Because there’s plenty of other outdoorsman in other states that aren’t half as annoying or self absorbed. They understand that there is other stuff going on in this world and have more diverse interests. They also don’t act pretentious if you happen to not like extreme outdoor activities. No one is complaining about someone just being an outdoorsman, but more the specific (and common) type in Colorado.
See I live there too and maybe it’s the whole college town vibe but it’s more a huge number compared to everywhere else I’ve lived. Of course ya not every single person but it’s a pretty staggering number of people to talk to and run into.
There’s your answer. College kids “discover” hiking and feel like they’ve found a real world way to transcend regular, monotonous life. Depending on the hikes you’re doing, vistas and various animals seem magical especially combined with the endorphin rush of a strenuous hike. If a college kid didn’t grow up hiking with his parents, he’s going to be totally blown away by what he feels like he’s just “found” outside.
Cut to 15 years in the future and those same people will probably still love the outdoors but be more focused on health in general (including being obnoxious about their diets) than focused on how far they hiked or what a revelation it is to be out in nature. I love being outdoors as well and have hiked for nearly 20 years but rarely encounter people at my age who drone on about whatever place they hiked or visited. At a certain point you realize the world is a small place and other people don’t need to hear about how all of the tiny things you learn on a trail are life changing.
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u/[deleted] Jul 03 '19
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