Personal & Professional Adventures

1997-2010    White Mountains, NH                 Multi-sport

Coordinated a huge diversity of independent and group activities and events in this region.  Activities included canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, snow shoeing, mountaineering, and rock/ice climbing.  Events included: Winter Presidential Traverses, numerous single and multi-day trips in both winter and summer, extensive multi-pitch and top-roped climbing at White Horse, Cathedral, Cannon, Echo, and Rumney (among many others), ice-climbing at Crawford, Franconia, and Pinkham Notches (among many others), and paddling a variety of lakes and rivers.

2003-2010    Green Mountains, VT                  Multi-sport

Coordinated a huge diversity of independent and group activities and events in this region.  Activities included canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, snow shoeing, mountaineering, rock/ice climbing, mountaineering, orienteering, and mountain-biking.  Events included: numerous single and multi-day trips in both winter and summer, extensive multi-pitch and top-roped climbing at Wheeler Mountain and Smuggler’s Notch, ice-climbing at Willoughby and Smuggler’s Notch, and paddling a variety of lakes and rivers. 

2003-2010    Adirondack Mountains, NY               Multi-sport

Led a range of water and land-based group and personal adventures in this region including multi-day canoeing in the Saranac Lakes and winter mountaineering in the High Peaks area and rock and ice climbing in areas including Poke-O-Moonshine, Keene Valley, High Peaks, and Wilmington Notch. 

2009-2010     Mount Rainier, WA                  Mountaineering

Working with a team of three guides and nine clients, instructed clients in the mountain skills necessary for summit attempts on Mount Rainier.  Client groups ranged from teen adventure camp students, to corporate businesspeople, to wounded veterans.  Working with these clients throughout the summit climb demands a range of teaching, coaching, and counseling skills, helping clients to realize both their limits and their potential.    

2001-2009      Red Rocks, NV                    Rock Climbing

Four rock climbing trips to this area’s acclaimed trad and bolted single and multi-pitched sandstone routes.  In combination, these trips have familiarized me well with the options this area presents.  I have become familiar with several of  the single-pitch areas and multi-pitch climbs including Frogland (5.8), Birdland (5.7), Olive Oil (5.9var), Going Nuts (5.6), and Solar Slab (5.6).

2009      Escalante Canyons, UT          Multi-sport

Worked with a group of four college students to plan, prepare, and participate in a 15-day multi-sport adventure.  Activities included: mountain-biking, rock climbing, hiking, rafting, and canyoneering.  This trip expanded upon my canyoneering leadership, as it included a 7-day canyoneering section, some of which involved technical rope skills.  During the course of the trip I also delivered instruction on federal land management policies, concepts of wilderness, notable figures in the Southwest’s history, and teachable moments as they arose. 

2003-2008    Connecticut River, NH                 Canoeing/Camping

Annually led two back-to-back five-day canoe trips of six and eight people down a thirty mile stretch of the Connecticut River in New Hampshire’s Great North Woods.  Prior to the course, I instructed students during weekly two-hour meetings on the basics of efficient and ecologically-sensitive waterway travel.  Each student served as the leader for a period during the trip, with debriefs conducted to assess that leadership, and strengthen future leadership rotations, so that by each course’s end, students were safely and confidently in control of their group actions.  

2008      North Cascades, WA         Alpine Climbing

One month of personal adventures with friends in the North Cascades.  Climbs ranged from the 5.6-5.11 and from Grade III-V.  Climbs included Sharkfin Tower (South Face, 5.8, II), Torment-Forbidden Traverse (5.6, V), Mount Forbidden (West Ridge, 5.6, II), South Early Winters Spire (Direct East, 5.11, III; S Arete, 5.4, II), Liberty Bell (Beckey Route, 5.6, II; South Face, 5.8, II;  Northwest Face, 5.8, II), Prussik Peak (West Ridge, 5.7, II; South Face, 5.9+, III),  Snow Creek Wall (Orbit, 5.9, III; Outer Space, 5.9, III), Ingalls Peak (South Ridge, 5.4, II; East Ridge, 5.7, II).  Climbing in this area demands a diversity of snow, rock, and ice skills sets, often all on the same climb.  The Cascades is the area where I first began mountaineering and this trip was a very enjoyable reintroduction to the area.

