Plank Walk in the Sky

source: www.alltrails.com

From Familiar to Far Out

For my personal life and work, I travel the world a lot—most recently, the UK and Europe. Each time I venture out, even to old haunts, the journey is never the same.

Routine trips reveal unexpected twists and turns. New world order distorts once familiar reality. And sadly, safe passage is now not so secure.

World events, in fact, have caused me to reexamine my travels. Plan new adventures. Seek spots I haven’t explored yet, which would test my limits.

“Most Dangerous Hiking Trail”

One such place is Mount Huashan in China. No, it’s not on any bucket list. It’s more of a buck-up list.

Why there? It’s the Plank Walk (or Road) in the Sky—a series of ancient pathways chiseled and hammered into the mountainside.

It’s said to be the “world’s most dangerous hiking trail.” Best believe it. Suspended on cliffs and crossed over wooden planks only inches wide, narrow footholds and steep stone stairs. Hikers grip rusty chains pitoned into the rock for handholds.

These isolated peaks once were reserved for pilgrims, hermits and holy men. More civilized these days, the plank walk now promotes a tourism industry, complete with cable car lines and safety harnesses.

Make no mistake, though. One wrong move or broken line—and you’re gone.

Lessons From the Edge

Having just returned from Europe in the Brexit era, Mount Huashan seems like a saner and safer place to visit next—or even work. That said, here are five lessons from the edge.
 
1. Life and business are best viewed at the edge. Get a good grip.

source:sunriseodyssey.com

2. Narrower the ledge, the sharper the focus. Tie your laces tight.

source:www.dailymail.co.uk

3. Safety is an illusion. There are always risks.

source:www.theamazingpics.com

4. Popularity brings crowds—and breeds competition. Secure your place.

source: passportchronicles.com

5. Be nice to people you meet coming up—and going down. It’s a two-way trail.

 
Video showing 1000s of feet up

Look Up, Down—and Ahead

In life and work, we all seek terra firma. Solid feels good. Reassuring.

Yet, safe and sound are not always the order of the day—especially these days. But you gotta move to make it. Push on.

After all, isn’t that what life is all about? With its ups and downs. And isn’t that how business runs? In peaks and valleys.

So step out. Look up—and don’t be afraid to look down. Mount Huashan awaits.