At the start of September, I planned to embark on a bike and hike in the Karwendel mountains. The objective was to bike the initial 500 meters of elevation before continuing into the mountains, exploring further based on how I felt or where I found good photo opportunities. Additionally, I was eager to test my new backpack during this excursion.
Rising at 5 a.m., I prepared for the day and started biking shortly after 6 a.m., just as the sun was beginning to rise. However, from the outset, I sensed that something wasn’t right. My stomach felt uneasy, and despite the cool temperature of 19°C, I felt unusually warm, which was clearly a sign that I was not in optimal condition for the day ahead. I hoped that once I started moving, my discomfort would subside.
Struggling on the Trail
Unfortunately, my concerns were valid. During the ascent, I struggled significantly with any incline over 10%. The physical effort required took its toll, and I found myself needing to take frequent breaks to rest and recover. Despite the incline not being excessively steep, I was drenched in sweat, and exhaustion quickly set in.
After approximately two hours of strenuous effort, I realized I hadn’t improved at all. The experience was becoming increasingly unenjoyable, and I recognized that I wouldn’t be able to reach my intended locations or capture the quality photos I had hoped for. It became clear that rescheduling was the most sensible choice.
A Change of Plans
Eventually, I made the decision to drive back home, where I found that my wife had just woken up. We decided to have a leisurely breakfast together and spend the day taking a walk without any significant elevation. Our destination was a nearby lake that we hadn’t visited in years, so while many of the views were familiar, they still felt refreshing and new.
Given that we started our walk around lunchtime, the lighting conditions were not ideal for photography. Nonetheless, I took note of all possible photo spots for when the light improved and I felt more energized. During our walk, I managed to capture a few photographs, hoping to return for better shots later in the year.
Making the Best of the Situation
In the end, the day turned out quite well despite the morning’s challenges. I could at least test my new backpack during the biking portion of my trip. This experience reinforced the importance of recognizing when to cancel plans and reconfigure them. Ultimately, I made the most of the situation and discovered several potential photo spots for future exploration.