The Desire Not To Do Something
More often than not I speak about the desire to do something, rather than the desire not to. Before showeing this morning I was looking at hiking ideas, to find some that would appeal to me and I did. Some friends/people I know want to do the Daubenhorn Via Ferrata on Saturday but I feel little to no desire to do it.
Three Experiences So Far
I have done this Via Ferrata three or four times and almost every time I have said “never again”. If you end an activity with that thought three times I think the message is clear. I don’t like that Via Ferrata. It’s especially the second part that I find so hard, after the “lunch” break. It’s especially the last exposed bit, high above the ground.
Usually I am perfectly relaxed on almost all parts of all via ferrata but there are some that challenge me more than others, and that’s when I was going to the gym two to three times a week to maintain my upper body strength in between climbs. I don’t doubt that I would get to the top. I have enough grit. I just think that I will be tired and fatigued, and thinking yet again “never again”.
Other Interests
There is a flipside to this. There are at least three or four hikes that would tempt me. The first is in the valley of Leukerbad. This looks like a nice hike with nice views, and at least two restaurants to stop by for a coffee or meal. In one case they make plenty of cheese during the summer season.
The Lämmerhütte Walk would be a physical walk with 880 meters of climbing and descent, and a loop that lasts for six and a half hours and 13.3km in distance. One of the highlights of that route is an old fortress and tunnel through the rock. Every time I have done the VF I have been curious about the walk that we see from above. I think it could be a nice route, especially if you then walk over to Kandersteg on the other side.
With the Lämmerhütte walk I would consider taking the télécabine back down, at the end of the day, to save my knees from the descent.
What Made the VF So Challenging
Different Setup
The first time I did this VF the first thing that struck me as odd was the spikes, rather than staples. The second thing about this VF is that it’s much higer than most so you really feel that you’re exposed. In French they say “plein de gaz” to describe it. The ground is far below, especially at some moments.
Long Lunch Break
The second mistake I make is that I have the wrong snacks with me so when others take a break for lunch I snack, and by the time the break is over I don’t feel like doing the second part. I would be happier with a shorter break that allows people to catch up, and then continue. I never enjoy long breaks when hiking or doing other sports, unless it’s for a real meal. We can’t have a real meal up there.
Too Heavy
On at least one climb I took too much with me. I need to take a rain coat, a warm layer, something to drink, and snacks that I know I will eat in full.
And Finally - Avoid Hitting the Wall
It’s especially when I cycle that I tend to hit the wall at some point, and then I usually limp home metaphorically. I cycle but without energy. The question is not whether I can do it again, but if I can do it in comfort. Can I do it without hitting the wall on the last part after the cave?
I see this Via Ferrata as a pinnacle VF for a reason. If it was easy I would not see it as having to be earned. I would do it, and not spare a thought. Saturday I will challenge myself again, and we will see how I do.