Think our trails, shelters and campgrounds are crowded now? A few too many people on our lakes, rivers and coast? The roads to and from a little too busy?

Well folks, it ain't gonna get any better.

Today the U.S. hits the 300,000,000 mark in population.

That's a lotta zeros (no pun intended). A lot less space for you and me.

And why I continue to avoid, as far as possible, the marquis outdoor destinations and seek out the little known places in the backcountry. A task that gets tougher and tougher. But it is oh so satisfying.

Like a couple weeks ago, for example, in the busy Adirondacks, just hours from many millions of people. We passed only 8 backpackers and never shared a lean-to in 11 days and 123 miles of hiking.

I felt like I was cheating the system or something. What a bonus, though!

But it wasn't all luck. Pick the right place and the right time of year and oft times you can find some precious solitude.

Anyway, guess we'd better get to loving our neighbors, 'cause we're going to have a lot more them, in town and on the trail!