Full Hike [CC]: "Chicken Out" Ridges of Our Lives on Borah Peak, Idaho

We fear—it is just something we humans do. And that is a beneficial ability, for it ensures our survivability. But only if we are adept at analyzing, methodizing, and controlling it. Forever an opportunistic dual-edged blade, "fear" can flip between being the fuel of our endeavors, to the destroyer of our ambitions. The trail to summit Borah Peak—named after a United State senator from Idaho—is steep and full of frights. It touches the state high point at 12,662 feet. But to get the honor, hikers must conquer 5,200 feet of elevation gain in only 3.5 miles. Half of which is total exposure at high elevations; the final 0.5-mile slope is loose, ugly, torturous; the entire thing is dry as a bone. But the torment's fearsome reputation comes from a portion labeled "Chicken Out Ridge" (actually, the southwest ridge, and with only a small section of it considered as "chicken out"). That is where lesser-experienced hikers are misled. Sure, there are the usual fiends: tricky routefinding and understanding the terrain; endless, tough scrambling and basic class 4 climbing; exposure and long drops into nothing. However, the rescue statistics are revelatory. It is when evading those demanding tasks—in an attempt to reach deceptive easier grounds—far below the ridge crest that many get in trouble. The "Chicken Out Ridge" is misunderstood. Its trickery and scare tactics are but a show, that which is carefully tuned to our inherent survival instinct. By invoking our avoidance, it remains untouched/unchallenged, while we gradually weaken or are lured to our demise. It is only when we are curious enough to question our inner demons and actively participate—when we directly confront the "chicken out" ridges of our lives—that we are able to reach the highest point of our potentiality. Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/EDWgWFuRnsj... Route: Borah Peak Trail Type: Out-And-Back Distance: 7.0 miles Elevation Gain: 5,262 feet Location: Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho, USA Date/Time: 2021-09-03 0904 My Thoughts: Yes, I was intimidated. My first experience with this formidable hike brought out my "fight or flight" instinct. It was late October and the mountain had already put on its permanent winter disguise. I was alone, facing a familiar foe. I carefully inspected each icy hold along the infamous "Chicken Out Ridge." My aim was to "fight" as far as I could, while wisely recalling the authorities' warning against dipping too far below. Then, after downclimbing 20 feet, I concluded that it was unsafe to advance more. And so, I turned my back and stepped away. But I did not give in. My familiar foe was no 12,000-foot mountain. In fact, not anything external. It was my own doubt, which could prove crippling. And that which I vanquished, to produce the video you would watch now. To make sure, everyone participated and remained curious. Because you have been created to survive, but do not allow that to shut out your dreams. #Hiking #LeaveNoTrace