[at-l] A friend's hike that boosted my spirits

[infinity1plus1 at yahoo.com (Robert)]

In all the reading I've done on this list (boy, you guys sure like to send e-mails), I almost forgot to share this story I was told over the weekend. My "cousin-in-law" Nicole and I were talking about my renewed passion for attempting a thru-hike of the AT. She was thrilled to hear it and began telling me of some moments in her life that she thought would help me cast away any fears I might have. One story in particular touched me and I would like to share it with you all.
 
Nicole had gone on a hike south of the border to see mayan ruins. There were several ways you could arrive at the ruins. You could take one of many tour buses that come through the gates, or you could make a 4 day hike through the jungle, the 4th night culminating with an evening just outside the restricted area around the ruins. They restrict the area to keep people from setting up camp within the ruins.
 
The big difference between hiking to the ruins and driving to the ruins, other than the sheer joy of experiencing a jungle hike, is that before sunrise, in the pitch black darkness, you are encouraged to get out your flashlights and walk to the ruins to watch as the sun peeks over the ruins and floods the land with beaming rays. Nicole chose to do just that.
 
Unfortunately, Nicole and her hiking companion had not thought to bring extra batteries with them and, halfway to the ruins, on a narrow foot path with mountainous earth climbing up on one side and certain death-from-fall to the other, both their flashlights died. Did this stop the two women? Most certainly not! Nicole being the lucky one in the back began following every step her friend made as well as she could in the darkness. She figured if her friend fell off the cliff, Nicole would simply wait until sunlight and finish the hike... getting emergency help for her pal, of course.
 
Fortunately, the two young adventurers were able to complete the hike in darkness and arrived at the ruins before sunrise. Now you may ask, why would someone take the hike and risk the darkness and not just take the bus to see the sunrise? Why would someone choose to risk life and limb, rather than use the bus and make the hike at another time? The answer is simple... the tour buses arent allowed near the ruins until well after sunrise. The only people who are allowed to see what has been described to me as one of the most magnificent sights of all time, are those that hike there.
 
I get tingly just thinking about it.
 
Do I still have fears? Yes. The story did not assuage them all. But it sure as heck helped.
 
Robert
 
P.S.
 
Buddhist thought for the day... 
 
Whenever you hear that someone else has been successful, rejoice.
Always practice rejoicing for others--whether your friend or your enemy. 
If you cannot practice rejoicing, no matter how long you live, you will not be happy.

		
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