Webster’s: a remote undeveloped rural area

Wikipedia: A backcountry area in general terms is a geographical region that is:

• isolated
• remote
• undeveloped
• difficult to access        

  The term may apply to various regions that are reasonably close to urban areas but are:

• not immediately accessible by road
• at relatively high altitude
• not frequented by human visitors
• limited to human-powered visitors

While the term “backcountry” is roughly comparable to the term “wilderness ” they are not necessarily equivalent. “Wilderness” implies more the condition whereas “backcountry” implies more the position. Backcountry is similar to hinterland. There is some debate about the accessibility of people by means other than human power. While wilderness is a state of mind that implies pristine and untouched landscapes, backcountry serves as areas of land explored exclusively by human power. A more famous, Austrlian term is “outback“.

My definition of the backcountry: “This can be summer, spring, fall, and winter because I find all four seasons breathtaking. It’s my outdoor place where I go for peace, vision, strength, and to sort things out. When I have decisions to make or I feel overwhelmed with life the only thing that will restore my soul and mind is the backcountry. It’s being in the wilderness with no amenities, no cell phone, no computer, nothing around but the wildlife, potential harsh elements, alpine flowers, streams, and God.”

Backcountrygirl is me because of the passion I have for the outdoors and the wilderness. This blog will be about stories of my experiences, guest bloggers, avalanche safety, backcountry tips and much more.

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