The Hike
Arguments can be a productive way to resolve issues. They provide a forum for opposing views that when handled in a civilized manner can result in growth between all parties involved. However, it must be said that there are times when you argue with no reason or clarity, just to hear yourself. It is not productive, in fact, it can be dangerous.
I was going hiking with my friend Ronald on the Appalachian trail one summer day back in the late 1960s. We had brought with us enough food to last a couple of days and plenty of water. Ronald convinced me that he knew the trail very well and all I needed to do was follow him. This worked for a while until we got up near one of the mountains on the trail. I don’t remember the name of the mountain, but its distinct feature involved a very steep climb. As we reached what appeared to be the middle of the climb, I noticed that there was a level path that led off to the left, that looked pretty clear and safe. I suggested that we take that path, as I was getting tired.
Ronald assured me, again, that he had done this hike before, and that the trail that I was suggesting was a dead end, where we might get lost. So onward we climbed. The higher we climbed the harder it was to move forward. In fact, it didn’t even look like we were on a trail. I hadn’t seen any Appalachian Trail markers in a long time.
I suggested that we stop and go back. Ronald was adamant that we were almost at the peak of this mountainous trail and that the view would be great. Looking up, all I saw was the mountain as it continued up to the sky.
This was where we had our argument. I wanted to return safely to where I was comfortable and knew there was a visible path. Ronald just talked about how he had done this and how I should trust his expertise. All he could talk about was how great the experience was when he last climbed the mountain.
We went back and forth for a long time, neither of us willing to back down from our views. I was about to capitulate and follow Ronald up the mountain when I happened to ask him when was the last time he climbed this trail.
“Oh, it was way back in the 50s. I went with my dad. It was great. We made it all the way to the top and I could see everything.”
When I got Ronald to be more specific I found out that he was about 3 years old when this happened and his father had him on his back most of the way, hiking up the mountain. He also neglected to tell me that they needed a rescue helicopter to help airlift them both down the mountain back to the trail. But according to Ronald, it was a great hike.
It was at this point that I just turned around and started hiking back to the trail. Ronald wasn’t quite sure what my problem was but agreed to follow me back.
Sometimes I really need to listen to my mother’s voice in my head that says, “Be careful when you’re with Ronald. There’s something wrong with that boy.”
