On every decade birthday I try to do something outrageous, something outside of my comfort zone, to wake myself up a little. I want to remember that the world is bigger than my little map and the stars and moon still move across the sky at night.
I didn’t realize the true value of this practice until reaching 30 years of age, when I moved from Florida to Colorado with my two daughters. Before the next decade was over my life had transformed into a hard core climber and adventurer. I began to see that change and discovery is only a matter of time and determination. When I turned 40 (my kids were grown), I spent eight months working on a sailboat in the Virgin Islands. At 50, I rafted the Colorado River for 21 days through the Grand Canyon. At 60 I quit my job, rented my house and went to Costa Rica for six months to surf and to write. I now have my own business (www.savageperformance.net) as a coach and mentor for those seeking to explore their own potential in any field.
Between these events I worked as an instructor and course director for Colorado Outward Bound (ten years), a professor in the Adventure Education program at Prescott College in Arizona (five years), and a longtime teacher in many institutions (private, public, alternative schools & colleges). I bicycled solo, 2700 miles from Nova Scotia to Florida, to mark the transition from parenting to being alone. At the age of 48, I earned a PhD in sport psychology, 32 years after dropping out of high school. And as outlandish as it sounds, I believe I learned the power of determination at the age of two, when I spent six months in a hospital, recovering from polio. Each of these challenges have also been gifts.
Last year I turned 65. I had hoped to hike the 220-mile John Muir Trail, from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney, but had to come to grips with the reality of my antiquated equipment and clothing. It is no longer possible to carry a 70 pound pack with my 100-pound body. I needed just about everything, from tent/backpack/sleeping bag to hiking shoes and good socks. A few awesome adventure-related companies have begun to provide sponsorship, so that I’ll only be carrying 40 pounds and wearing more functional & efficient clothing (see Thanks to Sponsors). I still have a long way to go, replenishing what is necessary, planning for resupplies and covering expenses but the hat has officially been thrown over the fence… I am going to do it.
I welcome your support, whether it is through good wishes, advice, or more tangible. Any contributions of equipment, airfare or trip expenses would be most appreciated. All money beyond trip expenses will help to call attention to my larger goal… to contribute to the Rotary-Gates Challenge Grant to eradicate polio. A Pay Pal button is on this website to make it convenient if that is your desire. Please use the Contact link to communicate your thoughts. Learn more about how you can help in the Rotary-Gates cause.
If you are interested in following my trip with the details of how it all happens, I will be providing a few links to explore… Equipment Planning, Food Preparation, Logistics and Training.
Finally, one of my great heroes is John Muir himself. Here is my favorite among his quotes…
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