2008      Pico de Orizaba/Veracruz, Mexico      Mtnrg/Kayaking

Arrived ahead of group to scout acclimatization route on La Malinche (14,636) and the Jamapa Glacier Route on Pico de Orizaba (18,490’), successfully summiting both.  Afterwards, did personal traveling in the coastal Veracruz region, exploring the tropical lowlands via hiking and sea kayaking.  Returned with a group of ten students to climb on La Malinche and summit Pico de Orizaba again.  Trip advanced skills in setting up international alpine endeavors, developing appropriate acclimatization schemes, and keeping a group healthy and motivated at high-altitude.  A final trip component included two days of cultural contact, in which I was able to advance my skills in promoting positive inter-cultural exchange. 

2008      Sierra Nevada Area, CA          Alpine/Rock

Co-led a group of five students of a mixed range of abilities in a variety of alpine and rock environments.  Climbing objectives included Mt. Whitney (Mountaineers Route, AI2), Cathedral Peak (5.6, III), as well as single-pitch climbing at Alabama Hills and Owens River Gorge.  This trip provided me with an opportunity to share with a group an area that I have greatly enjoyed on personal adventures.  The trip provided me with additional experience in leading groups in higher-altitude environments, in leadership on technical snow and rock terrain, and in managing a group with diverse abilities and goals.    

2004-2007      Great North Woods, NH                   Backpacking

Annually led two back-to-back five-day hiking trips of six and seven people along a thirty-two mile stretch of New Hampshire’s Cohos Trail, with some off-trail travel.  Instruction and leadership of these students followed the model used during the Connecticut River canoeing trip described above. 

2007       Dolomites, Italy       Alpine/Rock

Three weeks personal climbing with a group of friends of varying abilities allowed for the integration of skills learned during an AMGA Rock Instructor Course taken earlier that summer.  This was my first extended experience climbing on limestone, with routes ranging from 4-20+ pitches in the 5.4-5.10 range.  Climbs included Piz Pordoi (West Face, 5.7, IV) Cinque Dita (Thumb, 5.6, III), First Sella Tower (NW Arete, 5.6, II; Trenker Crack, 5.7, II), Second Sella Tower (N Face, 5.8, III; SW Face, 5.4, II), Hexanstein (S Rib, 5.6, III), Cima Casson (NW Corner, 5.7, III), Cinque Torri (Via Miriam, 5.8, III; Via delle Guide, 5.5, II), Torre Barancio (N Face, 5.5, II), Torre Lusy (N Face, 5.5, II), Arco (Claudia, 5.8, IV; Il Caprone, 5.9, III).  The experience build my skills in short-roping, short-pitching, route selection, pitching out routes, and handling descents efficiently, all while introducing me to another noted European mountain range. 

2006       Desert Southwest, UT           Multi-sport

Worked with a group of eight students and a co-leader to plan, prepare, and participate in a 9-day multi-sport adventure.  Activities included: mountain-biking, rock climbing, hiking, and canyoneering.  Working with my co-leader, and drawing on my AMGA Alpine Guide Course training, I developed new curriculum skills for integrating weather observations, hazard assessments, and trip planning formats into students’ curriculum.  This trip was my first opportunity to lead canyoneering activities and also allowed me to re-visit leadership of mountain bike groups.  This trip also provided me an opportunity to research, and instruct students on, Leave No Trace techniques particular to this environment and the activities we were pursuing. 

2006       High Sierras, CA           Alpine/Rock

Established a base camp at Iceberg Lake, beneath Mt. Whitney.  Climbed for five days, with successful ascents of: Mt.Whitney (East Buttress, III, 5.7), Mt. Russell (Fishhook Arete, III, 5.9), and possible first ascents of “Swordfish Spires” north of base camp.  Traveled to Toulumne Meadows for climbs including: Cathedral Peak (Multiple routes, III, 5.6), Eichorn’s Pinnacle (West Pillar, III, 5.10b var.), Fairview Dome, (Regular Route, III, 5.9).  Then in Yosemite, climbing Nutcracker (III, 5.9).  Returned to the High Sierras to attempt the Evolution Traverse (VI, 5.9), but stopped short, climbing the Darwin-Peak 13,332’ traverse (V, 5.9).  Continued climbing in the Bishop area, including Cardinal Pinnacle (West Face, III, 5.10a) and numerous routes 5.9-5.11 in the Gong Show area.  Returned to Toulumne Meadows to climb Fairview Dome (Lucky Streaks, III, 5.10d), Third Pillar of Dana (Regular Route, III, 5.10b), Daff Dome (Cooke Book, III, 5.10a), Lambert Dome (Direct Northwest Face, III, 5.10c), and Drug Dome (OZ, III, 5.10d).  Advanced my speed skills (block leading, switching belays, efficient anchors, efficient gear transfer) while working with partners to accomplish—and occasionally fail at—difficult objectives.

