Thanks to the iPhone, Lost Climbers Saved

On New Year’s Eve, a man from Maryland, United States (U.S.), getting lost while hiking. But thanks to his iPhone, he had saved.

It was Christopher Tkacik is not alone when he was wandering in the woods. He climbed it with friends and a dog named Boo. The couple decided to climb Mount Airy when New Year’s Eve.

Naas, they actually lost. But thanks to his iPhone, they were successfully rescued a helicopter. When lost, they dial 911 and the help was coming.

“If I did not bring my smartphone, either I’ll be okay,” he said as reported by Fox News.

We settled down and in about 15 min with enough food and hot coffee in me, I was up on my feet and ready to enjoy the nature around me. All the thoughts of being out of breath, extremely tired etc. were a distant memory. I took a deep breath and as I was letting it out slowly, my friend said to me that I looked so happy. My face had lit up and that he couldn’t believe that I was the same guy who was huffing and puffing all the way up about 15-20 minutes back! And indeed he was right! The only feeling I had at that time was the one of pleasure. I settled down again to finish my lunch but couldn’t help thinking about the chain of events and how this happens to me almost every time I hike! Why is it that something that is so hard on my body and causes so much pain eventually ends up giving me a lot of pleasure? Why is it so important that everytime I promise myself to not do it and yet something draws me towards it?

I think the important question that I want to ask my readers through the medium of this blog is that most of us know what gives us pleasure and yet why is it that we end up doing things that annoy us? Most of us don’t like a 9-5 job and yet we spend years getting an ‘education’ that essentially is prepping us for that ( I have already written on this topic in my blog Monday http://socyberty.com/issues/monday-a-love-hate-mostly-hate-affair/ ). This is just one phase of life, but if we look at life as whole, if feels almost every aspect of our lives has been predefinedpain ( by whom? Did they ask us? Does it please us? ). If you are a pre-teen: go to school, teen: go to high school,  20 something: get a job, build a career, support your parents, get married, get a house ( more like get a mortgage! ), 30 something: save for the kids, think about the future etc. I can go on and on but I think you get the point. So the question is if we didn’t set this routine ( for life!! ) and we do not get any pleasure following it, then why do we do it? More importantly should we do it?? And if we are how to change it? Also, shouldn’t any activity of ours be driven by the possibility of gaining pleasure?

I think a simplistic view would be to list down the activities that give us pleasure and try and follow the list! Easier said then done? Not really! The problem is not that you cant follow the list but that you have to undo all the other activities that you are doing. Yes this might even result in a ‘drop in lifestyle’ but sooner rather than later, you will welcome the change as being happy on the inside trumps any material outwardly happiness any day of the year. Remember you don’t live your parents life, your neighbours life, your bosses life or for that matter your dogs life and if its your life then it has to be your rules and the pleasure will be all your to have! ( I have written about Rules in life in one of my earlier blogs http://hbkhrushikesh.quazen.com/arts/rules-are-they-made-just-so-that-they-can-be-broken/  so will not expand on it here )

I think there is tremendous guilt associated with striving to achieve pleasure. Infact from what I hear in my day to day life, it is associated with being selfish and inward thinking. Placing me before you is not what is acceptable to the society they say. And that living life to please the others around you is a virtue that every individual must possess. Now don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to preach that you should do what pleases you at the expense of others. But at the same time, I want to ask, if you are not happy, what are the chances that you will please people around you? Isn’t this how most of us end up living our lives??? Displeased with our situation and passing the grief along as we go? ( Imagine a typical anger chain that exists in any office or house? )

I think hiking has changed the way I spent my weekends for the better. It started out as a trivial activity, but now is very much the poster-boy of the kind of life I envisage for myself. I have written about the joys of cooking (http://gomestic.com/cooking/cooking-2/ ) and reading books (http://socyberty.com/education/reading-books-the-lost-art/ )  I hope this is just a start and I will eventually reach my goal of getting out of the dreaded 9-5 lifestyle that I find myself in right now. Fingers crossed.

Archives: http://www.triond.com/users/hbkhrushikesh

Disclosure: All thoughts and events mentioned in this article are a figment of the authors imagination and does not endorse the opinion of his or his employers ( especially the employer, they are staunch believers in 9-5!! And yes even the picture is imaginary :p ) Any resemblance to any person living or dead is pure co – incidence. Any dis – ‘pleasure’ caused on account of this article should be reported to the author ).

