Steve...
What exactly 'the bush' means in America? In some countries it indicates the Woods or the Wilderness in general. In Africa, it means the jungle.
I did follow different paths. When 7, I asked my mother to take me on a walk with boots, umbrella and winter jacket. Only it was a scorching august day! I remember vaguely that day, the jacket was Yellow. I insisted so much that my mother had to comply. I didn't know why I had that idea I only know I had to do that. I can go on with similar examples.
Sure I didn't mind opposition, if I decided I had to do something I did it, like eating vegetarian or going around with only a T shirt in wintertime with freezing temperatures. The strangest the best, although it had to be legitimate and not unhealthy, I did so many unusual things I can't remember them all now. Before the Rambo film came out, I donned military stuff and took along survival equipment in military pouches. I myself don't know why since I lived in a town with no Woods around.
Like in your case, Steve, my father was very taken aback that I did all that weird stuff.
In common life, walking the unbeaten path can give you a definite edge, or sometimes can be an hindrance, it depends.
i believe that these episodes in your life are related to past life phenomena. It appears as though you may have been quite a survivalist in the wilderness. Perhaps also in some type of military life.