Hey guys, I've been lurking this site for awhile trying to take in any info I can. I've come to a point where I'm not sure which direction to go..
I'm not new to the outdoors. Most of my life I have hiked, camped , fished etc. I was in the Marine Corps Infantry for 4 years which had its own various forms if hikes ( humps) , camps and outdoor survival.
Although I've been hiking over the last few years , last November I went dispersed camping in a national forest. It was awesome and came with some minor challenges.
Recently though I've been looking for more. Something different. As awesome as it would be to climb something like everest etc I think. Due to money, kids . my job etc its not gonna happen. But I'm looking for something with the " wow" effect without all the in depth skills and experience involved in reached a summit. I have a very basic knowledge of ropes And rappeling, not a lot of money, or time, and I live in Chicago ( not by choice)
Is this one of those things where you either just hike and camp at sea level or go all out and go on a huge month long expedition?
Or are there places that you can essentially " hike" to a " summit" where you can say " I did it" ?
I'm not sure if the issue makes sense. If not ill try to better explain.