Everybody says it's not about the destination. It's about the journey. I can buy into that. Lots of the trips I do aren't about getting somewhere epic. Outings like Mailbox Peak and the Cable Line are all about the climb. Sweat, work, and get rewarded with a little dose of dopamine.
But when the journey can be as good as the destination, why wouldn't you double dip?
Imagine a set of glorious lakes in a beautiful alpine wilderness. Your usual route there is so familiar you can see it in your mind. But familiarity breeds contempt or at least a wandering eye. So you choose the route everyone else takes. It can't be all bad, right?
Thpth.
Crowded. Dusty. Long. I struggled to find the good in the journey. I passed the waterfalls and the lake that are supposed to be highlights, but they paled in comparison to the lake and views on my usual trail. I'll admit the view of the lake from above was nice, but it was at precisely that moment that my stomach rebelled. So much for being well hydrated.
The destination lakes were as good as ever. Treen had a great time swimming in the deep blue water and chasing sticks. She truly enjoys the journey as much as the destination. (Of course, she does look at the views, but maybe I'm projecting a bit.)
The only good part of the hike out was that it was all downhill. The way home usually requires a climb up before a steep descent. It was refreshing not to have to work to get home, but the novelty didn't last. I found myself grumbling as I endured the exit trail.
Does this mean I'm done with the whole value-of-the-journey thing? No, of course not. Summits last only a few minutes. The trail is forever.
(But seriously. Don't give up a good trail for a lousy one. Not even if it's new and shiny.)
