Let the photo tell the story #4
- Setting: Pike-San Isabel National Forest in Colorado, USA
- Main Character: The Barr Trail
- Plot: the art of accepting when it’s time to bail
Man plans, and God laughs
Before getting into backpacking, I was the type of person who loved to have a plan. I was lacking in the Coping With Uncertainty Department, so I would ease this discomfort by planning the weeks and months. Anyone who attempts to plan around nature, however, can understand that plans are laughable in her presence. Moreover, committing to plans and being stubborn about carrying them out could lead to unfortunate, yet preventable, experiences. Unfortunately, I learned this lesson the hard way, but that is a story for another day. Today, I will share the brief story of a bailed backpacking trip on the Barr trail.
On the way to Pikes Peak (maybe?)
There was a period of time when I wanted to complete a 14er. There was a thrill to trekking up mountain summits to look out over the world. The feeling of being above the clouds, gulping in thin air, was a thrilling experience for me, perhaps in part because of the lack of oxygen. Nevertheless, I had it in mind to complete the infamous Pikes Peak 14er near Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA. I found myself in Colorado Springs visiting family during a pocket of free time in my schedule, and figured this was the trip. Mind you, there was a part of me that knew I wasn’t going to make it. It was during the time of year when spring transitions into summer, yet winter hangs onto the mountain peaks. The odds were not in my favor.
Despite the clues pointing toward sitting this one out, I was eager to go backpacking. My bag was neatly packed, and the weather was jolly. I figured it would be worth the trip to sleep at Barr Camp for the night and, if anything, turn back around the next morning. So, I let my family in the area know that I was heading off, and went on my way. The amusing aspect of this excursion was that, already accepting that I probably was not going to complete the hike, I walked with a lighter gait. No longer held down by worries of what the conditions were going to be as I climbed in elevation. Nor did I have to concern myself with the spontaneous storms that strike early summer.
Plan B turned to Plan C
Although I had changed the plan from summiting Pikes Peak to an overnight stay at Barr Camp, in the end, Plan B yielded to Plan C. The closer I got to Barr Camp, the more clouds started rolling in from over the mountains. The warm, sunny day I had started with was quickly giving way to a new forecast. Wind was picking up, the sky was getting darker, and there was an electric feeling in the air that sparked my goosebumps. As mentioned earlier, I have learned the hard way about the consequences of ignoring instincts. These mistakes were not performed in vain; thus, when my gut instincts are activated, I bail. It would not have been worth it to wait out a storm or camp in hazardous weather. Funnily enough, I have yet to complete this trip. Not for lack of visiting, for I have been back to the area numerous times since. I suppose my trips have taken on a different priority, although I am not opposed to one day completing Pikes Peak. It just has not been in the cards for me yet.
Have there ever been trips that you have bailed on? Share your story below in the comments!
Happy Trails!