I can feel the goose bumps on my skin increasing. Then suddenly, as quickly as they came, the goose bumps disappear. I’m in a city, but I feel like I’m alone with the thunder. The storm’s getting closer now; more birds have stopped singing and are now waiting for the rain to come. Only a few brave soldiers sit out in the open on rooftops and phone poles.

However, the weather is no match for humans; rain, snow, or sun humans will not be stopped to enjoy a summer storm for what it really is: perfect. We jump into our vehicles and head out onto the open road. We go to our Shopping Malls and Supermarkets during storms. Families pass by in their SUV’s and head home to their ranch style houses. Nobody ever sits down and just watches nature anymore. Living in the country has opened my eyes to appreciate all types of nature including the corn fields growing in my hometown or the six trees that I can see out of my boyfriend’s apartment in the city. I try to enjoy it whenever and wherever I can.

I guess all I’m really trying to do is to be able to motivate someone to drop the game controller, put down the remote, get off the cell phone and go outside. If you really want to impress yourself go put on a pair of sneakers, and walk to the nearest park; if possible get into your car and head towards a state park and go hiking!

Becoming more closely aquatinted with nature can truly make all bad thoughts, persistent thoughts and worries, judgments disappear. You’ll return back to your apartment, condo, or house a more positive, happy, and sane person. No matter the location, nature should always be explored and appreciated; if that means sitting on a porch step in Scranton, Pennsylvania or going hiking, do it!

A cycle is one of the most beautiful inventions of man .Pedalling keeps one healthy .It helps one burn those extra calories .Nature never had a better friend .Smoke- free,fuel-free ,it is the best mode to conserve and nurture mother nature’s beauty ,our environmental health and our health .I remember cycling to school .It was a pleasure. I could enjoy the green meadows on either side of the road ,people ,animals.This itself is a cure for the stress and depression caused by the mechanical age’s lifestyle .Elmer Rice’s play ,’The Adding Machine ‘,is still contemporary in its theme.We are slaves to our own mechanical sophistication .What have we acheived ?Ill-health ,ill- temper,mutual ill-will .Sounds absolutley pathetic !

Man’s sophistication does not seemed to havebrought him any happiness at all .In fact it ha been detrimental toa carefree ,simple life .Before letting the hike in fuel prices hassle you and send your blood pressure ,Indians -start thinking!!!!!!!!!.Try walking to your place of work ,try bullock carts -sounds wacko!!!!!!!!No it should not .Trials are the mentors of survival .It is only the great tall ,stubborn oak tha fallsin the storm.The grass always lets the storm have its way and patiently bends down to touch a firm earth to return with the bead of a sparkling raindrop to embellish it .Similarly let us go back to basics to beat the storm of price hike .Bikes,cars have always been prestigeous possessions and demonstrations of wealth .Let us now start  taking pride in our possesions given to us by Mother nature -our legs and our brains .

Remember ,problems are not important .Why give them any importance at all .Life must go on price hikes ,no hikes .

 For the Nature-Loving Dad

Take your dad for a hike at Highbanks Park in Lewis Center. Explore nature and learn how nocturnal animals have adapted to the night on the one-mile family night hike at Highbanks. The hike is free and begins at 8 p.m. at the Nature Center located at 9466 Columbus Pike in Lewis Center.

For the Music-Loving Dad

If your dad is a fan of blues and jazz, check out the Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival. The festival takes place the weekend of Father’s Day, starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 17, and ends at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 19. For $3 a day, music lovers can enjoy live music from local artists and bands. There will also be amusement rides, arts, crafts, horseback rides and great food. On Sunday, Mezzo Italian Kitchen & Wine will have a special Father’s Day brunch buffet, with a menu that includes brioche French toast, assorted pastries, penne pasta and coffee. The weekend-long event will be in Olde Gahanna, in and around Mill and Granville Streets and Creekside Park.

For the Theater-Loving Dad

For dads who love musical theater, the Gateway Film Center is the place to go on Father’s Day. From 2 to 4:30 p.m. on June 19, Gateway is showing Stephen Sondheim’s Company with the New York Philharmonic. The concept musical is composed of short vignettes linked by a celebration for the main character’s birthday. The all-star cast is led by Neil Patrick Harris, who plays a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship. All seats for the show are $18.

For the Science-Loving Dad

Image via Wikipedia

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus has an exhibit this summer called Dinosaurs: Explore. Escape. Survive. The 10,000-square foot interactive exhibit allows dad to experience the prehistoric excitement for himself. It features moving animatronics dinosaurs, a huge interactive maze and advanced computer simulators that let you “Be the Dinosaur.” The price is $24.75 for adults, $19.75 for youth and $9 for members of COSI. The exhibit will be open on Father’s Day from noon to 6 p.m.

