Old Friends, New Experiences

View from my back deck.

Yesterday was a very nice change of pace in my training. I love training solo, because it brings me closer to nature than most other things. However, nothing compares to new stories from an old friend.

My great friend, Christian, graduated last year (a year before I will) and began attending Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo, California. Since he moved away the only way we've been able to talk is through Facebook and only for short periods of time. He came home for Thanksgiving and was up for the weekend.

I had just finished a fairly large lunch of the left over burritos from a few nights earlier and began organizing my pack and the warmer clothes I needed for my walk when he called. "Hey," he said when I answered. "What's up?" I asked. He told me he was bored at home, so I invited him to come with me.

We walked somewhere between 3 and 4 miles. I'm not sure, because I'd never walked that way before and hadn't mapped it out. We talked about life as we walked.

Topics ranged from his classes and work, downloading tons of movies and TV shows to the point that he and his roommate received notice letters, and , briefly, the endless high school drama (which always follows the same plot). "The differences," he says, "between high school and college is that there is more work and the writing on the bathroom stalls has proper grammar."

As we walked, and the sun continued on it's westward path behind the mountain, the weather went from a cool, but comfortable sunny winter day to a fairly cold evening. This drop in temperature turned the snowmelt from the day into a thin but smooth sheet of ice. It's always a comical challenge when one is forced to walk on icy, hilly roads with little more than hiking boots. Though, neither of us fell, we definitely struggled to maintain our balance.

To conclude the day, we stopped at our friend Alannah's house. This was a bit of a reunion of our old trio. The summer after my sophomore year (one where I grew immensely) and the school year following was spent almost entirely with Christian and Alannah. The three of us sat around her warm fire and, just like old times, talking about the wonderful minutia of life.

The photos included were taken while walking the hills of Pine Mountain Club on the day of the first annual snowfall.

Writing From My Younger Days

This was written on Friday July 11, 2008. I am posting it, because I feel it gives some insight into my life and thus, the adventurer's heart.

It seems that when I get away from the usual comforts of the home I find a better balance with myself. The daily comforts of a couch, a TV, or even something so simple as a house: that so many enjoy and depend on for personal pleasure. As I walk through nature I find myself questioning whether I truly want to live in this standard of life that I have been so well acquainted. It seems so apparent that those who seek a house and furnishings for that house often become very stressed. Once someone has a "possession" they often fall under the belief that it is actually theirs and they start to guard it. They want to keep it forever or find something better to keep forever. This does not seem healthy.

On the other hand, take a metaphysical look at a tree. A tree starts out as something simple such as an acorn or a pinecone. That simple beginning (not unlike the beginning of a human) leads to a series of events which over time ends with it becoming buried and beginning to grow. Like infant humans, it does not know where it is or how it got there, but it is purely content with simply living. After that initial stage of infancy is when the major difference become noticeable. The sapling is still happy with existing and growing, but a toddler wants more than that. A toddler seeks, not only sustenance, but also physical things. A toddler will see a toy and might not even know what it is, but the toddler does know that he wants it. Why can we not be like the tree or like many animals? Why is it so hard to live with the goal of sustenance and after that simply enjoy the experience of the reality around us? What will lead me to this ability?

While I was sitting by a stream in a natural setting I was very content. I was not seeking to gain property. I was enjoying the beauty of the reality all around me. Is there a reason that I must acquire a house or can I live in nature? There are many who would consider not owning a house a lack in personal quality. I do not believe that not owning a house is a bad thing. Right now, I am seeking two things. The first is a peaceful life and the second is a role in society that allows me to make a difference in the lives of others while allowing me to live the way I want to.

Inspiration

I know I am technically writing this on the 24th of November, but keep in mind that it is 12:14 in the morning. This means that it still feels like the same day. It still feels as though it is Monday. And for many, that is true. The next day doesn't occur until they awaken in the morning. So this is my post for Monday. That noted, I wanted to take a moment and go the the beginnings of my life and share my first experiences with adventure.

I've always loved to climb and am told that I once threw a tantrum when, upon arriving home from shopping, I realized that my parents were not going to get me the ladder that I was asking for. I have no recollection of this, but for those in support of nature over nurture, I guess this can be taken as some evidence. I do, however, remember my first exposure to backpacking and mountaineering. In 1996, the adventure film "Alaska" was released. The movie chronicles a brother and sister in their teens (probably pretty close to the age I am now) as they search for their missing father, all the while battling poachers and growing into strong individuals. I've had a passion for Alaska and everything wilderness ever since. I guess those childhood dreams don't fade easily, because that movie has more or less defined my life.

