Revere graduates Andy and Mike Lostoski have been backpacking since they were five. Carrying almost nothing but candy, the brothers followed their father, who carried most of the weight during their first backpacking trip. Andy and Mike Lostoski called these “no potty trips,” as the absence of bathrooms were a big focal point for the boys.

About a month ago, Andy and Mike Lostoski joined fellow graduate Athan Burlotos and four other friends in Big Bend, Texas for a week long backpacking trip. Andy described the trip and some of the events that occurred.

“It was interesting. I’ve never gone backpacking there or [done] anything like that before. We went rappelling in a slot canyon called Mesa de Aguilera, and I had a sixty pound rock fall on my leg. It broke off of our anchor that we used for the rope. It just bounced off me,” Andy said.

During the backpacking trip in Texas, some hindrances caused the backpackers to change their plans. According to Andy, one of the girls on the trip had blisters under her toenails. Mike explained this and other problems.

“One of the girls’ feet were all chewed up. Seven people went on the trip and after the first two days, three were having physical issues. It was really rough terrain, probably one of the worst trails I have ever been on. It was literally six miles of fist sized rocks. That is probably how I messed up my knee, just doing that for twelve miles,” Mike said.

Burlotos, who recently started backpacking, joined Mike and Andy on the backpacking trip. He described the end of the trip.

“We were stuck in Texas for three days because the roads were covered in ice, and no one knows how to clear the roads down there. They don’t have salt trucks or the infrastructures to clear roads because it never really happens,” Burlotos said.

Despite the different problems that occurred throughout the trip, the boys still had a good time. Mike explained why he liked the expedition.

“One day I managed to climb on top of Emory Peak, which is the tallest peak in the park, and that was really cool. It was a good accomplishment for me because I didn’t get a chance to go rappelling [after] I hurt my knee, so I was glad I [did] something that I could look back on as something that I reached; I actually got to some place,” Mike said.

Near the end of the trip in Texas, the backpackers reached a hot spring that overlooked Mexico. Until an older couple stripped nude and got in the springs with them, the backpackers enjoyed the 105 degree water.

“We got to soak in the 105 degree temperature water in the national park in the Rio Grande River looking at Mexico after six days of no showers, rocks falling on legs and injured knees,” Mike said.

After this trip to Big Bend, Texas, Burlotos and the Lostoskis reflected on the important aspects of backpacking.  Mike described why he enjoys backpacking.

“I like the adventure, seeing things that most people do not get to see, getting off the beaten path. As kids, it was just fun. We got to make campfires and play with knives. Now it is getting off the beaten path, getting away from civilization and the Walmarts of the world. I think it is good for your health physically and mentally. It gives you something different to look at. Backpacking makes a well-rounded person,” Mike said.

Andy began at an early age as well and currently attends Bowling Green State University; however, Mike, who will soon graduate from University of Akron as an engineer, has more experience than he does. Andy explained why he thinks backpacking is important.

“It gives you a break from the daily groan of civil life. I feel like it breaks you away from material possessions. When you are out in the woods, you do not need much, and you do not really worry about anything. You don’t worry about having an awesome house or nice clothes. Backpacking has made me more conscious of the environment and has definitely influenced my choice in major . . . I am a biology major, and I do not think I would have done that if I had not been backpacking,” Andy said.

Athan, who attends Ohio State University, has been on about ten backpacking trips so far, and he explained how backpacking has impacted his life.

“It made me in general a happier person because you find something you enjoy, it reflects in a lot of aspects in life and it has also stoked my desire to explore. When you backpack, you get to go to the remote areas. When you go backpacking for like a week, you get into a totally different mindset than you were when you started the trip,” Burlotos said.

Burlotos, Mike and Andy Lostoski have more backpacking trips planned and hope to backpack in Wyoming and climb Gannett Peak.