2006       Rocky Mountain National Park, CO        Alpine/Rock

Successfully finished the 10-day American Mountain Guides Association Alpine Guide Course.  Skills covered included: multi-pitch client guiding, guiding multiple clients, short-roping, vertical rock rescue, snow anchors, crevasse rescue, and general techniques for safe, efficient travel in alpine terrain.  Course climbs included: Melvin’s Wheel (II, 5.9), Back-flip (II, 5.9), Hallett Peak (Culp-Bossier, III, 5.8—retreat), McHenry’s Peak (SW Spur, III, AI2, 5.7), Ptarmigan Fingers (Unnamed, III, AI2, 5.7), Dragontail Couloir (II, AI2).

2006        Katahdin, ME            Alpine/Ice

Two-day ski into the Chimney Pond base camp and two days of climbing in sub-zero temperatures.  Climbed shorter climbs WI2-4 and Black Gully Right (IV, WI4).  This trip served as a reminder of the viciousness of northern weather and the challenges of safety/evacuation, as two people dealt with frostbite and one with broken ribs.  This trip was also a good opportunity for a refresher on ski travel with sleds.  

2006       Ecuador        Mountaineering

Co-led a group of eight college students on their first high-altitude experience—and, for many, their first experience traveling outside of the United States.  Instructed students on mountaineering fundamentals and the physiology of acclimatizing to high elevations.  Worked with the group to set goals and revise goals with individuals and with the group, based on each person’s level of health, ability, and desire.  Worked with my co-leader to coordinate trip logistics in urban and mountain settings.  Successfully summited Pinchincha (15,692’) and made it to the 17,000’ mark on Cotopaxi (19,347’), before being turned back due to avalanche hazards.  Beyond the summits, this trip was extremely satisfying in being able to see the world with the “new eyes” of my students and to process with them the cultural richness, socio-economic differences and injustices, and environmental degradation and beauty that they saw. 

2005       High Sierras, CA           Alpine Rock/Ice

Established a base camp at the tow of the Palisades Glacier for five days of alpine rock and ice climbing.  Ascents included V-Notch Couloir (III, AI2, WI3), U-Notch Couloir (III, Class 4, 5.6), Mount Sill (Swiss Arete, III, 5.7), and Gayley-Sill Traverse (IV, 5.8).  Routes were climbed with a partner, using solo, simul, and belayed techniques.

2005       Chamonix, France     Alpine/Rock

Fourteen days of alpine climbing in the Aiguilles Rouges and Mont Blanc Massif.  Climbs include: Charlanon (Standard Route, II, 5.7); Aiguille du Midi (Arête des Cosmiques, III, AD); Aiguille du Tour (Couloir de la Table, III, PD); Index (Sud-Oest Ridge, II, 5.5); Aiguilles des Midi-Plan (Traverse, II, PD+); and Chapelle de la Gliere (Mani Pulitti, II, 5.8).  Working with a group of novices allowed for practice in instructing alpine/speed skills including short-roping, simul-climbing, glacial travel, crevasse rescue (including one actual), mixed techniques, efficient belay transitions, and dual followers.  This area is the birthplace of alpinism, and the extended period allowed me to become familiar with the past and present climbing culture in Europe.  Additionally, this experience familiarized me with the area for purposes of future group expeditions.

2005      Baja, Mexico       Seakayaking

Worked with a team of six sudents and one co-leader to stage a nine-day sea kayaking expedition in Baja, Mexico.  This trip allowed me to transfer my sea kayak skills to a new, rugged, remote, and international setting.  In preparation for the trip, students were coached through the creation of hazard assessments, risk management documents, group/individual gear lists, and menu plans.  While in the field, students were instructed in a range of sea kayaking and camp living skills, and they advanced their own teaching skills through providing peer lessons in topics ranging from nature writing to Mexican culture. 

2004      Ecuador         Mountaineering

      Two weeks of mountaineering and trekking on the volcanic peaks and in the highland areas of this country.  Climbs included Ruminahui (4631m-central peak) and Cotopaxi (5897m).  Worked with an ASEGUIM licensed guide (the Ecuadorian guide association) on Cotopaxi, providing me with insight into that country’s guide program.  A solo summit attempt on Cotacachi (4944m) in marginal weather and on rotten rock provided an opportunity to practice wise judgment in the face of the always difficult decision to turn back.  Trekking in the highland areas provided close contact with the rich indigenous culture of this country, and ample opportunities to advance Spanish language skills.

2004      Swiss/French Alps       Trekking

Multiple day-hikes established a familiarity with these regions.  The Bernese Oberland region is widely heralded for its successful development of eco-tourism, providing me an opportunity to learn more about the processes and infrastructures of the industry.  Additionally, I advanced my skills in fixed rope travel, climbing the Eiger’s Rotstock (2663m) kletterstellung (via ferrata) route. 

2004       Leavenworth, WA & Squamish, BC      Rock Climbing

Ten total days of hiking and climbing in these two well-known climbing centers broadened my exposure to these regions.

2004       Lycian Way, Turkey      Trekking

Solo back-packed for six days along Turkey’s Lycian Way.  This hiking route traces the footpaths and roads connecting the ancient Lycian settlements along the Mediterranean.  This trip provided me with experience in traveling in a Middle Eastern culture and allowed me to test and advance methods for lightweight backpack travel.

2004                 Everglades, FL                      Sea Kayaking

Six students, a co-leader, and I traveled for six days via kayak around the inland and coastal waterways of the Everglades.  Prior to the trip, the co-leader and I supported and advised the students in developing appropriate gear lists, menu plans, risk management guidelines, and other pre-trip planning.  Once in the Everglades, I coordinated instruction sessions on skills ranging from paddle strokes to rescue techniques.  Advanced personal skills in GIS use.

2004        Southern National Parks, UT         Rock Climbing/Hiking

Personal trip hiking and climbing for ten days in Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, and Arches National Parks.  Provided me with added experience in the extremes that desert climates present during the winter. 

2000-2003      Mid-Atlantic, US       Backpacking/Climbing

Numerous group and personal backpacking and rock climbing trips in this region.  These experiences fostered a comprehensive and growing understanding of the region’s natural, geologic, and human history, and engendered growth in the ability to share this “sense-of-place” learning with students. 

2000-2003      Chesapeake Bay, VA/MD            Sea Kayaking

Extensive group and personal sea kayak touring in this area, serving to advance skills in a variety of sea and weather conditions with groups of varying ability levels.  Experiences have also advanced my pedagogy in the preparation and delivery of sea kayaking skills instruction.  

2003      Italy & France        Trekking

Eight-day trek with Georgetown University students through one of Europe’s oldest remaining stands of original growth forest, in the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi.  This course area was selected for the rich cultural, historical, and environmental mix it offers.  Throughout the experience, a curriculum combining local speakers, student presentations, and shared readings and reflection served to highlight the challenges and successes this region has experienced in balancing human and environmental interests.   This was followed by one-week of hut-to-hut travel on Corsica’s Mar-de-Mar Sud Trail.

2003      Thailand & Malaysia           Climbing/Trekking

Three-week personal trip combining mountain jungle trekking (Nakhon Sawan, Thailand/Taman Negara National Park and Cameron Highlands, Malaysia) and limestone sport route rock climbing (Krabi, Thailand).  Trip provided me with a reorientation to living in a humid, hot jungle environment and the creatures that inhabit it, and further expanded my experience in limestone/coastal rock climbing.

2002      Joshua Tree, CA                    Rock Climbing

Four days of single pitch crack and face climbing on trad and bolted quartz monzonite routes.  Broadened my exposure to both this famed desert climbing area and its unique rock. 

2002       Smoky Mountains, NC           Backpacking

Coordinated and supervised the inaugural Georgetown Outdoor Pre-Orientation Program (GO-POP) for 58 incoming students.  Trained staff to be responsible for all aspects of this experience, including curriculum design, route planning, logistics preparation, risk management, participant coordination, and trip leadership.  In addition to the positive benefits of programming associated with the wilderness pre-orientation programs of previous years (see below), this provided incoming students with inspirational modeling of the leadership they could aspire to during their college experience.  

2002        Smith Rock/Central Region, OR           Rock/Alpine

Five days of rock climbing on Smith Rock’s trad and bolted single and multi-pitched routes, followed by a solo climb of Mt. Jefferson via a 5.6 basalt plug mixed ice/rock mountain route to the 7, 794’ summit.  This trip acquainted me with the climbing and mountaineering that the Central Oregon region offers.

