In my profile, I mentioned that I am a runner -at least when everything is going well. Every once in a while, things don't quite go according to my plan.
An example; I trail run, often solo (I know, it's dangerous but I'm careful), and will turn 20 or 30 miles. Every year, I like to make the trip down to the Seven Devils Wilderness Area just outside of Riggins, ID. For those of you not around here (and that's most), the Devils are an absolutely spectacular area to hike, fish, horseback ride and camp. It is a family favorite when you want to get away and only a couple of hours from Lewiston ID.
Anyway, back to the topic of unintended consequences. The last time I ran down there, I did the loop trail which is about 28 miles long. Spectacular views. Unfortunately, the picture below came from that run. Why unfortunately? Because there are no major lakes on the loop. My fir
st reaction breaking through the pine that surrounds the lake was "Wow!".
The second was, "Where the heck am I?" Not thoughts you want when your 15 miles into the wilderness and - from experience - I'm pretty well guaranteed not to meet anybody while I'm running.
As I said, I'm careful. With a combination of trail maps and a compass, I was able to figure out that I was at Baldy Lake, well off course.
I ended up turning about 33 miles that day, more than I had planned (but less than I prepared for -I always over-prepare). But sometimes the law of intended consequences works in your favor. It just a matter of recognizing the opportunity before you.
That's the "Wow!" moment that makes it all worthwhile.
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