Written By: Darren Bocksnick ©2009

The Call of the wild: If you’re like me, every now and then you get the crazy notion to “wing it” when it comes to heeding the call of the wild. Like for example, the time I went hiking in a precarious patch of woods called “The Hogbacks” nestled amongst snow-covered hills and frozen rivers during a sub-zero winter white-out in central Michigan. I was drawn to the ubiquitous, haze of white-on-white; that almost surreal sensation where the white-covered trees, white-covered ground and white-out conditions all meet in a most, spectacular fashion.

Opportunities must be seized: I knew if I had taken the time to drive home, pack my gear and rush back to that place; the shortened winter day would have become a long winter night and the chance would have evaded me. So, I did the unthinkable; I broke the one golden rule to rule them all that should never go unbroken when it comes to The Great Outdoors- I “winged it” and hiked unprepared.

The spur-of-the-moment: No, I didn’t have a backpack or as much as a water bottle, only my Columbia winter parka and my Hi-Tech hiking boots. I had no food of which to survive on should the need arise and for that matter, not even a compass. It was one of those spur-of-the-moment crazes that take over us hikers’ better sense sometimes.

Not planning yet still finding perfection: Yet, survive I did and it turned out to be one of the most blissful, peaceful hikes I’ve ever experienced; where the stillness of the winter wood was only outmatched by the quietness felt in my spirit from that experience. Only a white-tailed deer in the distance and a rabbit scampering about for cover broke the almost, eerie silence and woke me from my euphoric state. That’s what I get I guess for “winging it”.

A rare occasion; a wild notion: Then, there was that rarest of occasions in life where you see the opportunity, throw consequences out the door and go with your gut feeling. It was the one and only time in my life where I was privileged enough to visit Europe. It was a most wonderful gift of my parents as a graduation gift- a couple of years’ worth of sacrificing and saving on their part.

For the love of mountains: The trip consisted of a crash-course tour touching as many countries in as short a time period as possible. We visited England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland and Italy. My favorite part of the whole trip was when we hit the German, Austrian and Swiss Alps. In particular, the majestic Swiss Alps- especially near Lake Lucerne- were indescribably beautiful and alluring to the primal, hiker nature within me.

The unplanned is what makes the trip: Part of our tour included hotel accommodations of course but also catered meals after a good day’s worth of traveling from one country to the next on a tour bus. Our fun, frolicking tour guide was cool-headed, light-hearted and very accommodating in giving us the flexibility to wander aimlessly to go sight-seeing, shopping or whatever so long as we obeyed the international laws.

The Alps: However; there was one area that he was rigidly strict on- to never be late for the included meals in the evening. It wasn’t so much for the nourishment of our bodies in eating the “last supper” of the day that he was concerned about; it was rather a way of making sure we were still all together and that each of us were accounted for. We were after all, a motley crew of world-travelers; spanning the globe from Australia, New Zealand, England, as well as the United States and beyond. It was in his better interests to avoid an international incident involving one of the tourists entrusted to his care, should one come up missing.

The allure of the wild: I just couldn’t resist the urge though. Blame it on the pristine blue waters of Lake Lucerne mirroring the spectacular snow-capped Alps surrounding the quaint mountain town of Lucerne. My window of opportunity was small but the summit of that highest peak was larger-than-life right then and I was determined to conquer it.

"Winging it": Common sense should have kicked in and told me: “you’re in a strange country and in unfamiliar surroundings; don’t do it!” Having only a camera with a telescopic lens but with no water or food; my better judgment should have warned me against the crazy notion I was contemplating. Instead, with only the promise of crisp, clear sunny afternoon and a couple hours of “free time” afforded to us tourists by our guide; I did the unimaginable and I “winged it”, again.

Of mountains and men: There is a reason why the history books never depict the typical, horrific tales of German conquest during World War I and II as occurring in Switzerland. Switzerland is a natural fortress; completely surrounded on all sides by high mountains; practically making it impenetrable. So, immediately into my hike; which was quite literally at edge of town, it was an arduous trek through steep rocky slopes with patches of grass and trees interspersed throughout.

The excursion: Unbeknownst to me, I was passing through a farmer’s pasture. The sweet, old Swiss lady was out tilling the field while her cows all grazed on the slopes. I later discovered that this was common place since there is hardly a parcel of flat land in Switzerland. She smiled and waved as I continued up. I was hot, thirsty and the high altitude along with thin air and my thirsty tongue was making for a strenuous; albeit, incredibly rewarding excursion.

