Mt Whitney - The Journey

Applying to Join Backpacker Magazine

It's hard to believe it's been just over 9 months already since I applied to join Backpacker Magazine and their editor Jonathan Dorn to climb Mt Whitney, the highest point in the "lower" 48 states.  Knowing it would be an incredible journey if I was picked not only because would it provide me a chance to combine skills I've gained from various other climbing and hiking I've done into an actual mountaineering experience, but also because it was in conjunction with Summit For Someone (SFS).  I've seen the ads in Backpacker Magazine for years, checked out their website for climbs and have contemplated going on a journey with them because of what SFS stands for and how it supports and benefits Big City Mountaineers.

And with the help of a lot of friends who showed their support by posting comments on my "I Want to Climb Mt Whitney" blog post about why I should be selected, I found out in October 2012 I was selected.

Getting Selected to Climb Mt Whitney

I think the day I found out I was selected to go along on this journey I went through a lot of emotions.

• Excitement - wow, I was going to get to do this.
• Worry - do I have a pet sitter?  My parents will be in Hawaii in April.
• Distress - What did I get myself into?  
• I now have to raise $4,000 
• I have to train for another climb (having just done Mt Kilimanjaro earlier in 2012)

But again - all of the things I was worried about fell in place.  My parents arrive back the day before I leave - pets will be taken care of.  Training started immediately in October and I'm feeling pretty good and strong. And again, incredible friends reached out to me when I put out the call that I was going to climb Mt Whitney and helped me to raise the money for this great cause.

And Now It's Time to Climb Mt Whitney

• The training is done.  
• The gear not already owned is purchased.  
• Test packing all this gear in the pack is done.
• Travel from Las Vegas to Lone Pine is coordinated.
• Mentally, I am prepared!

And most importantly - team Whitney Four-Teeners is psyched about what we're doing, the reason we're doing it and having the opportunity to meet and make some new lifelong friends.

And as John Muir said  -  "The Mountains are Calling and I Must Go."  

The time has come, the journey begins and a summit is within our near future.  Mt Whitney - here I come!

Put Your Boots On - Go For a Hike

Over the years I've found that my closet has become crowded with multiple pairs of hiking boots.  Unlike most females I know who have a closet full of nice, fancy shoes, I have a closet full of hiking boots, trail runners and other outdoor related footwear.

What does this say about me?  To me it says I'm a person who likes to be outdoors.  And I'm glad to be that person.

Enjoying Nature while backpacking in the Bridger Teton National Forest

Every time I look in my closet I see potential.  Wearing hiking boots means I'm going to be outside, taking a hike, spending time with my dogs, family and/or friends.  It means seeing nature, watching the changing seasons, listening to the birds and just breathing in the deep smells of mother earth.  It means I'm relaxing and letting nature heal my soul.  

So go put your boots on and go for a hike.  And enjoy the Healing Powers of Nature.

"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks"  John Muir

Healing Powers of Nature

In a world like we live in today, I have found that escaping on weekends and going into the woods is the greatest way to heal a tired mind and body.

Over the last two years and summers, I've found myself drifting at every possible moment away from the city and away from the connections we've all become so dependent upon in our every day lives.  To leave behind the wireless connections and become unplugged and become at peace with nature is the best healing power I can think of.

Nature has a way of making us slow down and look at the world with our mind and our senses.  Our mind takes in what is around us and makes us aware of what is going on while making us contemplate our every day existences.  Our senses take in the beauty of the sky, forest, meadows and more while listening to the hustle and bustle of the earth moving and the animals making a survival.

Finding peace with nature begins with exploring nature

So if you ever feel stressed, keep in mind one of John Muir's great quotes:

"Keep close to Nature's heart, yourself; and break clear away once in a while and climb a mount or spend a week in the woods.  Wash your spirit clean."

I like to take John Muir's advice because he is right.  Nature has great healing powers that we all can use.