Publications

AMC Outdoors, November 2001

Later, we reach a trail juncture with the signs removed. As leaders, Wolko and I look to get a consensus before moving ahead. We determine our position using compasses and topo maps, and then opt for the trail to the left. Within minutes, however, Davis and Simmons begin to question our choice. They point to a bridge behind us, assert that we've gone the wrong way, and demand we turn back.

"Guys, I'm fairly confident we're heading in the right direction," I tell them, hoping my voice doesn't betray my doubts.

"Fairly?" replies Davis. "What does that mean?"

With the group split on which way to go, we split the group. I sit tight with Davis, who insists we're heading in the wrong direction, while the remainder of the group heads uphill with Wolko to find a campsite. In a wilderness area, the site must be at least 200 feet from the trail, and the group is gone for a while. I feel guilty for not helping with the search, and deliberate whether I'm cut out for a leadership role.

The roller coaster of emotions continues at camp. Wolko, who has helped lead numerous hikes, adopts a perfect "take charge" attitude and gets everyone assigned to a task. The flurry of activity is dizzying. Dinner, though, is relaxed, enjoyable. The group mixes easily as we discuss the day's events. I confide in Wolko that I'm glad she knew what she was doing when she took control of camp set-up, because I felt like I was riding a huge wave, just waiting to crash. Her reply reminds me that there are many leadership styles, and they're not "one size fits all." "What some people find chaotic, I find very stimulating," she says.

Keeping It Together
"Today, you're all participants," says Hogan as we begin to break down camp following our first overnight. "Yesterday, you were all lemmings."

Hogan's message is clear — yesterday, we got our first true taste of MLS. Today, expectations are higher. After dismantling camp, and an illegal fireplace left by previous hikers, our group heads out on the Bondcliff Trail, with Das and Simmons as our leaders. Our goal today is to traverse the 4,000-footers Bondcliff and Mount Bond before calling it a day at Guyot Campsite. Shortly after we get under way, however, we learn that the good nature that has held our group together will be tested.

Our leaders' techniques are a study in contrast. Das is quiet, thoughtful, able to weigh both sides of any issue and render an equitable judgment. Simmons is more abrupt, very concrete and forthright, willing to make any necessary decisions himself. Soon, it's evident that their styles are clashing. Simmons begins orchestrating a bridge crossing without consulting Das. At her request, they step away from the group and settle on a common approach. With a long hike across the Bonds still ahead of us, it's a wise move.

Within an hour, one of our group begins to lag behind, the steep pitch leading up to Bondcliff proving too strenuous. Once again, we separate in order to accommodate those who want to keep up a brisk pace. Eventually, however, the lead group must stop and wait. We all then divvy up some of the heavier gear to lighten the load of our struggling member and continue on. It's hard to ignore the growing friction — clearly, some group members feel our pace is too slow.

A high, hot sun and swarms of newly hatched black flies do little to temper the group's growing restlessness. However, the remarkable views offered from the Bonds, and concern for our colleague, do. We adopt the Musketeer credo, "all for one, and one for all." If patience isn't the group's forte, responsibility is.

 Leader of the Backpack intro  |  Invitation to Adventure  |  Nuts and Bolts  | 
Everyday Interruptions  | Turn Me Loose  |  Safety, First and Foremost  | 
The Road from Here  |  Tips for Leaders