There have been many alterations to life since the pilgrimage west. This past summer in the sierras was more than incredible and well worth barely breaking even in the financial department. The courses I instructed with Summit Adventure were rewarding and challenging, giving me a sense of accomplishment and purpose as I help others to develop relationships with each other and God out in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
The community at Bass Lake was something that I had never experienced before. Friendships were developed and people supported each other through difficult times. Climbing trips, ultimate frisbee, bike rides, fireside beach hangouts and planning backpacking courses were all essential activities. I set a new route with Jordan, called Renegade Hump. I Adopted my first sister, Brittany. And... I admitted fully to a special attraction to someone, now very special to me, Ann. My brother Louis visited at the end of the summer, which was very fun to show him Yosemite and take him up Cathedral Peak in Toulemne Meadows.
So, there's the whirlwind slacker report of the summer...and now, since August I've been working at Mission Springs, teaching 5th and 6th graders Outdoor Education on the coast, near Santa Cruz. It has been a great "job", one I don't really even consider a job because most of the time I'm having such a good time with the kids and the community of naturalists here that I don't realize I'm at work. It is tiring though, no doubt I'm ready for a weekend when it comes. So I've been exploring Redwood forests, learning Western birds, and teaching kids about it. I joined a climbing gym in Santa Cruz which I go to when weather allows (since i'm still on my motorcycle and it rains quite a bit in the winter months).
I went home over Christmas break and met Ann's family and she met mine. Big step... good.
Really i feel like I'm just spewing out some vague discriptions of what I'm doing, so let a couple photos help explain...
The community at Bass Lake was something that I had never experienced before. Friendships were developed and people supported each other through difficult times. Climbing trips, ultimate frisbee, bike rides, fireside beach hangouts and planning backpacking courses were all essential activities. I set a new route with Jordan, called Renegade Hump. I Adopted my first sister, Brittany. And... I admitted fully to a special attraction to someone, now very special to me, Ann. My brother Louis visited at the end of the summer, which was very fun to show him Yosemite and take him up Cathedral Peak in Toulemne Meadows.
So, there's the whirlwind slacker report of the summer...and now, since August I've been working at Mission Springs, teaching 5th and 6th graders Outdoor Education on the coast, near Santa Cruz. It has been a great "job", one I don't really even consider a job because most of the time I'm having such a good time with the kids and the community of naturalists here that I don't realize I'm at work. It is tiring though, no doubt I'm ready for a weekend when it comes. So I've been exploring Redwood forests, learning Western birds, and teaching kids about it. I joined a climbing gym in Santa Cruz which I go to when weather allows (since i'm still on my motorcycle and it rains quite a bit in the winter months).
I went home over Christmas break and met Ann's family and she met mine. Big step... good.
Really i feel like I'm just spewing out some vague discriptions of what I'm doing, so let a couple photos help explain...
Ben jumps the gap after a group of us climbed Mathes Crest.
Me and Ann, El Cap and Half Dome of Yosemite Valley.
friends
Jordan dominating the entrance to Renegade Hump.
Teaching at Mission Springs about Plants, animals, and eco systems.
Learning about Marine Mammals
Joining the Banana Slug Club.
Getting ready for the climbing tower.
Beautiful.
Recent Photo after Christmas Break.Thanks for ready friends and family. I love you.
1 comment:
Thanks for the recap! I miss you bro...see you soon?
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