Actually, notes from my desk. I just thought that sounded like a snappy post title. On expedition it is obvious your emotions and psychological state are in a continuous state of flux. You have good days and you have bad days. The weather sucks, you have picked up an injury or you just feel like having a bit of a whinge. Of course you are going to feel down on the world. Alternatively, there are the good days. You reach a mountain pass just as the sky clears to reveal a endless blue sky and a massive sweeping, green valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks (possibly also indicating a day of welcome descent!). Life is good! As you descend into a village nestled into the valley you are stopped by people in fields, working in shops or just passing by. You are invited for tea, lunch, dinner, whatever. These are the times that allow you to push on through those other days that are not so cheery. But, an expedition would not be so if these 2 worlds did not exist together. The good days may make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside but it is those hard days with your head in your hands and adrenalin pumping in your gut that make it just as worthwhile and even more memorable.