A few weeks ago, I finally acknowledged the illuminated "check engine" light on my dash and parked my car at a neighborhood auto shop. I knew that the news wouldn't be favorable, as my vehicle had been growling at me for some time. My assumptions were confirmed by a phone call from the mechanic. New battery? Check. New brakes? Yep. New transmission? You bet. It seemed that the old Jeep would be out of commission for a few days.

Now, I consider myself to be a pretty active person. I don't hesitate to run 5 miles after work each day or spend a weekend trekking through the woods. But at that moment, the thought of losing my gas-powered transportation seemed incredibly inconvenient. I desperately needed trips to the grocery store and bank. How was I going to get there? A rusty chain on my bike pointed to the obvious alternative - it was time for a walk.

I embarked on my adventure through the city at lunchtime. With an hour for lunch, over 3.5 miles to walk, and two stops to make, I knew I'd need to be efficient and quick. As I began my journey I wasn't in the best mood. "So much for my relaxing mid-day break," I thought. But my attitude shifted as soon as I reached 1st Street, and I was overcome with contentedness as I felt the sun on my face and breeze at my back. I began to notice things I overlook on a daily basis - bright red fall leaves, beautiful old houses and buildings, the friendly smiles of passersby. Before I knew it, I'd made it to the bank and was heading back downhill toward the grocery store. I snacked on a delicious Honeycrisp apple as I walked, and returned to the office more relaxed and happy than I'd been in some time.

Extended backpacking trips have been some of the most formative experiences of my life. Walking long distances and living simply raises awareness and provokes unique learning that can't be obtained in any other way. After my lunchtime walk that day, I felt a rush similar to those I feel while spending time in the woods. I was forced to slow down, look around, and pay attention to my heightened senses. Obviously, the atmosphere was slightly different than a thick forest, but I developed a quick appreciation for the city sights and sounds that whirled around me. I felt incredible as I worked through the afternoon, energized and excited for my journey home and thankful (yep, that's right) that my car was in the shop.

Each of the four 2012 Hantes will encompass long walks and simple living. Be it trekking ridgelines in the High Sierras of California, walking the El Camino de Santiago in Spain, or backpacking through the southern Appalachians, journeys through forests and cities will be abundant next summer. See you on the trail!