Elegant problem solving or simply a bad decision?
My last trip had me trekking through the highlands of Iceland where our group would ultimately walk almost 100 kilometres and explore the beauty of Iceland. I want to say Iceland's beauty is beyond description and if you can, see it firsthand; there are truly no words to describe it.
As I look back on my travels and a situation that warranted a MacGyver-like* solution, I wanted to share what I think was ultimately a creative and elegant solution. Keep in mind two things as we get into this story, the whole situation took about 15 minutes from problem to solution and Icelandic rivers are very, very cold... as well as fast moving and rocky.
I should also mention that before the trip we were told there would be some "knee high river crossings" and water shoes were a required item to be packed. I have a great pair of water sandals that are designed for the wilderness, as well as a pair of sandals that where in my hockey bag (designed to keep your feet off those nasty shower floors). I was concerned that my travel bag was already too full, so in the end I went with the lighter more disposable sandals. Frankly I only had two short crossings and if I lost these sandals it was no big deal.
Let our story begin.
About seven kilometres into day two of the hike we came down an embankment to our first river that involved crossing a small stream and then a 30 meter walk to the main river (where the crossing would take place in earnest). I put on my sandals, and with hiking boots around my neck, I began to cross the small stream. In turn, the strap separated from the sole of one of the sandals and fell from my foot as reached the other side. Recognizing quickly it was an issue with the adhesive, I hoped I could insert the strap back into place and use my weight to hold it secure. Three failed attempts left me at the rivers edge with a broken sandal and a sore foot.
A problem had been identified, a number of attempts at denial and wishful thinking had been tried, and now I found myself with a ten minute deadline to determine a solution as we gathered around our guide who was reviewing the process of crossing. There was definitely a factor of pride that came into play as I really did not want to be the guy holding everyone up, so with the clock ticking the assessment of possible solutions began.
Cross in bare feet - The river is very rocky and slippery and could result in an injured foot or slipping into the water. Because of the nature of how we cross as a group**, I could take others "down with the ship". Overall too risky and REJECTED
Cross in my hiking boots - Solves my immediate problem but I still had to hike over 15 more kilometres; doing this in wet boots would be very uncomfortable and increase the chances of blisters and foot problems. LAST RESORT OPTION
Repair my sandal - Viable option and worth considering. My thought process was as follows:
1) I could glue it back together... this was rejected without much thought because I was lacking waterproof glue that can dry on wet surfaces in 7 minutes.
2) Duct tape... A wonder material which I had, but not in my day pack. So close!!
3) I could sew it back together - a viable solution as I had the material and in theory it should work. SOLUTION IDENTIFIED (An Elegant Solution?)
There you have it - With one knife, one boot lace and some fundamental sewing skills, I was able to repaired my sandal literally as we were lining up to cross the river - Viability assessment of possible solutions, solution identified, and then implemented.
After a successful river crossing I reviewed my sandal repair and determined that no changes were needed for the next crossing - Problem resolution review to identify any required changes.
My repaired sandal ultimately served me well and a couple of people even called me "MacGyver" (for my ability to think quickly and solve the problem with ordinary things around me). I felt good that I was able to think on my feet so quickly.
But you know, if I had made the decision to bring the proper water sandals in the first place, none of this would have happen.
In the end, a fun story as the result of a bad decision.
iamgpe
* MacGyver was a TV show out of the late 80's where the hero solved his weekly challenges with elegant solutions involving ordinary items like binder twine, bubble gum and balsa wood.
**When crossing a river as a group you line up behind each other holding onto the person in front of you to form a chain... this adds stability in the current and reduces the chances of falling