Thank you Bear Grylls.

Thank you Bear Grylls.

This past Saturday I decided to do a solo climb. Nothing spectacular or too challenging. In fact it was a climb I had done 4 previous times to much avail.

Pyramid Peak is the Alpha Peak in the Californian Desolation Wilderness. I took my time ascending to the summit, rested for a bit, signed the register, then started to make my way down.

After about an hour of descending I realized I took my eyes off the trail markers for about 2 minutes. 2 Minutes is all it took. I should have kept my bearings, but instead I thought I would trust my experience and intuition, keeping a specific ridge on my right and stream on my left.

I was correct in doing so, but hugged the ridge on my right too closely. I ended up far off course. I continued to keep a south bearing on my compass, knowing at some point I would reach the road that I drove in on, now 5 hours earlier.

I had left the summit at around 3pm and watched as my daylight seemingly diminished. I should have been down, off, and on my way home by this point. I remembered a few Man vs Wild episodes where Bear Grylls was adamant about staying calm and coming to grips with the fact that you are lost. I was lost, and I had to remain calm and remind myself of this simple lesson numerous times.

The further I went, the closer I got to the road. I could see cars moving below me, but between me and my goal was sheer cliffs, rhododendron growth up to my shoulders, and slippery wet rock. This was going to take some determination, smarts and skill to get down. Stopping every five minutes to plan my next 100 feet of descent was getting crazy, traversing backwards, free climbing. It was fun at times, and other times it was utter torture as flesh from my legs was being ripped by the growth I was trying to forge through.

The closer I got to the road the easier the terrain became until I was free. I was out. I ran to the road with my hands up, yelling. Cars drove by looking at me as if I were mad. Then I realized my car was parked 4 miles east of where I came off the mountain. I finally got back to my car at 8:30pm. 5.5 hours after I left the summit.

Two minutes of distractions added 4.5 hours and 4 miles of punishment. What I learned is this. Even if you find yourself off the path, away from anything that guides or directs, it isn't too late. Your surroundings may seemingly close in on you, it may seem impossible to maneuver, but if you press on, you will meet your goal. It will take some serious extra effort and drive, but it is attainable. Keep your eyes on the ultimate goal. Getting out of the wilderness.

Reminds me of a group of Israelites, who got distracted. Took their eyes off the goal and put it on themselves.

Thanks Bear.