Playing the cards we're dealt...

[DDT (12)]

 
Life can be so unpredictable! We spend inordinate amounts of time planning so predictable events along the course of life will have desirable outcomes. Necessary, of course, and not planning usually results in lack of preparation for both unforeseen calamities and/or opportunities, and in an inability to capitalize when great but unanticipated shots present themselves. We must carefully plan, thoughtfully prepare, and rigorously execute our plan; however, just as importantly we must adjust those plans timely and as appropriate!
 
Formulating plans requires ‘vision’, calculated gambling on how things will likely unfold, and realistically attempting to set things up to our advantage. Absent blind-assed luck, of course, no successful person ever arrives at ‘success’ without a well-thought-out plan and disciplined execution of that plan. Only, things seldom go exactly as expected, and life is full of surprises, unexpected or unforeseen obstacles, hardships unimagined, and… Successful people also have a gift for adjusting plans to meet actual circumstances.
 
No, things don’t always go the way we expect… or even plan for! In spite of our best most realistic efforts, surprises and ‘aw craps’ can blindside us and set us back… or even derail us completely. If we’ve included flexibility, or at least if we are willing to amend expectations and to tweak assumptions, we have a chance to salvage something rather than to simply toss-in the towel. Surprises, however, are not always bad or filled with doom and gloom…
 
The weather this summer seemed as though fate had predetermined that Big Wolf and I would not make the trip we’d discussed and thoughtfully planned. That plan, however, was a compromise in the first place based upon ‘realistic’ expectations about normal or average weather conditions along our proposed route, and what was itself an attempt to take advantage of what appeared to be available. The weather this season has been anything but normal or average!
 
The very first day we set out together to actually work our plan, it became obvious that plan simply would not work out… at all… Disappointment was a predictable initial reaction, as change is typically difficult to embrace. I suppose the core element in that natural reaction to ‘significant change’ is risk.
 
Risk of loss, more precisely… The peering into an uncertain future knowing things will not be as we’d figured… that we’d be forced to miss out on the desirable aspects of our plan that we’d come to eagerly anticipate… Worse, this ‘loss’ did not include an alternative or prospect for things to actually be even better than what we’d grown to expect… All we knew right then was that we would not be doing what we’d assumed was going to be great…
 
Rather than a tour of the Black Hills, Badlands, Devil’s Tower, and Big Horn Mountains on our way to Utah and ultimately InZane in Taos, we were facing the prospects of abandoning our ‘epic road trip’ all together or finding some sort of ‘make-do’ alternative. The risk of loosing what we had anticipated was not immediately offset by an equal or better replacement option. Our mood was on the gloomy end of the scale registering near bottom.
 
What we did not realize right away or focus upon was that we were being presented with an amazing opportunity! Areas of the southwest not usually available to us due to seasonably hot, dry weather were suddenly in-play and very much open to us! More scenic and interesting areas than what we’d figured upon could now be toured in relative comfort. A better trip than what we’d ‘settled for’ was to be ours, but our focus was only upon what we would be missing… Normal reaction? Yes. Unfortunate? Definitely yes!!!
 
Soon enough that sense of loss was replaced with the realization we’d actually been blessed with a far better alternative to what we’d expected! Not having ventured along either proposed route before, it was harder for Jerry to visualize the enormity of all that was happening. However, being a veteran of life and having trod a challenging path himself, he was quicker than this ‘experienced trekker’ to pick up on the possibilities! I commend him for his adroit mental adjustments to major alterations in our ‘plans’ and in his recognition of the benefits as they unfolded… Yep, I was upstaged by a novice!
 
Life can be funny that way… We can carefully plan, then spend much of our time adjusting to the different circumstances we actually encounter. That is actually a good thing many times. As a vivid example, I submit that the paralyzing affliction that befell FDR was, in many ways, a blessing to him and our nation.
 
It was a major factor in altering the trajectory of the life of a rich, privileged young man and to molding him into the empathetic, charismatic character who more than anything else gave hope to a nation in desperate need of such. It played a role in shaping him into a visionary leader who, imperfectly granted, lead the world to victory in a time of great peril when that appeared highly doubtful. We can’t know if that affliction was more help or hindrance, but we do know the outcome… And, most of us are grateful for that…
 
Is the glass half empty or half full…? ‘The answer’ is a matter of perspective, of course. However, our natural tendency to view ‘change’ and uncertainty with apprehension and dread is as often as not mistaken. We must be thoughtful and cautious, obviously, but we must also realistically consider all possibilities… all possibilities!
 
DDT

[Wizzard]

 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Excellent story Bruce ! Made me think of my trip to Roanoke last summer. I was so down in the dumps when that alternator bearing went out. All I could see was negativity. Then some miraculous things happened by some very nice Texans (and many on here). Even though born in Texas and having many relatives there, I had always had kind of a simplistic, unflattering view of the state. That unpredictable event changed all that for the better. And I am better for it. 

[Bigwolf]

Tossing in the hand is never an option.  However, with some careful calculation and planning, you just might draw into a much better hand.

Bruce,
If I remember correctly, our tentative “plan” was to let the weather and our whims guide our path toward Taos for Inzane.  I believe our ride happened just that way.  In the beginning, not even in my wildest dreams, did I think the weather was going to scrap everything of our tentative plan and send us off on a completely different ride.  But there we were, not far from the Mexican border in late May with our heated gear plugged in and cranked up.  Who knew?  Who could have planned for that? 

