Mountain Musing
Another Return
Make it a Reality
zoomOver the last few years I've discovered that its very easy to let tiny details stand in the way of big dreams. In light of this I have developed a system for myself to make sure I cross over the line from dream to reality. My list looks something like this:
1) Put your passport in the mail with a visa application even if your not 100% sure everything is going to fall into place. It most certainly won't if you are not allowed in the country you wish to get to. 2) Sort all your gear and pack it! Seeing duffel bags and backpacks stuffed to the zippers with climbing gear, gives the dream an authenticity. 3) Without running your mouth off, tell people your plans. I hate letting people down and as silly as this may sound it motivates me to get things together! 4) Book the ticket. I remember reading a blog by Vince Anderson basicallly stating that until you have booked your ticket its all smoke and mirrors, static and noise.
That's basically it for me. Here is a list of what is in my duffel and pack thus far.
Scarpa Freney XT's Scarpa Plastic Doubles BD Bivy Sack 2 headlamps 2 ice tools Ice Axe 2 spare picks Transceiver Sleeping Bag Crampons Rock Shoes 3 pairs of gloves Gaiters 2 pairs of soft-shell pants Hard Shell Pants Hardshell jacket Softshell jacket Down Jacket Stove and fuel bottles Alpine Harness & Rock harness 2 Man 4 season tent Trekking Poles Stove Top ESPRESSO MAKER Pots Thermos Compass Rack of Cams 2x rack of Stoppers 10 Pins 9 Screws and 2lbs of coffee to hold me over until I can find Bishkek's finest roast haha
...
should i bring my skis?
Some of my best adventures have been last minute, when I almost decide to stay home because I don't feel prepared enough or like I have everything together. I hiked the Berg Lake Trail (Mount Robson, BC) this September. I only had three days, the weather looked like it might not be great, and I was just getting into my first week of school. It's a five hour drive from where I live in Grande Prairie, AB, and the plan was to leave in the late afternoon / evening, sleep in my care somewhere, and get an early start on the trail. But at 10:30 pm, I was still packing my stuff! I was so close to not going. I am so glad I did though... that was in my top three best hikes I have ever done! (next to one in New Zealand, and another on the coast of Vancouver Island).
Just go for it!
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