"Life is an error-making and an error-correcting process, and nature in marking man's papers will grade him for wisdom as measured both by survival and by the quality of life of those who survive.” --- Jonas Salk
I thoroughly enjoy an adventure. Be it a backcountry kayak campout, a multi-day backpacking trip, or simply a scramble up a talus slope, adventure awaits.
The Norwegian arctic and antarctic explorer Roald Amundsen said that, "Adventure is just bad planning."
I'd agree with this statement in some regard, however everything on an excursion cannot be planned for. For example:
- The interface between your head and a random falling tree limb or rock.
- The involuntary (and unnoticed) exchange of bodily fluids with a poisonous insect.
- Toothless weilders of banjos in the wilderness.
Some things just happen...tis life.
Adventure is typically a physical experience that consists of risky, uncertain, and perhaps dangerous activities. Training, good health, and sound judgement are the keys to successful adventuring.
I would however argue add that adventure (more appropriately misadventure) is not only a result of bad planning, but also a result of technological reliance and media propaganda.
Every magazine and commercial on the tele seems to say, "Get this product and you too can huck a waterfall or attain spiritual enlightenment upon reaching summit of Mt. Elbrus." Some of these products are for things like chewing gum, luxury vehicles, and cholesterol pills.
Many in our society believe that their GPS and their cell phone are all they require to lead them safely into the wilderness (where they'll probably call/text you from) and back to their luxury SUV.
This reliance on technology has created a false sense of security for people.
I know of one climbing ranger in the Tetons who summed up what cell phone reliance does for adventure seekers. "It makes locating the body easier."
The recent hurricaine in Texas brought up an issue in my mind regarding search and rescue; WHO PAYS FOR YOUR RESCUE?
Scenario: I am climbing Mount Washington in New Hampshire. I fall and fracture my leg. I create a shelter, adminster self-aid, and send a member of my climbing team for help I am rescued by the National Park Service in cooperation with the local SAR group and the NH Air National Guard. I get billed by the government for my rescue a few weeks later.
Scenario: I live on the Gulf of Mexico. I watch the television and track a significant hurricaine heading right for my town. The local authorities order a mandatory evacuation. Some even go so far as to recommend that I write my Social Security Number on my body in permanent marker in case they recover my body. I decide to stay and safeguard my property. I use my cell phone to call for help hours into the storm. THE LARGEST SEARCH AND RESCUE EFFORT IN TEXAS' HISTORY TAKES PLACE. It doesn't cost me a penny.
See adventure awaits everyone...all you need is poor judgement and a cell phone.
Look, listen, feel,
Ostrich
DON'T FORGET:
Vote the Environment...without it, we'are all dead (money can't buy life).
For more information about the candidates and their positoins on the environmnet, visit www.patagonia.com and click on the environmentalism tab.
