Thursday, March 27, 2008

"Riddles in the Dark" So now what?

Ok, so I figured, the world is my oyster, at least for a a few months--where to? My first thought was "the more exotic, the better," as i was dreaming of Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa...

To help focus myself, I started to think about what i was trying to accomplish with this time between now and when i got into my next career. Obviously, i wanted adventure, excitement, and the chance to see new and stimulating things. I also wanted an extended trip, and to meet new people--but not just other backpacking tourists and locals with whom i may or may not share a language...

So i started to think seriously about the US. I had just watched 2 NatGeo programs on the Rockies, and i was stunned by the scenery. I pulled out dozens of back issues of Backpacker and started reading, and was blown away by photos and trail descriptions. (there's something about seeing a photo of a craggy, 14,000' peak, and knowing that you could be on top of it...) I thought deeper about what i was trying to accomplish, and i realized that in planning and taking a trip across the National Parks and Wilderness areas of the Western US would not only be a lifetime experience, but would also have me crossing paths with many like minded people. I figure, why not see how other folks blend a passion for the outdoors into a professional life?

So this general concept was just coalescing as i was setting off on a road trip to visit Mark, Katy, Gus and Spot in NC on Valentine's day...

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