For the Food-Loving Dad

Take a van tour of Columbus’ expansive taco truck scene. The trip will explore the west side of Columbus where the taco truck scene is booming. You’ll make five stops, each stop including a tasting. This tour is perfect for those who have never visited a taco truck or those who want to experience new trucks and dishes. You’ll sample food and drink from five different trucks and learn about the different dishes, meat choices and how to order at a food truck. The price is $55 and begins at the Wonder bread sign on Hamlet and Warren.

Find Fun and Fitness on the trail 

Thurs get more from your walking outdoors, try a hike. Put yourself in the woods or in the country, and walk the trails INSTEAD side walks. The terrain Need more harder, and you discoverable Probably Muscles you never Knew You Had. 

Many parks and trails function preserves the walk range from easy two expert Rises. Find the Nearest National, state, country, city or park activities.Wherever you go, the beauty and tranquility of nature goodwill ask a bonus you get two exercise. 

Some tips for the new Walker: 

A. Plan to go Nearly half the distance you walk normally. rugged terrain, sharp arc, and Such obstacles as trees and rocks goodwill give you a workout harder Than you’re exceptionally two. 

2 At first, just off a runway at a distance certainties and simply turn around and come back. This way, you’ll Have a better idea wherefores you are and how long you’ve Been gone.Later, you pursuing a graduate of roads That circle you back to the starting point. 

3. Pay extra attention hum your hiking shoes. It is easy two get blisters and friction with shoes Wed uneven surfaces That do not fit well. Probably you use your regular dog walking shoes, But They acidic Have a good ankle support. Consider hiking boots if you will, more Than two or three hours. 

4. For longer hikes, take-you’ll Want two cards, bottled water, food and Other equipment with you. The carry in a fanny pack or small backpack – the extra weight goodwill add to your coach. 

5. Take Along Better a walking stick for balance and support on the track. 

The ultimate “walk in the park is hiking at night – Carrying food, tents and sleeping bags. The extra weight Means more walking and more time to practice. It Also requires better cooling Before you start, But you Can do yourself if you work gradually Into shape. 

The reward is the joy of living That demanding exercise and eating satisfaction to go somewhere That You thoughtfully you not could go. THUS, A simple and easy exercise, start walking. And if it allows access two side walks, the gym, or in the woods, you’ll feel better and Have a good time to do it. Happy trails! 

Many of these places we were driving on was private land mind you. This was part of the appeal. And yes, -there was beer involved.

Almost inevitably, we would end up getting the vehicle stuck in mud, or a ditch or other ravine and we’d spend hours winching the stranded vehicle free. For that purpose we always carried an assortment of manual hand-winches commonly called ‘Come-alongs‘ or ‘fence stretchers‘ and a quarter-dozen log chains that we would use to anchor from the nearest tree or fence post as extension of the anchor point.

Well, this particular night was going to be something special.

We met-up around 11 PM this particular Friday night and drove back roads and trails, ultimately headed for a nearby small lake where we already knew there were bonfires, and college-age kids having their weekend ‘kegger parties’ just a few miles from college town.

(image source)

As we drove up the narrow dirt and pothole-ravaged service road to the party site we had to maneuver around other vehicles that were parked alongside the deep ditches that lined both sides of this path. As we neared the activities, we spotted a rather impressive-looking pickup truck that was deep in the ditch, tilted precariously towards the passenger’s side. They were stuck in the dry but knee-deep ditch. A crowd of about two dozen concerned college kids were gathered around, trying to figure out what to do. Nobody there had any tow-rope or chains.

We offered assistance and with our log chains and tow-ropes, pulled the expensive-looking truck back onto the roadway. Much gravel and mud was spun in the process, but we achieved the goal and made instant friends whom invited us to join their bonfire celebration for beer and camp food. We agreed, but first needed to get our Jeep parked further up the road.

We drove not more than several vehicle lengths further up the roadway and tried to get close enough to the side of the single-lane road to permit other vehicles that might follow enough room to pass, but we too slid into the ditch exactly as they had done. WE were now stuck and required a tow.

We went to our newfound comrades and requested an assist, of which they flatly refused citing that their truck is ‘..very expensive‘ and they ‘…don’t want to @#%& it up‘ they said. Well, -that shows gratitude eh?

