California Adventures: Altered Expectations

Having adopted a recent fondness for vagabonding, we had only planned out three specific hikes for the trip. The first, a 14 mile trek through the Yosemite Valley, was not possible due to some logistical challenges – so we improvised an 8-mile round trip journey instead. The second, up Ryan Mountain [link to Greg’s post], was nothing short of glorious. The third, to Cathedral Lake, took place on our first day in the high sierra portion of the park. We took our time venturing up to Tuolumne Meadows – stopping halfway up to make a second pourover coffee with a scenic panorama to keep us company. We arrived at the trailhead around 2:00pm and had planned to spend at least a few hours breathing in the majestic scene upon arrival, perhaps taking a prolonged dip in the lake after a 3-mile uphill journey.

On many occasions during the challenging incline, we ran into fellow hikers handing out positive accolades: “It’s beautiful!” “There was hardly anyone there!” “It’s totally worth it! You’re almost there!” But the last statement we heard was the most haunting, and unfortunately, would turn out to be the most accurate as well; “Be prepared to get eaten alive…” Passing several stagnant puddles, we were not surprised to hear a smack or two every now and then, defeating the six-legged, blood-sucking annoyances as they landed on our exposed skin. And that smacking was just a warm up for the new dance moves which were about to become my primary source of mosquito repellent (think of the sprinkler or the running man designed specifically for destroying high-pitched irritants).

When we arrived at the marsh that separated us from the granite beach that cradled the lake, Greg and I looked at each other with severe apprehension. While Greg powered through donning only an intense disposition, I started practicing my first new dance move: the arm swipe. I had strapped my camera to the pack to free up both hands to alternate an arm wiping action, from shoulder to wrist, repeatedly, until my feet exchanged the muddy terrain for solid ground. The mutual sigh of relief lasted only a matter of minutes – just long enough for me to catch my breath from the extra cardio my new dance move added to the walk. (Maybe I should make a workout video!)

During our short, peaceful reprieve, Greg and I stuck our feet in the water and tried our best to breathe deeply and inhale the view. It was a beautiful 3 minutes. Then we heard it; the piercing sound of unrest flying at us with surprising speed!

With the disturbing confirmation of what lay ahead on our return hike, we landed on a brilliant idea! We would finally get to use our rain jackets that we had hauled across the country. After covering our top halves in plastic, we took in one last deep breath and apprehensively stepped back into the swampy lair.

On the way back, I got to show off my second dance move to Greg.  Since I was pretty much covered from head to mid-calf, the only exposed areas were my hands, face, and ankles. I spent most of the time making a swiping motion in front of my face; thus the windshield wiper was born. (So maybe it could be a workout series!)

The swarms came and went on the speedy return trip as we alternated through dry and damp portions of the trail. Unfortunately, the longest rest we could savor was about two minutes; anything longer than that and we could hear them quickly approaching from behind; those buggers and swift and relentless! As their high-pitched melody approached I was reminded of a horror movie theme; think the Halloween Theme Song, with a buzzing overture to replace the piano keystrokes. That return hike set the record for fastest downhill hike of the trip. Minimal breaks, tremendous speed, and a staunch determination to get back to our enclosed van – finally a barrier the mosquitoes could not penetrate.

Greg & I did not talk much on the way back for fear of inhaling a mosquito or three, giving my active mind ample time to wander. I kept thinking of the irony that the one hike we had planned out ended up being the most frustrating. We had planned to stay at the lake for a few hours – taking a swim and a general break from the hustle that a trip based on hiking can sometimes bring about. Instead, our rest lasted a matter of minutes because of a seemingly invisible irritant. It reminded me of the way that I sometimes allow the seemingly invisible emotional irritants to prevent me from enjoying life.

The mosquitoes reminded me of life’s tiny annoyances, the ways I act, often without even noticing, that cause me to waste so much precious energy.  There are the outward energy vampires like toxic relationships and harmful situations. Or an overabundance of “stuff” which often creates clutter in my mind, my space, and my life. And then there are the internal irritants; the invisible scripts, the skewed paradigms, and the emotional struggles with comparison, people pleasing, and the fear of missing out. All of these can suck the enjoyment out of life (pun fully intended) until I find ways to eliminate them, protect against them, or move away from them.

And isn’t it funny how sometimes the experience we expect to be memorable turns into an even more distinct and tangible memory for reasons we couldn’t plan? Greg and I will never forget the hike to Cathedral Lake. Whenever we talk or think about it, we now start laughing (and I use it as a chance to show off my sweet dance moves). The lessons learned are powerful, and will carry with me for much longer than a beautiful view.