I generally like being outdoors and don't find that I need an incentive to go out and about. However, my recent introduction to geocaching has me in some kind of obsession. I could be out there finding all the geocaches and exploring new areas. Why am I not doing this every day? Why am I not doing it right now? So many things to find!!
I'm very stubborn when I want to accomplish something. I keep pushing forward until I reach that goal, but sometimes you just have to know when it's time to turn around.
Kelsey, Shane , and I set out to get Madison and Adams recently on one very beautiful day, but for those of you familiar with the WMNF presidential range, the weather can be very crazy. The moment we hit alpine, the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. Initially, it's just some more of that sweet mountain magic. But it starts to become less magical for those who are not ready for the worst case scenario. We made it across rocky ridge line with very low visibility (we were inside of a cloud), through 74mph winds, and to the Madison Springs Hut before the larger portion of our group were losing steam. The hut was boarded up from the furlough so we had no place to dry off. This ended up being the deciding factor. With the Madison summit a mere half mile away, we instead headed back home.
Though it is unfortunate we were not fully equipped, I am glad we are all safe and healthy after our adventure. I am reassured that this is a great quality to have, knowing when it is time to call it quits. But I've got my eye on those mountains and I'll be back!
