Sometimes A to Q is more rewarding than A to B

Hi all:

I had an interesting hike this past Sunday and it reminded me that trying something new and outside my norm is equally important as straight-up adventuring. One part of Bill that I admire is his willingness to color far outside the prescribed lines. I’m a strict map reader and blaze follower, but Bill loves a good off-trail bushwhack. So this past Sunday, we indulged in both. First, we bushwhacked down a steep mountainside, seeing trees marked by bear claws, many different types of animal scat (moose, deer, coyote, and maybe bear), lovely waterfalls, and eventually worked our way over to the uphill hiking trail at the base of Black Mountain.

Our climb up the trail included views of wind turbines, layers of mountain ranges, and ski trails emptied of winter snow.

It was an exciting bushwhack down and a beautiful climb back up and the two different halves created a very rewarding whole.

For the cherry on top, we carried a heavy ladder over a mile down the mountain road from Bill’s cabin to the car. I’m glad it wasn’t up the mountain road! I didn’t think I’d be able to manage it, but I did. Shifting my grip over and over, we walked at a steady pace and it really wasn’t that difficult. As is so often the case, my brain told me it was too hard, but once I committed, it was 100% doable.

I’m shifting my mindset about the hike around Mont Blanc, too. Instead of letting worry, anxiety, and fear crowd my mind, I’m telling myself how exciting it will be, how the moments of awe will pull me along, and how I’m ready and actually excited for this physical test.

Bear claw marks on a tree

The bushwhack descent

Alfredo enjoying a small waterfall

Out of the woods and on to the ski trail

At the start of the hiking trail

Along the hiking trail

One more patch of snow for Alfredo

Carrying the ladder

One of our long-time members, Susan Hayhurst, has launched a new podcast: Biologica: Where Animals and Humans Meet. You can find all episodes on Apple Podcast, on Spotify, and on her podcast landing page. Take a second to check it out!

Happy adventuring,

Gillian