First Tracks
Five Adventure Stories
by
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“Alright then, if you’re ready to begin, on a countdown from five. Five, Four, Three, Two, One, GO!” he shouted. All the preparation, the months of demanding physical training, the tuning of equipment, the race course strategizing, the development of technical skills enhanced through mental imagery and the assurance of having the proper food and water provisioning didn’t prepare Linda and Mike for the surge of competitors bolting across the starting line. The start was a cacophony of sounds created by hundreds of skis haphazardly slapping the coarse snow-covered trail surface, the jostling and grunting of the competitors each vying for even the smallest advantage, the whipsawing action of arms and legs as each competitor sought to gain purchase on the uneven surface, seeking traction that inspired forward movement. Although taking place outside, absent any solid boundaries, each participant felt tightly confined, gingerly trying to avoid entanglement with skis, poles and snowshoes, as contestants aggressively cut their individual paths through the shared close quarters of the starting area. Although the starting line was reasonably wide, the track quickly funneled down to a narrow six-foot wide trail in the first hundred yards. Contestants maniacally clamored over the terrain, each person feverishly attempting to create a modicum of separation between themselves and the surrounding hoard of competitors. Only after the first quarter mile did the bedlam of the start begin to ebb, the course curving into Benwood Meadow. Each racer, upon finding sufficient space, established a stiff mechanical striding motion that eventually transitioned into a well-practiced regimen of smooth and fluid gliding movements. The clamor of the start diminished and was soon replaced by the sounds of nature and the cadence created by the long line of skiers and snowshoers, focused entirely on making steady uphill progress. The procession snaked up the trail, eventually passing through the Upper Benwood Meadow, marching towards the commencement of the intimidating and sharply pitched 1,300-foot mountain trail ascent.
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About the Book
Everyone encounters new experiences on a daily basis regardless of age. However, some people seek out and embrace them while others try to avoid them. Risk taking, overcoming obstacles, setting goals and vigorously pursuing a specific objective gives rise to learning, energizes the spirit and builds self-confidence. Often there are other unexpected rewards.
This book contains five short adventure stories that provide lessons from people who attempted new activities. Opening up to new experiences expands personal boundaries, establishes new limits and sets the groundwork to achieve objectives or goals once thought to be unachievable. Overcoming the inherent challenges of doing something new allows for physical, emotional and psychological growth. Yet for many, trying something new is a daunting challenge.
The theme of first-time adventures, experienced in the High Sierra, exemplifies how the combination of planning, hard work and determination can push a person’s performance, knowledge and understanding of self to a new level. The pursuit of “First Tracks” by engaging in unique experiences is filled with humor, challenge, reward and disappointment but ultimately produces a well-rounded person, with a matchless story to tell.
The stories in this book will capture your heart and mind and satisfy your appetite for adventure. Each story provides an unexpected twist that rewards the reader right up to the final word.
About the Author
Bruce Gianola has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology from