Some people ask where I get my sense of adventure, why I do things like this. I like to think this quote helps describe the way I feel. When I stand at the top and look at the world below, I get an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I forget about the rest of the world, and want to stay where I am and enjoy the moment. It is truly a moment of complete understanding between me and nature. Not everyone understands, nor do I expect them to unless they do it themselves.
If I had to pick a single person to credit for breaking me out of my shell, and convincing me to experience all of this in person, it would be Sam Durbin. One of my best friends, he told me stories of traveling across the country and visiting Alaska, Yellowstone, and various other places. He convinced me to come out to Yellowstone in 2008, my first real adventure. It turned out to be an amazing journey, and kept me wanting more. Sam and I have had other adventures since then, and he has been an inspiration for me to get away from society and be "in love with living." Thank you, Sam, for making me realize all that is out here.
Since my Yellowstone adventure is coming to an end, I decided to hike up to the peak of Mount Washburn with my friend Jason. It's a hike I had always wanted to do, and the weather was perfect. So, we got off to a 2pm start and could just barely make out the Ranger station from the car. You can see the station as a tiny speck on top of the mountain below:
We could tell we weren't alone out there. A mountain lion was close by.
Great views on the way to the peak.
Giant snow drifts in late June.
More great views on our way up.
So close to the peak, with storms coming in.
Making my mark.
2 miles above sea level.
I could see across the whole park.
Taking it all in.
A great spot for a pose.
I really didn't want to come down.
Angels in the clouds look down on me.
Treacherous trail on the way back down.
The lifeless trees reached up towards the sky.
Trying not to get too close!
An elk posing before we get to the car. Another great day in Yellowstone.
