Two weeks prior to this I had gone with these friends for the first time. Not just my first time with them, but my first time backcountry skiing (actually, I snowboard). I spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, but had only been skiing on a resort until that weekend. Backcountry skiing was very difficult and I felt like I wasn't going to be able to keep up with my friends that find much passion in the activity and get out once a week. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and after a long weekend and some thought, I was leaning toward purchasing all of the necessary equipment to start going winter 2012.
Since the accident, my friends and family have asked me if my friends that went through this heart-wrenching experience would continue to backcountry ski. Those that know that I went and was thinking about pursuing it, asked me if I would still do so. I was unsure of the answer to these questions. Then on Friday, the father of the man that passed mentioned in the funeral service how important it was to find a passion in life and go after it. I personally have several passions in life and feel that I would not miss out if I didn't pick up backcountry skiing. However, I know that my friends are more passionate about it than any other activity. I'm not sure what thoughts will cross their minds next winter as they pick up their skis to head out to the backcountry of Utah.It could be argued that every time we get in our car and drive down the interstate, we are putting out life in harm's way; each time we get on a roller coaster there is always that possibility that our car comes off the track. We all do something that could ultimately end in a bad way. Is that any reason to not do it?
4 comments:
I guess the most dangerous hobby that I have is canyoneering. I read the canyoneering accident reports often and with each one, I try to do a pseudo post-mortem to modify my practices in hopes to decrease the chances of an accident on my trips. Despite this, I think your friend's experience proves that you can't mitigate 100% of the risks. Is this any reason not to do it? Hard question. Is canyoneering an unnecessary risk? Hard to say. I have seen beautiful areas of Utah that most people haven't experienced. If it a tragedy happens, it certianly won't have been worth it...but the places are so beautiful and the experiences are so great that, if I can successfully mitigate the risks, the canyons will continue to be some of the greatest memories I have. How is that for a non-answer?
Good question. Danny wants to ride my dads motorcycle to work because it will be cheaper in gas.(really because he loves to ride) I am left wondering the same thing? Is this a bad idea because he has a family and could get in an accident, or whats the big deal, he could get in a car accident too. I guess I would say, dont live in fear, but also use good judgement.
good words Libby. I think we all take certain risks. My personal passion is for the sun and swimming. It is naturally less dangerous than some other adventure sports. However, I've gotten a lot of comments about building a pool in my backyard and how dangerous that can be when you have kids around. It's just something you consider and take steps to minimize risk - but you can't let that rule your life. Unless your passion in life is safety - which really complicates this post.
Candice, sunburns are the #1 cause of turning red due to the suns rays. If I've learned one thing from our big yellow friend in the sky it's stay the hell out of his way. Careful big sis.
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