Shane Backpacking

by Rollie J.

Slamming the tailgate of my big Dodge pickup shut, I locked the topper door. After an insanely wild, bucking-bronco-like drive in on some kidney-rattling forest roads, we had finally arrived at our little-used trailhead. We were off on a four-day backpacking trip in the Bighorn Mountains of central Wyoming. Karina, our eldest, and her boy friend Taylor (now son-in-law,) and our four-year-old Shane. Oh and Nala, our black lab was faithfully and cheerfully escorting us as well. This would be Shane’s first wilderness experience and there were plenty of doubts and concerns in this father’s head about his ability and lots of wondering how his short little legs would handle the four-mile hike into our destination alpine lake.

We headed off down the trail and after about 100 yards Shane blurted out “Dad… this backpack is killin’ me!” Oh great! Classic! We’re off to an awesome start. His book-pack had been heavily burdened with a jacket, a water bottle and some candy treats! So much for plan A!

We made it safely and successfully to a beautiful campsite nestled between two alpine lakes. This picturesque setting was more than we could have hoped for. We were surrounded by snow covered mountains, pine and spruce lined our campsite, and elk were seen throughout our stay. The local trout were more than gracious when invited to join us for dinner, and we were delighted to have them! Beautiful sunsets, mesmerizing star-filled mountain skies, and a glowing moon blessed us throughout our stay. The fresh invigorating scent of pine and sage filled our senses.  Laughter and conversation flowed freely throughout our days. Peace and contentment poured over the pristine landscape and our souls were restored.

To say that I felt blessed was a dramatic understatement. I gave thank you prayers throughout and long afterwards. As a father, I could think of nothing more rewarding than spending this precious and sacred time with my children in these spectacular mountains. As a dad, I long for them to know the love of creation and nature. I want them to know the joy and blessing of living close to the earth, of learning about our Creator, by observing and living in Creation. I look back fondly at this trip as one of many all time favorites.

Fast forward 11 years, to last week, July 2020. Shane is now 15 years old, heading rapidly towards his soon to start sophomore year of high school. Who knows what that will look like amidst this COVID pandemic. He is in the rapid-fire mental and physical transition from boy to man. Karina and I had been passionately planning this summer backpacking adventure for months and Shane had been dragged into the process and the trip by default. He came reluctantly and with many concerns and reservations mostly due to his hyper-fit sister and his overly gung-ho dad. But I was thrilled beyond belief about spending 10 days together with Karina and Shane.

We had debated for months between two of my favorites; the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming vs the Beartooths of Montana. Both ranges offered fantastic cross country, off-trail opportunities. Grizzlies were a topic of frequent conversation, and since the Beartooths are mostly a Grizzly Convention Center, and Karina has a particular dislike of large, man-eating bears, we settled on the Winds. I could see a visible look of relief on Shane’s face when we moved the trip further west to the Wind Rivers.

After a very long, but fun and laughter filled two-day drive, we finally arrived at our destination trailhead in the Popo Agie Wilderness Area. As per usual, Karina and I had devised an overly aggressive and devious route giving us lots of opportunity for adventurous cross-country, map and compass travel. After our first five miles, a heart to heart, tear-filled, open discussion took place at our lunch break. Shane spoke honestly about his many fears, worries and anxieties of this trip. I also detected some residual COVID related stress, isolation, and melancholy clinging to the situation. The visible signs from months of being cooped up at home had had taken its toll. Tears and talking out loud seemed to pop the bubble. We soon agreed to erase all expectations and previous agendas. An open slate, time-line and route lay before us. Shane would have first say in all matters. Shane seemed to visibly perk up, having verbally purged his inner turbulence.

Rather than write about our recent trip, enjoy this short little video that will give you a better insight into our experience. Suffice it to say, as a dad, it doesn’t get any better. Let’s just say we added one more… to the catalog of favorite trips!  https://www.facebook.com/rollie.johnson.3/videos/10157984242284262

Throughout our trip, it was exciting to watch Shane grow. He gained confidence as he took on his first two 11,000’ passes. What had been scary, intimidating and fearful before, was now in the rearview mirror. I could almost hear a; “Well that wasn’t as bad as I imagined it,” going through his head. He took his first, full-body immersion/swim in the ice cold lakes each day as he gasped for breath. He took an interest in and showed a knack for reading and interpreting the topo maps. He cooked his first meals over the camp stove and we didn’t get sick! All in all I saw him walking taller, more confidently and saw him grow more at ease with the wilderness lifestyle. I was a proud papa getting to witness the transformation front row ringside.

We don’t get to pick or choose what our kids will like or inherit from us interest wise. We can’t push or force our passions upon them. If we do, most often that will backfire, and they’ll walk in opposite directions. We’ve all seen the over zealous basketball (hockey, volleyball, golf, bowhunting, piano, name your passion/poison) dad or mom who plots out their child’s trajectory towards stardom, the pros, or the Olympics…and we all know how that works out! From my own failures as a dad, I know that you can’t push or force that.

Nor do our kids get a choice in what they inherit from us in terms of physical characteristics. Hair/eye color, body type, height, looks etc. Sorry kids…. Unfortunately, you are stuck with mom and dad’s hand-me-down genes! In my children’s case… thank God they got most of Ady’s features! God is good.

But what about character, what about values? Will our kids inherit, mimic, and model our values? Our language? What will they have learned from watching and living with you? This is where the rubber meets the road. The proof is in the pudding here.

As a parent for the past 30 years I have often pondered what negative qualities will each of my three children inherit from me. My impatience, my issues with anxiety, my hyperactivity, my judgmentalism, my prejudices, the way I interact and treat my wife, the way I treat others, how I handle money, selfishness… the list is long and frightful.

But let us get to the heart of the matter. What about faith? In the end, it won’t really matter if Shane follows in my footsteps as a hunter, or outdoorsman. Nor will it really ever matter if he becomes a handyman or craftsman. All of those would thrill me. But where the rubber meets the road is “faith.” Will he see in me positive qualities modeled, and choices made that lead to an ongoing relationship with Jesus? Will my habits, language, choices, and behavior point to Jesus?

Much like passions and interests, Shane must choose a life of faith for himself. It cannot be forced, pushed, coerced, coddled, or pressured. But we as parents do have one powerful ace in the hole… and it is a biggie…prayer.

Let us pray for our kids whether they are two, or twenty-two, or forty-two, or seventy-two. Pray that they would come into and keep growing in a long-term relationship with their Creator Jesus. Keep praying, then pray some more. When our prayers are in line with God’s will… He will answer them!

-- Rollie J.