As somebody who notoriously overbooks and attempts to balance way too much, I can very assuredly say how important rest days are. As I already mentioned, this trip in Patagonia has been an adventure not a vacation and in ways I wasn't used to. Although I feel like a pretty seasoned traveler compared to most people, most of the places I've been are English speaking. That was challenge number one: the language barrier. I had taken Spanish in high school for a year and took French for five, but I hadn't practiced languages since then...and it showed. Challenge number two: being tethered to my 100 lb companion of expensive, fragile science equipment that doesn't belong to me. Not only was it physically and logistically taxing to travel with, but mentally stressful as well. Finally, challenge number three: day 1 of this adventure started on day 15 of the whole trip. I was exhausted. Trying to see a whole region in a short 10 days is already challenging. I found myself taking a lot more rest days than I planned for or normally would have...and I am glad I did.
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In the same vein as the motto uttered constantly aboard the RCGS Resolute in Antarctica: "It's an expedition not a cruise," I quickly found my personal plans to explore Patagonia afterwards following suit. A reminder that this trip was an adventure, not a vacation.
Listen, when you pick grad school over a job and a grant hands you money to fly down to South America to do research in Antarctica, you milk that free plane ticket as much as you can. It doesn't matter that you have a 100 lb (45 kilo) - yes it got heavier - travel buddy of expensive science equipment that isn't yours...you memorize a few Spanish phrases of explanation, you bring your letters signed by every official human you know, and you pack up your field spectrometer and you take it on an adventure. Because guess what, classes don't start until January 14 and my advisor is on the other side of Antarctica for another month. |
about this blogEverything outdoors, from short weekend warrior trips to longer expeditions and everything in between.
outdoor mePrevious climbing guide and climbing wall manager at St. Lawrence University. Recently converted mountain bike fiend. Lifetime skier, ex racer, now backcountry snob. Colorado Outward Bound School mountaineering grad circa summer 2014. Enjoys short and long solo strolls in the wilderness and hearty backcountry meals. WFR-AMGA CWI-AVI1 Archives |