We returned to our stranded Jeep and were trying to negotiate what to do next, but apparently others at the bonfire persuaded the erstwhile rescuers to reiterate our help. They came up and using our chains and ropes and their precious quasi-monster truck, they pulled us out. We did not stay at the party however, having lost interest and a couple hours just messing around with stuck trucks, so we decided to leave the area.

Coming out of the woods we came upon another parked vehicle that was en-route to the lake party. They had a flat tire, but no jack to lift their vehicle. We had the necessary tools and we assisted them getting their spare tire mounted. We felt like kings and received accolades from the carload of college students that thought they might be stranded for good. They had been rather scared that they might be stranded there for hours had it not been for us coming along to their rescue. They were about to start walking back towards college town, some 10 miles away.

Next, we decided to take a drive through the woods on an old logging road but we immediately hit a snafu. Or more precisely, we hit a concealed tree stump that was about fender-high, drove right over it in fact and broke the rear-end of the drive shaft off of the Jeep. We we stuck. Again.

Tying the drive shaft up off the ground using a coat hanger, we were able to drive out of the woods using just the front-wheel drive which is a separate and shorter drive shaft of its own, and got back to the dirt roadway. It was out sheer hope that we might be able to re-bolt the broken drive shaft but it was not going to happen. The U-bolt hardware had broken, it was not a matter of replacing missing nuts. We opted instead to just call it a night and head for home.

Front wheel-only drive was very slow, I could probably jog faster. But we were some 15 miles from home town so it was just as good to ride.

At the nearest approach to the road where I lived (I still lived with my parents at this time) which was only about 1/2 of a mile walk through a small but dense pine forest, past the Archery Club ponds and around the old peat moss bogs. I could walk it in daylight in about 15-or-20 minutes.

I convinced my friends to let me out there alongside the road and I’d walk through the woods and be home in no time, and they could continue straight towards their destinations without the necessary U-turn and wasted time to deliver me home. This would save them probably 45-minutes of driving-time. They reluctantly agreed but only after I had convinced them that I knew these woods well to walk it in the dark. I had no flashlight. And I was about to take an education…

As soon as they drove off and left me standing by the side of the road, I realised how just dark it was outside. It was a warm but cloudy, moonless August night. I suddenly felt that my decision might not have been a wise one. What should have been a short walk along groomed Archery club paths through the woods turned into me wandering aimlessly in pitch darkness with my hands stretched out before me like some zombie in the fog. Being cloudy, I could not even navigate using star positions. I was destined to become lost.

I walked for some distance but got off the footpath at some point and was wandering through prickly brier patches and barbed wire fences. My T-shirt was ripped and mosquitoes were having an orgy on my neck, arms and face.

Stumbling around in waist-high grasses I stepped on something about the size of a grapefruit that rolled and crunched underfoot and flew screaming, straight up into my face; a partridge or pheasant sitting on a nest maybe? Whatever the boogieman was, I bolted straight into a grove of dead twiggy saplings and was snapping-off low-hanging branches the size of broomsticks before I got my panic under control and stopped running.

Covered in pine sap and dead pine needles, I returned to what I thought was the right direction. I could sometimes catch a glimpse of a mercury-vapor streetlamp shining through the dense tangle of treetops off in the distance. Could this could be the neighbor’s house either just above or below my parent’s house? I could hear a chained dog barking in the distance too, which was a good directional indicator. I might make it home before sunrise after all!

Coming out the pine tree grove and onto what felt like mowed grass, I could begin to visualize the open field in front of me, -I am out of the woods! I could hear the water of the creek, I was getting closer to home!

I took some 10 or 20 quick steps in the direction that seemed promising and promptly walked-off into a cattail swamp! Knee-deep in mud and cattails, I had found the pond! Getting back to shore came at a cost, -one of my sneakers came off and I was not going to go back into the pond to get it! So, sock-footed on one side and with gray silty swamp mud all the way up to the max I walked around the pond and came to the creek. -I could see my dad’s house on the far side of the road, beyond the creek and pasture fence. I was nearly home.

I made it to the door at a quarter past 6 AM, -just as my dad was leaving for work. I was tired, muddy, bleeding, clothes torn, mud-covered and sock-footed on one side. I looked a mess. I had to be to work in about three hours so the day was looking bright.

Needless to say, my dad was not amused.

I was so tired that whole day at work having not slept in the previous 24 hours but looking back on this eventual Friday night/Saturday morning it was one of the most fun times that I have ever had.