A few years later I was in 3rd grade and beginning to read bigger, more grown up books. My elementary school annually held a book fair in which students could purchase age appropriate books. This is when I bought my first survival book. I was so excited. I couldn't wait to read it. I tore open the pages and began reading before I even walked out the door. (This seemed to annoy my older brother who was 2 grades above me and had to walk home with me and ensure I made it safely.) This was the first "chapter" book I ever read in it's entirety. Though I can no longer remember the title, I remember fondly reading about how to escape from a sinking car and how to build a proper fire. I even kept a first aid kit in my bedroom.

More recently, the film "Into the Wild" was released, which tells the incredible story if Chris McCandless. I had never seen my dreams so vividly personified. I instantly identified with Chris and my dreams that had been always there, but quieted, exploded to the world. Much to the worry of my parents, and the cause of their current fears. One similarity between Chris and I still interests me, most likely because it is so recent a part of my life, is that Chris was Captain on his cross country team in high school and this year, I served as captain on my cross country team. I first found this similarity when reading Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, though I wasn't captain last year, I had earned Most Outstanding Runner. I do realize that that sounds like a cocky ego stroke, but I add it to better illustrate my life.

I still dream of Alaska (and watch the movie of the same title often). I know I will one day spend time there and will see the Northern Lights in my life.

I'm currently working on a photo journal and that should be ready to share soon. Other upcoming topics, future trips and goals.

New Personal Record

Today was my forth day walking with a weighted pack. The pack was again weighted at 40 pounds. I reached a new personal best. I walked 7 miles today, marking the farthest distance I've traveled on foot. I was surprised again to find that I had the endurance to physically cover this distance with little struggle. Though, the last push (a quarter mile up hill) to make it home was quite hard. The hardest part was my back acting up. I was again surprised, however, to find that a brief break when I could no longer take it enabled me to continue for a few more miles.

All in all, the trek was fantastic. A beautiful sunset and occasional conversations with strangers make for a great day. It looks to me that my biggest obstacle at the moment is my friends and family who are worried. Thanks for caring, but please allow me the freedom I've earned.

Winter

Winter sure feels like it's here. Clouds, low fog, and ice. Time to break out the winter gear. Snow shoes, thermals, and beanies. Can't wait for snow.

Winter, for me, is always a bittersweet time of reflection. I love the beauty of the snow and the cozy warmth of family, hot chocolate, and fire in the fire place. On the other hand, climbing is put to a near stand still. Winter hiking is still in the mix, and some of the most amazing environments can be seen when one finds a snow covered, ice ladened waterfall, but the fast paced lifestyle slows to a crawl.

Goals for the season, continue trekking with progressively heavier packs for progressively longer distances, work out my scrawny upper body, capture natures lovely landscapes with my camera, and stay warm with my amazing friends and family.

Training Day

Today was the second day of training with a weighted backpack. The backpack used was the Supernova 85 (85 liter) weighted to 41 pounds.

I walked a little over 3 miles with an elevation gain of 600 feet from 5,400 feet to 6,000. This was harder than I originally thought. I didn't struggle in the least with endurance. I did however experience back pain as a result of a car accident in the seventh grade. Most of my pain was in my shoulders, I had no problem finishing the walk and after a short break without the pack my shoulders recovered. This gives me great hope that my back will not handicap me from achieving my dreams.

Spring trips are coming fast. I can't wait

I have to give thanks to Mrs. Hardesty. I wouldn't have started this blog if it weren't for her inspiration. Thanks.

Introduction

My first post will be an introduction of who I am and why I'm writing. I am 18 years old and an avid adventurer. As far back as I can remember, I've wanted to travel the world and climb the highest peaks. All the while meeting the amazing people throughout this beautiful planet.

I write this blog as the start of my career in adventure journalism. I will use it as a medium to chronicle my trips and training. I have never been backpacking, so this will be a blog of growth and development. I will write and post photos of my journey into the start of my life. The combination of writing, photography, and climbing is the culmination of my life long passions into a career.