I am glad we had the freedom of time and whim to roll with the weather that was dealt.  For me, that was a big part of the enjoyment I felt on that ride.

Thanks again for inviting me to tag along.

Bigwolf

[Thunderbolt]

Not many folks can take three paragraphs and fill them with as much information to explain what is about to happen in the fourth one.  Keep up the good work Mr. gypsy bugkiller.

[Valkorado]

Sometimes it's good to go this way.   Or that way!  

Glad the weather, lodging and scenic rides all came together.   Must have been kismet!

[..]

You gotta know when to hold them
Know when to fold them.

[msb]

The great thing about many of your posts Bruce...such as this one, is that it spurs others (well, me at least) on  to think about your beautifully articulated  take on your particular situations, and apply them  to our own situations at times. There is absolutely no better way to get things figured out than spending long periods alone with your thoughts doing something you love...you are definitely proof of that

[baldo]

You should have a case full of these....

[DDT (12)]

Randy,

Thanks, amigo! I'll bet you've had an experience or two that resemble our recent one...? Hope the rain doesn't have you home-bound this year!

DDT

Excellent story Bruce ! Made me think of my trip to Roanoke last summer. I was so down in the dumps when that alternator bearing went out. All I could see was negativity. Then some miraculous things happened by some very nice Texans (and many on here). Even though born in Texas and having many relatives there, I had always had kind of a simplistic, unflattering view of the state. That unpredictable event changed all that for the better. And I am better for it.  

Rob,

Yes! For this rider anyway, the thought of 'loss' always seems to override the prospects of something better about to come my way... at least, that's the typical reaction initially! So often, though, better things do result... you'd think I'd have learned by now!!!

DDT

Tossing in the hand is never an option.  However, with some careful calculation and planning, you just might draw into a much better hand.

Bruce,
If I remember correctly, our tentative “plan” was to let the weather and our whims guide our path toward Taos for Inzane.  I believe our ride happened just that way.  In the beginning, not even in my wildest dreams, did I think the weather was going to scrap everything of our tentative plan and send us off on a completely different ride.  But there we were, not far from the Mexican border in late May with our heated gear plugged in and cranked up.  Who knew?  Who could have planned for that?  

I am glad we had the freedom of time and whim to roll with the weather that was dealt.  For me, that was a big part of the enjoyment I felt on that ride.

Thanks again for inviting me to tag along.

Bigwolf

Jerry,

Yep... you are so right about our early conversations and agreement on the need for 'flexibility'. As I proved conclusively, however, practicing what I know is not always easy! Yep, I've had many previous experiences where the changes were actually better than the original plan, that... well, I should welcome changes, but this time... perhaps it was the weight of responsibility and my strong desire not to disappoint you... Whatever,  I reckon I'm as human as the next person after all, huh...? I salute your willingness to accept change and 'roll with the flow', though... your done good!

DDT

Not many folks can take three paragraphs and fill them with as much information to explain what is about to happen in the fourth one.  Keep up the good work Mr. gypsy bugkiller.

Terry,

Thanks, amigo! Yeah, I can go on a bit... can't I? Some have speculated that I can't even say 'Good morning' in fewer than two paragraphs! Thanks for your response... it is much appreciated! I hope you and Iris are doing well... and, I hope y'all are getting in some travel yourselves!

DDT

Sometimes it's good to go this way.   Or that way!  

Glad the weather, lodging and scenic rides all came together.   Must have been kismet!

Seth,

Yeah, it was amazing how things came together along the way, and how everything seemed to work-out to our advantage! We enjoyed sharing some wind with you, and a meal with you and Cheryl. Your suggestion of a ride 'up the hill' to Crested Butte was one we 'worked-in', but we were both mighty glad we did. Thanks for everything, my friend!

DDT

You gotta know when to hold them
Know when to fold them.

Paul,

Amen!!! Ain't it so... Anybody who rides at all soon enough learns about the desirability of flexibility... Back in the old days of traveling too many miles in too short of a time (while on vacation with 'hard' dates) to a specific destination usually included a fair amount of riding in less than ideal conditions... Nowadays... well... Old habits (especially mental habits) are proving harder to break than I'd imagined, but... The lesson has been borne out countless times... I'll wager you have a story or two to tell on this score... huh?

DDT

The great thing about many of your posts Bruce...such as this one, is that it spurs others (well, me at least) on  to think about your beautifully articulated  take on your particular situations, and apply them  to our own situations at times. There is absolutely no better way to get things figured out than spending long periods alone with your thoughts doing something you love...you are definitely proof of that

Mike,

Thanks for yet another positive, reinforcing reply! You are definitely a kindred spirit here, and I've seen that displayed in your own write-ups... You've made a strong connection to both of your preferred solo activities: fishing and riding... And, to how that 'alone time' has contributed to your own understanding and peace of mind that flows from that... I get it!!! Thanks for your kind comments!!!

DDT

You should have a case full of these....

Bob,

WOW! That's about the nicest comment/compliment I've ever received regarding anything I've written! I appreciate the thought so very much... I appreciate you, too... It was good to see you made it to Taos, and it was good to briefly chat with you... You had quite an adventure yourself, and it was fun for many of us to glimpse a sliver of your experience... Any chance you'll be heading to the Yooper Ride? If so, first round is on me!!!

DDT

[98valk]

great read there DDT

the glass is always full of water and air.

 Proverbs 27:1
27 Do not boast of [yourself and] tomorrow, for you know not what a day may bring forth.