This is a good place to start...

I created my blog months ago, but am now just getting started with my first entry.  It seems fitting, and I have a wonderful past weekend of adventures to start sharing!

This past week was my spring break, so for the last three days my good friend Anna and I took off for a long weekend on the road, living out of my Subaru, and climbing a couple of mountains.  I really needed this last couple of days - the day before my spring break started, I was given the news that I was losing my teaching job at the end of this school year.  The field of politics education is all about pleasing the right people, and for some reason, ones I don't think I know all of and others I probably will never agree with, I won't be returning for my 5th year of teaching this fall.  I am now obviously entering a season of life that will be a huge question mark for the next couple of months.  How will I pay my bills?  Do I want to fight for another teaching job and start over?  Do I want to go back to school?  Am I going to have to find a job that I won't get my summers off to enjoy the way I have, but that I don't have to always take home with me at the end of the day?

Two years ago I was in a very similar situation, having to suddenly find another job and all the uncertainty that comes with that.  Everyone kept asking me, "will you move back to Iowa?"  Even though that's where I grew up and where my family is, when faced with the scary unknown now both times, the thought of leaving Colorado and going back home never crossed my mind.  This is my home!  I DO feel confident that I am where I need to be, and I am always trusting God with what to do with my time and talents.  This past week was good for me;  I had two great friends that went out on peaks with me to help me process and (tried to) take my mind off things.  It was good to spend time away from the situation and let it simmer.  One thing I know for sure is that I plan on finishing my year strong and with dignity, and although I didn't choose this turn of events to happen, I am confidently trusting God with this next chapter with my life.  I know what my strengths and talents are:  I am a hard worker and enthusiastic learner.  I'm a very organized person.  I am great with people, even though by nature I am an introvert.  I'm faithful.  I have a big heart, and most importantly, I have a strong heart.

I titled this post, this is a good place to start.  I've been asked more than once, "could you make a career out of what you obviously love, climbing mountains?"  Trust me, if I knew how to make that happen so easily, I would.  It is my heart and soul, that's for sure.  Can I make my living doing what I love?  I don't know the answer to that.  I know so many people that do, and are trying, and if that door opened, I pray it could happen.  But for now, I know that this is an amazing lifestyle and hobby, and I don't want that part of it to change.

I climbed an "oldie but a goodie" last Saturday, Quandary Peak, outside of Breckenridge.  It's a very short mountain, only about 3 miles up to the top.  It's typically a windy little mountain, but the views at the top are always breath-taking.  This is a lot of people's first big mountain, because of it's short length and straightforwardness.  There were a lot of skiers on the peak that day; Tiffiny and I were among 4 of the only non skiers on the summit.  We made sure to enjoy the low wind and sunny weather and all-around fantastic time up on the top.

In the words of Tiff, "There's so much more you can do on a mountain than climb it!"  So here we are, goofing off and having a great time.

Summit panorama on Quandary - just across the basin from Democrat, Lincoln, Bross, and Cameron.

Later in the week, Anna and I packed for a 3 day trip to Salida, where we climbed Shavano, Tabeguache, and then the next day got up super early to trek down to the Sangre de Cristo range to climb Humboldt.  I was excited to do the twofer of Shav and Tab because I didn't get to Tabeguache last summer; a stormed rolled in and we weren't efficient enough to get over to it.  It was surprisingly a very "easy" traverse over to it.  It usually takes another hour to climb down and back up to neighboring peaks, and we had already been climbing for so many hours - I was anticipating being wiped out.  We got there in barely an hour, and were surprised how fast the time went!

Anna en route to Tabeguache's summit

Pano view from summit of Tabeguache looking over at Shavano

Last on my week of climbing ventures, Humboldt Peak down in the Sangre range.  This is my favorite range so far in Colorado.  The conglomerate rock is such an interesting feature, and makes for great handholds on the more technical climbs like the Crestones.

One thing about mountains and climbing them that just thrills me are the indescribable views.  I always feel safe on them too, so (sorry mom!) overlooking drop off cliffs is one of my favorite parts.  The mountains make me feel so small.  But they also make me feel so strong at the same time.  It's my own two legs that carry me up them.  It takes hours.  I breathe so hard.  I hardly get any sleep the night before because we start early.  But it's worth it, every time.

Summit ridge on Humboldt

Overlooking a drop off on the way up Humboldt

Summit pano on Humboldt.  Crestones in the center, and Kit Carson on the right

Until my next adventures, be well!