One thought that did occur to me on the 5-hour, 9-mile trek was the unsung value of boredom. Maybe better words would be “solace” or “incubation.” No outside stimulation other than nature and the people around you, all of whom are on the same journey. I think you especially notice this with kids. They’re great at saying exactly how they feel immediately. You notice their mental state change after an hour or so on the trail.