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What I'm really thinking: the mountain guide | What I'm really thinking: the mountain guide |
(7 months later) | |
I am the trusted outdoor professional with the well-worn jacket and the skills to keep you safe in the mountains. I certainly do look and sound the part: fit, weather-beaten, with a reassuring voice. | I am the trusted outdoor professional with the well-worn jacket and the skills to keep you safe in the mountains. I certainly do look and sound the part: fit, weather-beaten, with a reassuring voice. |
Inside I am churning with worries, about my own adequacy, about yours, and about the unforeseeable events of our imminent trip together. Most likely, nothing at all will go wrong. But there is a risk that something will go badly wrong, and then it could get scary for all of us, very quickly. | Inside I am churning with worries, about my own adequacy, about yours, and about the unforeseeable events of our imminent trip together. Most likely, nothing at all will go wrong. But there is a risk that something will go badly wrong, and then it could get scary for all of us, very quickly. |
I have to be good at first aid, even though I can't practise it for real and therefore end up forgetting half of it. Will I rise to the occasion when someone is badly hurt? I don't know. | I have to be good at first aid, even though I can't practise it for real and therefore end up forgetting half of it. Will I rise to the occasion when someone is badly hurt? I don't know. |
I have to be able to navigate in all conditions with a very high degree of accuracy. You did not see me during my training when I got slightly lost on a Scottish mountain in thick fog. | I have to be able to navigate in all conditions with a very high degree of accuracy. You did not see me during my training when I got slightly lost on a Scottish mountain in thick fog. |
I have to exercise gentle leadership whatever happens. I can do this when things are fine, but can I do it when the chips are down? I may look indomitable, but I can get cold, hungry, miserable and scared, too. | I have to exercise gentle leadership whatever happens. I can do this when things are fine, but can I do it when the chips are down? I may look indomitable, but I can get cold, hungry, miserable and scared, too. |
It flatters and worries me that you are so dependent on me and that you have no idea how dangerous the mountains can be. The yellow helicopter clatters overhead, and I hope it is just on a training flight. | |
During the working week I am an accountant, in a safe, dry, warm office. But when I look out of the office window, despite all my worries, I yearn to greet another group of eager clients, ready for their day in the mountains. | During the working week I am an accountant, in a safe, dry, warm office. But when I look out of the office window, despite all my worries, I yearn to greet another group of eager clients, ready for their day in the mountains. |
• Tell us what you're really thinking at mind@theguardian.com | • Tell us what you're really thinking at mind@theguardian.com |
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