We can plan, we can train, we can invest in an activity, and we can push ourselves really hard to win, all of which will help us succeed. But things can and do happen — unavoidable things which can impact and even destroy the best-laid-plans. Take weather, for instance, in the winter especially, it can really mess with us. Another deal breaker may result from illness or injury. Such was the case in a well-planned weekend of adventure with Redline Guide Will Murphy, leading two returning guests.
Day one was supposed to include three 4000-footers: Flume, Liberty, and Lincoln (backtracking to Little Haystack) with day two being an ice climb up Shoestring Gully. Unfortunately the unexpected happened. One of the team had an old injury flare up on the way to Mt Flume eventually impacting the pace. At first the guest tried to be stoic, pushing himself and self-medicating, but that can only go so far. The pace was being impacted to the point our guest had to confess that they were dealing with a lot of pain. The climber’s knee was really hurting and they couldn’t hide it any longer. Due to the time, distance yet to travel (they still hadn’t summited Flume), and nature of the old injury, Will had to turn the team around. And even doing that was going to ensure they exited in darkness making for a very long day. So long, in fact, it would be after midnight before the team made it back to their cars ad Will was able to check in.
That said, though, they did enjoy getting out in nature and the mountains will be there, waiting. In the meantime, we can focus on the good, the positive, and we can relish the fine winter scenery. Take note of the smiles. One of them hides their pain, but the good still comes forth.
