This Year's Climb: My First Non-Questival Year
Just recently I climbed Mt. Shasta for the 4th year in a row, an annual undertaking I hope to continue until my knees just physically won’t carry me up the mountain. Yet I am sad to say that this will be the first year I climbed without the Questival (marriages are important as well).
However, every time I climb that mountain, I walk away humbled, grateful, and excited. Humbled because the mountain positions my ego to an appropriate size. Like, that mountain is huge… I’m small. Grateful for the people in my life and those I climbed with—intense situations breed strong connections between people. Excited… well, I’ve never been so excited to see a car seat.
The Questival has afforded me a passion for the outdoors. Since my first climb in 2012, I’ve gained confidence to venture into the backcountry for multi-day trips with friends. This year (2015) I led three friends up Avalanche Gulch (the route the Questival took the first year) successfully and safely. Now I am seriously considering a career in the outdoor industry or working with a non-profit that gets people outdoors.
I remember my first climb—it gave me real life experience with the concept of “one step at a time.” It was something like 3 am, and we had just left basecamp with full bellies and determination to summit. Far out in the distance, I could see a line of lights protruding from the headlamps of other climbers. I remember within a few hours or so I had got into my “grove.” Not thinking ahead any longer, I realized I was completely at peace with myself, placing one foot in front of the other, over and over again. Completely at peace, completely in the moment. I loved that feeling, and I attempt to replicate it in my daily life.
Next year I’ll rejoin the Questival (unless another wedding happens the same weekend), and I’ll be taking more of a leadership position within the planning process. Safe journeys and travels to those climbers who are venturing out this year. You rock!
Just recently I climbed Mt. Shasta for the 4th year in a row, an annual undertaking I hope to continue until my knees just physically won’t carry me up the mountain. Yet I am sad to say that this will be the first year I climbed without the Questival (marriages are important as well).
However, every time I climb that mountain, I walk away humbled, grateful, and excited. Humbled because the mountain positions my ego to an appropriate size. Like, that mountain is huge… I’m small. Grateful for the people in my life and those I climbed with—intense situations breed strong connections between people. Excited… well, I’ve never been so excited to see a car seat.
The Questival has afforded me a passion for the outdoors. Since my first climb in 2012, I’ve gained confidence to venture into the backcountry for multi-day trips with friends. This year (2015) I led three friends up Avalanche Gulch (the route the Questival took the first year) successfully and safely. Now I am seriously considering a career in the outdoor industry or working with a non-profit that gets people outdoors.
I remember my first climb—it gave me real life experience with the concept of “one step at a time.” It was something like 3 am, and we had just left basecamp with full bellies and determination to summit. Far out in the distance, I could see a line of lights protruding from the headlamps of other climbers. I remember within a few hours or so I had got into my “grove.” Not thinking ahead any longer, I realized I was completely at peace with myself, placing one foot in front of the other, over and over again. Completely at peace, completely in the moment. I loved that feeling, and I attempt to replicate it in my daily life.
Next year I’ll rejoin the Questival (unless another wedding happens the same weekend), and I’ll be taking more of a leadership position within the planning process. Safe journeys and travels to those climbers who are venturing out this year. You rock!