hike light | Trail-Hike-Life

I took these shots when I was hiking in Atsion. This is Samuel Richard’s Mansion. Quoted from the website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/wharton.html

“The Atsion Mansion was built in 1826 as a summer home for Samuel Richards. Richards, who a prominent ironmaster from Philadelphia, was the operator of the Atsion furnace along the Mullica River. After Richards died in 1842, the property was passed down through his heirs, and finally sold to another Philadelphia merchant, Maurice Raleigh. The Raleigh family was the last to use the mansion as a residence. When Joseph Wharton purchased the property in 1892, he used the mansion for packing and storage for his cranberry production. The state acquired the property in 1955.”

Samuel Richard’s Mansion

There are some who hike or backpack with a very minimalist approach. Every ounce counts. Instead of carrying a tent, they bring a tarp, maybe a sleeping bag or just a hammock. I give them a lot of credit, although it’s not for me. My current pack weight is about 20 pounds without food or clothes. More on that another time.

I came across a blog today that talks about minimalist living. At first, it sounded very extreme. Then, as I read more and thought about it, I actually live that way to some degree. It really depends on the person and how minimalist they want to live their lives.

I suggest everyone check it out for a new perspective. We can all learn something from this and probably benefit from it too.