I was afraid to start the walk. It was rated: ‘very difficult marked trail.’ I’d only done ‘easy marked trail’ up to now. From the valley floor, the sheer rock face above looked inaccessible to the humble hiker. I’ve never been a climber as I’m much too afraid of heights. But this was something I would have to conquer if I was ever to access the upper reaches of the Alps. My fear. Fear of being afraid, becoming paralysed, cragfast.
So we agreed the route: we set off; the path wound steeply but securely through the woods. There were no vertiginous drops to contend with (yet) but still I was afraid. What was I afraid of? Facing my fears! Emerging onto the cliff face and being unable to continue. Most of all I was afraid of not knowing what was coming next.
Then came the climb: the route was pegged out. The online guide described it as ‘technically difficult’ and ‘dangerously slippery when wet,’ but it was neither wet nor difficult. There was a steep drop behind but all that I needed to do was climb: focus on the ascent, and not look down. As on the hike, so in life:
So often we fear
The unknown, hidden danger:
Neither here, nor there.
Writen in response to dVerse Haibun Monday: Take a Hike! You can read a more in-depth description of the walk in this Postcard from Slovenia.
I’ve never been brave enough to attempt a ‘very difficult marked trail’, Ingrid, and I can only marvel that you did it. It sounds scary but beautiful, especially the woods – I love trees.
It wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be: the next step is to try it up on the peaks, and try to overcome my vertigo!
I think that any track where the use of hands is needed will be marked very difficult… still I know that it’s not always to get down as it is getting up… I have faced a few scary tracks in my days,,, and I know the feeling of fearing the fear.
I actually find it easier to use my hands as it takes some pressure off my legs! But I would not attempt that path in descent…
Mira has often described hiking as labor: an agony of effort for the delight of accomplishment after. Especially a view. Courage is the summit you reached, and I love how your haiku conveys that!
It is a bit like labour but I must say I find hiking more enjoyable, and not quite as painful 😅
Great hike, great job – thank you!
Thank you for reading!
I have trouble climbing out of bed, so…
Hahaha, so did I this morning!
Excellent telling of conquering fear, those imagined things that keep us on edge and hesitant to go forward. Bravo to you!
Thank you Lisa! I still need to conquer my fear of exposed heights (and spiders 🕷) but it’s a process…
You’re most welcome and definitely hiking on the right path 😉
Ingrid, I understand your concern. The picture takes ones breath! Loved the line leading to the haiku. Thank you for sharing this adventure so eloquently.
Thank you, it was a pleasure to share, and actually an enjoyable walk!
I really love the way you compare climbing to life. You are right. If we keep our focus and quit looking at the what ifs we will make it! Great use of the prompt Ingrid!
What ifs are the bane of my existence!
I think they haunt all of us at times!
Fears conquered! A worthwhile climb.
Indeed it was! Thank you 😊
Oh and trhere you are staring it right in the face here or there with an amazing job of a writing prompt!
Thanks so much Cindy 😊
I liked your take on discovery and dealing with fear (and a great photo) – as you say ‘as on the hike, so in life’. Hope you go on to the Alps one day. As for spiders, I reckon some fears are perfectly sensible (shudder).
Vertigo is a big challenge. My hat off to you for facing it.
I haven’t done true hiking, and certainly not anything labeled as difficult. What a sense of accomplishment you must have felt!