2002        Denali Ascent, AK            Alpine Climbing

Worked with a three-person climbing team to coordinate, prepare, and conduct a Denali ascent via the West Rib Route (Alaska Grade 4).  Climb began with an acclimatization trip to the summit of California’s Mt. Whitney, followed by an acclimatization/cache trip up to the 16,000’ level via the West Buttress Route.  After acclimatization and caching, navigation of the North East Fork of the Kahiltna Glacier brought our team to the base of the West Rib Route, beginning a mixed snow/ice/rock route to the summit (20, 320’).  This trip provided extensive challenge and experience in the areas of extreme cold-weather technical climbing and remote, extended expedition planning.  Most of all, this trip provided the invaluable experience of working with a team of fellow climbers in adverse conditions toward a commonly shared goal—and all of the opportunities for intra/interpersonal growth, group processing and decision-making, and leadership that it engenders.

2002       Apennine Traverse, Italy        Trekking

Organized Georgetown University’s first international adventure.  Students flew to Bologna, beginning a seven-day trek along the ancient pilgrimage route from Bologna to Florence.  Introduced curriculum along the way that immersed students in the culture, history, ecology, and geology of the Apennine Range.  This trip honed my skills in coordinating overseas adventure expeditions for groups, especially with regard to the risk management concerns and cultural challenge inherent in such expeditions.  Leadership of this trip also advanced skills in melding place-based learning into the expedition curriculum.

2001       Boundary Waters, MN          Canoeing/Camping

Worked with Voyageur Outward Bound staff to prepare and lead the Georgetown Outward Bound Initiative (GOBI) program.  Participants canoed for six days in the Boundary Waters area.  Over the course of the trip, we created a forum for these students to explore the personal meaning the transition to college represented, and to create a base that would ensure maximal success in the transition to college—and beyond. 

2001       Glacier National Park, MT           Mountaineering

      Ten days of backcountry travel through Glacier’s northwest section, including ascents of Kintla and Long Knife Peaks.  This experience solidified my skills in safe bear –country travel and living, and revisited skills in backcountry route finding.

2001        Smoky Mountains, NC            Kayaking/Climbing

      Ten days of climbing and paddling in the Smoky Mountains.  Climbing occurred in the Linville Gorge, Boone, and Looking Glass Rock areas.  Kayaking occurred on Class 3 to 4+ rapids on the Green, Pigeon, Laurel, French Broad, Tuckaseegee, and Nolichucky Rivers.

2001       Everglades, FL                     Sea Kayaking

Led a pod of eleven kayaks traveling through the Cape Romano/Ten Thousand Islands area.  Provided me experience in staging sea kayak expeditions in which no fresh water sources are available, as well as experiences in adapting trip plans due to weather, while still meeting individual and group development goals.                                                                            

1999-2000      Coastal Northern California        Sea Kayaking

Led one-day trips around various Northern California waterways for San Francisco’s leading sea-kayaking center.  Clients include college recreation organizations, corporate outings, and independent adventurers, kayaking in pods of 5-10 boats.

2000       Adirondack Mountains, NY         Backpacking

Freshman pre-orientation event for Georgetown University, working in collaboration with the New York City Outward Bound School (NYCOBS).  Worked with NYCOBS staff to coordinate weeklong canoe and hiking pre-orientation programming for 63 incoming students.  Programming drew on Outward Bound philosophy and theory to create a core group of peer support for incoming students, to build individual confidence and self-efficacy, and to welcome and integrate these students into their college community. 

2000       Bali, Indonesia          Trekking

Solo trekking through the jungle, rice-plain, and volcanic terrains of this Southeast Asian Island.  Broadened my experiences in jungle travel, interacting with local cultures, accompanying logistical challenges, and volcanic terrain.

2000       Desert Southwest, USA         Multi-sport

Two months of cycling, hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing in Desert Southwest, Utah with independent groups of varying sizes.  Cycling advanced skills in slickrock and sand terrains.  Climb sites included: Big&Little Cottonwood Canyons, Maple Canyon, Zion (including one 5.10+ off-width first ascent), Crawfish Canyon, and Wall Street, advancing skills in sandstone climbing.  Hiking and canyoneering advanced my skills in dry land travel and living.  

