We know that the typical journey begins with the end point. We say to ourselves, I want to end up in Traces Town by this time tomorrow. Time and distance are considered, route selected, other factors considered. All of this releases mental energy stored in the freedom loving portion of our mind.
The right, more the urge to travel is primary to us. Those who have never left the county of their birth baffle me. Is that even possible today? Why would they dismiss a fundemental freedom to move their body, mind and soul about the country and culture? Baffles me.
On the other side of the scale is the wanderer. A wanderer is an extreme traveler. Their end point remains elusive, even undetermined. With modern maps, it is difficult to be a successful wanderer today. Wandering is closer to going where no one else has gone before, than it is to standardized travel over well worn routes. The wanderer is relying on a more primal freedom. The freedom to go without knowing where or when, even how I will scale my daily existence. For most of us, wandering is a freedom too far. Travel is enough.
Life itself could be considered a wandering. Rare is the human who knows precisely where she will end up. We don't know what town, what job, what home or what food we will be eating in the last few days of our lives. Not when we are dependently young. Over time, this knowledge comes into view and we accept it as fate or reality. This makes us all wanderers. Reluctant wanderers, even unknowing wanderers, but wanderers just the same.
The pleasures of home and hearth and family are many and not to be taken lightly. But the freedom and pleasure and danger of wandering remains a possibility. We can wander at any age, but it is better to wander when you are young with strong feet and skillful hands and sound mind, full of energy. The only missing ingredient for the young might be wisdom. but that can be gained along the way, if you seek it that is. Go forth and wander while you may.