In another life, ages ago, I was a teacher and a wilderness expedition leader. I took high school kids on back country hiking, rafting, trail building and skiing trips across the western United States. During that time, I spent more than 365 nights in my sleeping bag, under the stars. I carried 70 pounds on my back almost everywhere I went. I taught real life skills like making coffee without a filter, map reading and leadership. Part of me still feels a little sad that I didn't stick with it longer. After five years, I was worn out, but once it was gone, it was probably gone forever, and I don't think I realized that when I made the decision to quit and walked into the local newspaper office, landing a job on the spot. The school recently posted some old photos on Flickr and I finally had a chance to look back at myself as I was then. Now I get to share those skills with my kids. I can't wait to take them on some of our own back country adventures.
Cooking dinner with Pam, my roomie in the tent and at home.
Facials after trail building.
I was barely older than the students back then. Some of them are already married with kids.
Making coffee the way nature intended.
Teaching class with an impromptu chalkboard.
Better than a salon. Washing my hair after two weeks in the Utah desert.
3 comments:
Maybe there's a book there--or at least an article.
Very cool! That's how I remember you back in the day, when we first met in Boulder, thru ultimate frisbee! :)
Like the Turtle Fur hat. I still have and wear mine today
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