The Mountains called, so I answered!

Do the mountains really call? Can you hear it in the wind, the trees whispering or is it an inner voice with desire? Either way, the message came through strong and clear, " put on your boots, grab the camera and come to me". So, when the inner voice or the whispering trees send the message, its time, the adventure awaits!

“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.”-Amelia Earhart

Like many, I took on a new challenge for 2020, the 52 hikes in 52 weeks. Maybe the inner voice is actually the OCD, the winning not giving up personality conflict in my own head. The challenge is there, determination to win and not quit.

“You must go on adventures to find out where you truly belong.” -Sue Fitzmaurice

But, you can't just always run at the drop of a voice or mountain calling in your sleep. There are factors that can determine the ability to climb that mountain. Weather is a big one! Knowing the voice will call, paying close attention to weather detail is important. Watch for the break in the pouring down rain, between the 50 mph winds expected and dumping of snow storms. Its not as much fun to be caught in any of those. Meteorologist have the wind patterns and upcoming storm tracking down to yes, a science. So pay attention, watch for a break in the weather patterns and be ready to grab the gear and go if you plan on meeting a challenge to get out. Don't just rely on phone apps, they do not forcast changes well. The eruption of a volcano half way around the world can shift weather patterns. Anywhere there are mountains, gorges, elevation changes; can also make predicting close and still wrong. So prepare for weather to change even when you think you have a break in it.

Yesterday, forcasters said, " there next Gorge storm to blow in between 10am and 2pm". Until then, there is a break in the morning. Slap the boots on, layer up, pack extra gloves, hat, raincoat incase, and go! My window came, the mountains called, the weather gave a window of opportunity let the adventure begin! Be prepared to have to turn around, we don't always reach our summit, that is ok. Micro-spikes, trekking poles and insulating layers however did assist in reaching the summit. A hiker on the trail was not as well prepared, knew his limits and turned back when the trail disappeared in the snow and he was not familiar with the trail. Hoping a group of hikers were ok passed. They headed up as I came down, no hats or gloves or insulated outer ware, and the winds on top were gusting 70mph, clouds were rolling in fast and by the time I reached the parking lot; the mountain disappeared into the clouds. Don't be caught in the storm on the mountain, as the voice draws you in, prepare before you go.

“If we all did the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” -Thomas Alva Edison