There is always next time!

With the San Gorgonio Wilderness blanketed with snowfall that has accumulated from the first few storms of the season, this past weekend was an opportune time to head for high country. The goal was to, well one... get a good workout in and two, to break in my new boots and three to scope out a climbing zone for this winter. Accompanied by the partner of all partners we left the sounds of the parking lot trail head and its dwellers that fail to realize that we DO have the ability to have fun beyond the range of our car stereos. It was then we were able to hear a different kind of music. As we trudged our way forward we were blessed with an opera, the voice of a tenor hitting the notes of wind swept trees and the baritone chill our bones with a rumble as the snow slides from a near by slope, all the while this orchestra of  sound keeping to the beat of our feet. With so much beauty all around us it was hard not to stop and just take in the sights. But as all good shows must come to an end the curtain was closing on ours. The day was spent with a storm nipping at our heels and it had finally caught up. Admitting  that we not prepared for any sort of long stay in the elements that were sure to come, we decided it best to turn back and avoid any mishaps for foolish pride. As always, the days events make for good conversation on the decent but today in particular was quite enlightening. My partner loves to analyze situations and today was no exception. She began with the...ok so this is kinda what I learned in school.......... and she brought up an interesting view of our attempt on the day. To her we did not get shut down we merely just laid the stepping stones for next time. I guess what I took from it was, its not all about the achievements but how we get there. In my case this is all just training for my big climb and if I never run into trouble down here then I may fail to see it up there. So all in all I guess our attempt did come with its rewards and if nothing else I got to break in my new boots from 5.10 that will carry me NORTH.