“At some point you have to stop worrying about things and just do it.”

-Murt Stewart III

 

Soaked by thunderstorms and walled off by landslides, Faith, Franka, and I wrung out our pack trip to Sabrina Basin and hung it out to dry. At least we weren’t stuck on the other side of the road with the 50-100 other cars that had ventured down the 168 that day. Luckily, we managed to book a different packer: Murt Stewart, of Glacier Pack Train. We were going to Big Pine Lakes.

Murt offered each of us his granite handshake, and surveyed our medley pile of gear with discerning eyes. He didn’t quite understand why two artists and a photographer needed so much stuff, but he set about organizing it all into the mule packs anyways. As he worked, he fielded questions about horseback riding and trail conditions with as few words as possible, until finally he paused for a brief moment to say, “At some point you have to stop worrying about things and just do it.”

Clearly, Murt doesn’t fret about how his mules and horses will behave on the trail. He doesn’t worry about mosquitoes. He doesn’t concern himself over a little bit of rain and thunder. He just does what he needs to do, deals with problems as they arise, and, if necessary, figures out ways to deal better in the future. Simple.

Murt looked over at me as he loaded. “You’re the one walking in?”

I said yes.

“Well, you’d better get going then.”

I nodded as I grabbed my trek pole and day pack. Faith and Murt gave me a few directions to improve the chances I’d go the right way, and off I walked (with a map, of course). I thought about Murt’s words. They could apply to just about any new thing you want to do, but lack experience in. I’m a professional over-thinker, and I sometimes delay things for fear of making some grave error. Yet I’ve had the best adventures, and learned the most when I’ve just gone ahead with plans without worrying too much about the potential issues. It’s all about learning to solve problems on the fly. Most of the time, things work out one way or another.

Of course, you shouldn’t go in blind. Preparation is a great thing. Research and prep work ensure you don’t get soaked by an afternoon thundershower during your hike. But no matter how much you prepare, plan, and worry, you’re going to get hit with unforeseen problems. You’re going to make mistakes. Take some time to prepare. Ask for advice from people with experience. Learn what the major pitfalls are going to be, and think about how to deal with those. But don’t think too long, or you’ll never stop thinking. Whatever it is you’re wanting to do, pick a date and get going. If you get caught by a surprise storm, you’ll live. Just remember to bring a rain jacket next time.