Charlie Benfanti "Wilderness" Blog Post 14

 The American Camino cites Henry David Thoreau’s symbolization of a journey— “as a restorative endeavor.” 

We go, looking for some sort of salvation or realization to be presented. The passage also explores our specific relationship with the wild. Humans tend to “domesticate” the wild, but are also constantly in search of it, in the hopes it will give us answers or offer enlightenment. How do these two things connect, and how can they both be true. Aren’t we supposed to coexist with it? Can’t we work alongside it? Enjoy it for what it is without altering it? The AT is a path “for those who seek fellowship with wilderness,” implying an inherent connection with it. Dr. Redick points out something rather profound… by trying to define the wilderness, aren’t we inherently failing to grasp the concept of it? Aren’t we minimizing it and attempting to conquer it? Own it, with our definition? Despite that, there are ways to continue the search for understanding or, at least, appreciation of it. 

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