the Explorers Club, which is a pretty prestigious honor.  You can read all about his adventures in his book “Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker.”It was an honor to speak with him that first time, and I was even more excited to learn he’d be willing to join me for an episode of the podcast.  I wanted to learn from JR and hear what his life has been like, how it got started, and where he came from.  What happens to a person after 60 years of backpacking?  Does it still mean the same things as it once did?  Is the fire still alive?I had all the questions and JR answered them with grace.  He is no doubt an inspiration to so many and I couldn’t be more excited to bring him to you through the podcast.  I sincerely hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.Show Notes and LinksGetting to know who JR is and his background  How and why JR’s parents sent JR to summer scout campsWhat it was like returning to the city after a summer of ScoutsHow summers with the Scouts impacted life in the cityJR’s thoughts on taking time to himself to re-energizeWhat JR gets out of living on the edge of discomfortThoughts on the life-changing trajectory JR’s parents put him on as a young manOn setting an example for younger generationsThe power of being an example JR’s book!JR’s favorite backpacking tripOn having an adventure regardless of the outcomehttps://www.jrinthewilderness.com/JR’s Book - Way Out There: Adventures of  a Wilderness TrekkerSupport the Show.Thanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. www.byland.co Join the newsletter Beginner backpacking course Support the show emory@byland.co