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Where I Draw the Line -- The Zugspitze
by: Theresa Gabriel
The Zugspitze is a dramatic mountain above the town of Garmisch- Partenkirchen
in Southern Bavaria, Germany. I enjoyed walking mountain trails were
I lived three hours away, and inquired about the trails to the top of
the Zugspitze. In Germany hiking isn't much of an extreme sport. The
trails are well developed and Gasthauses (restaurants) dot the sides
of the mountains, so one can practically count on a bier and a schnitzel
at or near each peak.
I found that the Zugspitze hike takes two days, and that I could hook
up with a guide. I was considering it, when my husband and I had an
opportunity to visit a friend in Garmisch. I wouldn't have time to do
the hike, but our friend suggested taking the cable car to the top of
the mountain. Of course I couldn't pass up the chance to inspect the
mountain and to enjoy the view.
The ride up in the 10 passenger cable car was breathtaking. We passed
through clouds and between mountain peaks during the 20 minute ride.
Once on top, we donned our coats and headed out for a look. We saw several
mountain peaks rising above the clouds below, and we had fun taking
and posing for pictures out on the rocks.
I could see the trail below, winding its way up the mountain side,
dotted with people on their way up. Through the binoculars, I followed
the trail to a sheer cliff, and looked closer, not quite believing what
I saw. Along the cliff face, a row of iron rods stuck out from the vertical
rock face, creating a horizontal path. People were walking on those
rods, hundreds of feet from the ground below! I could see that they
were wearing belts which clipped onto hooks on the side of the cliff.
I watched as one person walked along the rods, then stopped to change
her safety clip to the next hook. I was flabbergasted that the Germans,
who normally tamed the trails so well, would build such a thing.
After walking around a bit and exploring, I went inside the gasthaus
to have a cup of hot chocolate and once again considered hiking the
trail. I realized that the reason I hike is: for the fun, the beauty
and the peacefulness of the mountains. I really am not interested in
the dangerous thrill of an exciting sport.
I never climbed the Zugspitze because I drew a line that I didn't want
to cross. There are other things I simply won't do, like lend money
to relatives, walk the dog when it’s below zero and host Pampered
Chef parties. I love my relatives, the dog and Pampered Chef, but there
has to be a line. The line protects my integrity and distinguishes my
identity. Thoreau said “The true cost of a thing is the amount
of what I call ‘life’ which is required to be exchanged
for it immediately or in the long run.”
I gladly accept all the flack I get from my decisions. Saying no to
some things allows me to do what is more suited to me. I gladly give
up dangerous sports, lending money that I'll never see again, freezing
my butt, and being a perfect hostess. In return, I am able to lead women
on beautiful and easy hikes, be a personal coach, enjoy reading great
novels and lead children’s ministry projects at my church. I live
my own life, not all lives.
About The Author - Paths began to beckon Theresa when
she was 12, visiting the Bridger Wilderness in Wyoming. Walking, dancing,
and movement are a part of her, nourished by John Denver's musical challenge
for her to 'fly.' Join her 'walking with women' Life Discovery Tours.
- Learn more about Theresa Gabriel: Women Summit LLC http://www.womensummit.com
Life Discovery Tours - Women's Retreats
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