You might think, given my many miles traveled, roads taken, mountains climbed, and seas sailed, that I’d have achieved some sort of wisdom by now. You might think I’ve gained some smarts after bouncing through numerous careers and jobs, and survived the ups and downs of many intimate relationships. But having knowledge and using it wisely are two different things.

Addicted to adventure and not particularly patient, I’ve often picked passion and excitement over smarts and common sense. I suspect this is why most of my life adventures did not start out as such.

The float trip down Hells Canyon’s Snake River was supposed to be an excursion easily done on inner tubes. After trashing our raft in the first rapids, it was obvious we’d underestimated the river. A simple ascent of Mt. Rainier did not anticipate the July snowstorm that turned the climb into a nightmare. Yes, most of my adventure mishaps could have been prevented with a little more planning and lots more common sense, but where’s the fun in that?

Our sailboat would not have ended up high and dry on the beach if we’d checked the tide tables. The endless night’s walk through the Idaho backcountry could have been avoided if we’d had a map.

Sure, more thought might have saved some anxiety and agony but in adapting and surviving these misadventures, I made lifelong friends and learned invaluable lessons. I learned that no matter how much we plan and anticipate what might happen, things still occur that we can’t control.

Like losing my sight.

Admittedly, this adventure has been my most challenging, yet it has come at the perfect time. I’m finally wise enough to realize how much I have to be thankful for, in spite of blindness. I have a loving wife to share the days with. we live in a beautiful place surrounded by kind family and friends. I’ve got a computer that talks with me and access to technology that connects me to the entire world. And, I can still write.

Writing is my new life adventure. Perhaps my words will bring a chuckle, cause a reflection, inspire action to build a better world. I hope so.

Thanks for traveling with me .

Stay adventurous!

tio stib

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