Being Resolute in 2018: Begin Within

If we make happiness our primary goal instead of our secondary goal, then we easily accomplish everything else we desire. ~Deepak Chopra Across the country and throughout the world, people are asking themselves the same question: What will my resolutions be for 2018? The "Greatest Hits" of resolutions include weight loss, saying goodbye to cigarettes … Continue reading Being Resolute in 2018: Begin Within

Memorial Day: Remember The Sacrifice

My alarm went off at 2:57 a.m., and three minutes later, I received the text from my friend Trina. Leaving now to commence with project honor Memorial Day. Twenty minutes later, at 3:20 a.m., after I had gathered my photo gear and thrown some journals and pens in my backpack, I headed out the door … Continue reading Memorial Day: Remember The Sacrifice

14 Hours In Light: Part 6. The Final Ascent and Facing The Final Fear

Part 6. The Final Ascent and Facing The Final Fear Braeden decides to join us at the last minute, and he and Madelyn lead the way to the top of the hill. Their energy is boundless, and Rob and I take our time making the steep climb. The sun still seems high in the sky, … Continue reading 14 Hours In Light: Part 6. The Final Ascent and Facing The Final Fear

14 Hours In Light: Part 5. The Descent and The Energy Within

14 Hours In Light: Part 5. The Descent and The Energy Within Once the sun had cleared the mountain, I take one more walk around the perimeter of the summit before heading back to the cabin. The walk down the mountain is, at worst, in shadow. Gone are the fears about bears, injuries, or communication … Continue reading 14 Hours In Light: Part 5. The Descent and The Energy Within

14 Hours In Light: Part 4. The Rising Sun, The Falling Moon, and The Epiphany

Part 4. The Rising Sun, The Falling Moon, and The Epiphany These seven minutes I spend on the summit of Big Bald Mountain, waiting for the sun’s first sliver to slip over the eastern mountains beyond Little Bald are, perhaps, the most powerful of my life. Within the first minute of standing between the falling … Continue reading 14 Hours In Light: Part 4. The Rising Sun, The Falling Moon, and The Epiphany

14 Hours in Light: Part 3. The Summit and The Elements

Part 3. The Summit and The Elements Hiking up the last 1,000 feet to the summit of Big Bald is much like navigating a natural obstacle course – a few switchbacks, yes. But each stretch has its own challenge, the most difficult ones (thank goodness) are in the beginning of the final ascent. As much … Continue reading 14 Hours in Light: Part 3. The Summit and The Elements

14 Hours in Light: Part 2. The Ascent and The Fear of Wildlife

The night is still too much with me as I cross the final gate on this fire road and continue another quarter-mile to the trail head. The moon – one rise shy of being the second full (blue) moon in July – is still the sky’s main attraction. It hangs heavy over the pines and … Continue reading 14 Hours in Light: Part 2. The Ascent and The Fear of Wildlife