En-route to the summit: Curiously, I would pass by an occasional mountain road as it meandered its way toward the summit. I snapped shots along the way of neighboring peaks, peaceful valleys and alpine forests. Lake Lucerne was stunning from the higher altitude. I passed by some mountain streams that looked so invigorating and inviting but I resisted the urge to drink from them realizing I was still downstream- from whatever might be upstream peeing in the water. I figured I would wait till I made the summit.

All effort, all uphill, all difficult: At three hours into my jaunt, I was completely famished. This may have been a haven for tourists but the hike was no beginners’ trail. The fact was, there was no trail and on the scale of 1-10, 10 being the most difficult- this was a solid, 8 or 9 in a trail-rating system. There was no reprieve or leveling off to ease up on the strain caused to the leg muscles from the previous exertion of effort. It was all effort, all uphill and all difficult.

Disappointments and let-downs: Again, I passed the mountain road. Shortly I came to what I thought was the summit; only to realize it was the first peak that I could see from the bottom, but it was not the true summit. So, I continued to climb touting my camera with the foot long telescopic lens. My neck was cramped for carrying it and it was more burdensome than it was appreciated.

One foot in front of the other: Looking at my watch, I could see it was 4:30 pm and the included meal- the one I was instructed not to be late for- was at 6 pm. I was seriously contemplating turning back but this was one of those occasions in life where I went with my gut feeling and that meant I couldn’t turn back until I made it up to the top. So, I wearied my way up the mountain, one foot in front of the other, just as I had done many times before.

The Summit: well worth the effort: Finally, I could see the summit nearing and I was ecstatic at what views awaited me on the other side of the peak. When I reached the top, what I saw was beyond my wildest expectations. For in addition to the stunning views of the vivid scenery and unmatched beauty of the high country, there was a mountain retreat!

Pleasant views: To my pleasant surprise there was a cable car platform spanning down the other side of the mountain and atop the platform were sunbathers! There was snow all around though it was eighty plus degrees out in the middle of June. The higher altitude of course kept the snow from completely melting.

The Reward at the top: More delightful than the panoramic sights or the enjoyable views from atop the platform was the quaint, little store beckoning to me. I had heeded the call of the wild and the allure of the mountain but I was long overdue to hear the cry of my tongue for a drink! Luckily, I had a few Swiss bucks on me and proceeded to purchase some water and a coke in which I quickly chugged them both.

Head rush: Looking at my watch, I was morosely surprised to see that it was already 5:30pm and I was scheduled to be down at the base of the mountain in a half hour- thousands of feet below. At that, I left the store, found the place where I had “surfaced” and began to run down the mountain! At times I ran so fast that I had to brace myself against a tree every now and then to prevent myself from toppling head-over-heels. Still I ran and ran- past the pristine streams, the panoramic views, the grazing slope lands; hopping over rocks and falling limbs as I rushed down to make my date with a Swiss-style dinner.

Safe and unscathed: Through sheer luck; angelic intervention or my date with a Swiss dinner destiny; I somehow made it back to the town, unscathed and never more satisfied. I walked into the hall reserved for our touring group to the cheers and light-hearted applause of my “touring family”; who all had apparently shared in the worry of my tour guide as I was a dastardly, twenty minutes late.

Go with your gut and wing it! None of them could believe what I had done and my tour guide just about ex-communicated me from the touring congregation for my little stunt. Yet, the applause of my international family and the sense of accomplishment and adventure I felt inside were the only confirmations I needed to know that I had done the right thing- I followed my heart, went with my gut and “winged it”.

Life's rare opportunities: Sometimes, life will present you with the kind of opportunities that on the surface; seem to serve no real purpose, other than to satisfy some on-the-spot urge. Yet, it is those rarest of occasions that will often have the most profound impact upon us. Since we are by nature, creatures of habit- it goes against our very "instinct" to do things on-the-fly and without a plan or adequate preparation.

Break free from routine: However; often times our plans and routines limit our opportunities and inhibit our personal development. Yet, what untapped potential, unprecedented success or undiscovered beauty awaits us at the summit above, just beyond where routine and complacency keep us "grounded" far below and limited in our view?

Throw caution to the wind, "wing it"! You may never find out by merely doing that which is routine. Every now and then you will find life's greatest treasures awaiting you in the most unexpected of places but you just may have to throw caution to the wind and "wing it" to discover them!

Darren.Bocksnick@gmail.com thebulletpoint@yahoo.com http://highercaliber.blogspot.com/ http://hubpages.com/profile/WordWielder http://hubpages.com/_38wyy42xy8svi/help/advertise

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