"Alaskan Tough" Story and Reflection

Memorial Day weekend was the best weather we've had in Anchorage in quite some time. My friend, Kari, a lifelong Alaskan, asked if I wanted to hike Bird Ridge which starts at the Bird Creek parking lot, a popular moderate to difficult 5-mile 3400 ft elevation hike. I've never done it, although most of my friends have. I was excited.

I prepped my Osprey with various clothing layers and snacks and filled the water pack. I grabbed my bear spray and headed out. At the trailhead, Kari was ready to go with only her dog. I asked if she was bringing her water, and she said, "Nah." I thought, "Dang, lifelong Alaskans are tough and a bit wild." (I'm not sure I qualify as "Alaskan" even after 17 years. 😉)

We headed out, and I turned up the trail. We were lost in discussion, busy catching up on life, and it wasn't too long before we were both breathless. She said, "Where are we?" looking around. Then she said, "I don't remember it being this strenuous."

It was then that we uncovered the disconnect. She had actually said "hike Bird Creek," and my brain had automatically substituted "Bird Ridge" - the same parking lot. Bird Creek is an easy walk down to the creek.

Many of you know I stress the importance of language during coaching sessions. Oops 🤦🏼♀️ We laughed at the mixup and enjoyed the easier path. It is wild how our brains make automatic assumptions. Having wanted to hike Bird Ridge for some time and not knowing there was even a trail to the creek, my brain assumed what it wanted. And, the big clue of Kari not having a pack or water didn't register because I have this story in my head of how rugged Alaskan women are.

Reflection: When has your brain automatically combined your preexisting story with observations and led you to wrong conclusions? What would happen if we slowed down, recognized and questioned our assumptions, looked for other explanations - or just asked for clarification? What would be different for you?

The good news is now my bag is packed and ready to go! Now to schedule the bigger hike...