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| Vol.3.91 | |
Reboot - (Week 1 Himalaya Expedition)by Vince PoscenteAuthor of The Ant and the Elephant, Invinceable Principles and The Age of Speed It's 110 degrees in New Delhi and 100 in Dallas. But in a Deli in Dallas and a Diner in Delhi it's 74 degrees thanks to Willis H. Carrier and his invention, air conditioning. When air conditioning doesn't work, hot has a new buddy - bothered. I have a friend who owned an AC repair company. When I asked him how things were going, he said, "Pretty good considering the only time people call is when they're angry their AC's not working." It seems that problems get our attention when our expectations aren't met. Computers are a regular reminder of this issue. When problems arise we can automatically jump to the worst-case conclusion. My computer isn't working properly. Looks like I'm going to need a new computer. The mind whirrs in a flurry of: How can I afford itω Did I lose all my dataω Is this a sign of Armageddonω Then I hear the voice of Tahir, our computer guy. With enough computer issues in our history, instead of answering the phone with a "Hello Vince," he just says, "Did you rebootω" Ah yes, that ultra-complex solution of turning the computer off and back on again. The other day I hopped into my truck and realized quickly that the AC was blowing warm air. Oh great, I thought. Now I need a new compressor. Or is it the Offenhaus Defosticatorω Or whatever that thing is that turns water and hot air into deliciously cool air. Then, as if Tahir was sitting on my shoulder, I heard the words, "Did you rebootω" So, for grins I turned the truck off. Switched it back on again and praise Mr. Carrier - it worked. Cool air! On Monday I left for New Delhi. (This is the part where I write to you in June what will have happened when you get Full Speed Ahead in July. Funny feeling - this writing in past tense about stuff that will happen if everything goes "as planned.") On Tuesday we met up with our host, Ankit at the airport.
Tomorrow we leave for our trek towards a virgin peak and the chance to name a summit. As the expedition leader I know it's helpful for our five climbers to have a clear idea of what their intentions of the trip are. An endeavor like this can be cathartic on many levels. The physical, mental and spiritual scrubbing is what I experienced in my 2006 trek towards Chakri Peak. I expect a similar step-up in my own evolution. Yet another chance to reboot. This time it's me and not my truck's AC or computer. Nonetheless, thanks for the advice Tahir. Did you rebootω Give yourself the gift of rebooting now and then. You may find everything works much better after you're switched back on. Until next week it's full speed ahead,
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© 2010 Vince Poscente. All Rights Reserved. |
Early Wednesday morning, we took a flight to the remote Kullu Valley. In the evening we were briefed by Sanjeeva Pandey on our Great Himalayan National Park and summit destination near Pin Parvati. 