2000      The Lost Coast, CA          Backpacking

Shared in a five-day group backcountry experience that fused meditative sitting with walking (backpack) meditation.  Meals were prepared and eaten in the Zen oryoki tradition.  This remote and spectacular section of California’s coast provided for a challenging and rewarding experience. 

1999        Mt. Shasta, CA            Mountaineering

Two-person climbing party ascent over standard route with moderate glacier and rockfall risk.

1992-1998     Olympic Mountain Range, WA        Multi-sport

Numerous explorations of this area’s diverse terrain, including the Hoh Rainforest, coastal beaches, and many summits.  This diversity of terrain provided a training ground for wet-weather expeditioning, tidal hiking, avalanche evaluation, and rope-team travel, among other skills.  These experiences have served to build a firm understanding of the area’s historic struggles and current challenges.

1998      Wind River Range, WY         Backpacking

This event was the National Outdoor Leadership School’s (NOLS) Instructor Course.  Working with a group of 12 students and three instructors, used the Wind River Range as a classroom for 32 days of teaching and learning.  Received and delivered extensive instruction in the full range of skills necessary to efficiently plan, safely lead, and effectively educate groups while in the wilderness.

1992-1997       Cascade Mountains, WA       Mountaineering

Extensive hiking, camping, and summiting in Washington’s Cascade Mountain Range, including Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Saint Helens.  Expeditions occurred in a variety of seasons and weather conditions, and served to hone skills in glacier travel, crevasse rescue, bivouacking, and other related summit skills.  These expeditions also served to build a solid knowledge of the area’s ecology and history.

1997       Uinta Mountain Range, UT         Backpacking

Eight days of backpack travel in this wild mountainous region of the Rockies. 

1997       The Jungle Trail, Honduras           Trekking

Embarked on an eight day expedition along “The Jungle Trail”, a path through the rainforests along the Guatemalan/Honduran border.  Modes of travel were primarily by foot and river boat/self-constructed rafts.   Due to recent deforestation of the region, large parts of the once remote and pristine jungle had become banana plantations, necessitating circumvention by bus.  Trip advanced skill in jungle living, gaining knowledge of local plants (including edibles), species identification, river travel, and traveling sensitively amongst indigenous cultures.  Trip also provided indelible images of the effects of ecological irresponsibility, sparking future social activism.

1997       Western Highlands, Guatemala       Trekking

Averaging about 7,000’ high, alternating between pine forests and grassy plateaus, and populated by a rich blend of indigenous peoples, four fellow hikers traveled (both along footpaths and by orienteering) for 25 days.  Local villages served as resupply points.  Sharpened my skills in international expeditioning, including utilizing local food and shelter resources, dealing with on-trail health and medical concerns and interacting with indigenous cultures while working with rural craft cooperatives to establish trade avenues for selling their products in the United States.

1997        Ixta/Pico de Orizaba, Mexico          Mountaineering

Beginning with Ixtaccihuatl (17,200’) and continuing on to Pico de Orizaba (18,700’), over a ten-day period our group of four climbers successfully summited these volcanoes.  Trip provided me an introduction to climbing above the three-mile high mark and to handling the logistical particularities of summit expeditioning internationally.                                  

1996        Ventana Wilderness, CA            Backpacking

Following four months of tent camping—and numerous day and overnight hikes—in the hills surrounding the Tassajara Zen Mountain Center, departed on a 14-day solo “walkabout.”  Trip mixed on and off-trail hiking.  Course of travel covered the Ventana Double Cone (4,853’), Junipera Serra Cone (5,862’), and the Big Sur coastal area, and included a four day/night fast of continuous travel or meditation.  Solidified skills in arid land hiking (water, climatic, vegetation, and wildlife particularities), as well as in safely planning and conducting wilderness quest experiences.           

1994        Mt. Fuji/Japan Alps, Japan       Hiking/Mtnrng

Conducted many three to five day hikes in the Japan Alps with groups of Japanese students and attempted an off-season summit of Mt. Fuji.  These trips provided a first contact with organizing and leading clients on wilderness experiences.

1993        Gore Range, CO            Backpacking

Traveled 56-mile trip along the Gore Range in the Rocky Mountains.  Trip lasted nine days, allowing time for off-trail orienteering and excursions to several surrounding 13,000-14,000’ summits.                               

1991       Thailand                Trekking

Solo and group trekking through several different regions of Thailand, including the remote Karen villages in the Mae Suai region.  Trips lasted from 1-5 days.