Summer flew by and I was hesitant and excited for the fall backpacking trip. A summer of kicking back had left me out of shape, but a physical challenge was a good start to an academic year that would be more challenging than the last. What makes a great camping trip is not where you go (although the Sierra were stunning), I think it’s the people you go with and what you make of the trip. This trip reminded me of why camping trips are great: bonding with people you wouldn’t normally get to know at the beginning of the year. Nothing brings people together like sitting around a campfire, swimming in waters of various temperatures and consistencies (mushy, green water, anyone?), and, of course, finally reaching the top of a steep hill.