If you are committed to the journey, you are willing to get your shoes wet. It is a simple test early in an expedition.

The smoke from the wildfires cleared in our region for a day. I went for a long trail run and at the first water crossing, I waded through the river and prepared to continue my run. A group of hikers inquired if there was a crossing that did not require wading across the river. I said I was unaware of any immediate down trees that formed natural bridges or rocks that allowed for hopping across. Despite my reassurance that the alpine lake they had selected as a destination was remarkable and the water was not cold, they turned around and proceeded back to the trailhead. I was committed to my journey, thinking it was enhanced by the dozen stream crossings. They were committed to keeping their feet dry. A river crossing served as the barrier to entry.