Passion…… is it innate, or is it grown? Can it be grown? Grown from a seed without knowing where it will sprout. If chance favors a unknown destiny, then the seed will be fertilized and will grow. Grow as big as you can dream, or as big as the physics of the known universe currently allows.

I’m setting out on a journey to raise money to help fertilize future seeds. I’m endeavoring a Summit For Someone, to climb glaciated Mount Baker in the North Cascades in Washington State in July 2018. The money will support transformative wilderness experiences for under-resourced youth through the programs of Big City Mountaineers. I’m reaching out to the world as I know it, to tell a story, create future stories, and lend a hand to help others experience their own journeys.

Why fancy such a journey?

Once upon a time I was just a city kid who would go walk around the back sidewalks of my neighborhood with an old broom handle as a hiking stick. I yearned for backyard nights in a tent where I would ‘sneak out’ under the cover of darkness and wander the woods of a nearby park (sorry Mom & Dad…. I snuck out past curfew at young age). This was the beginning. A subtle seed planted in the soil of my youth.

My outdoor passion was fully cultivated in high school. Two unique classes were offered and focused exclusively on Sportsman’s Biology and Environmental Awareness (EA). Buried within the EA class was an opportunity which turned out to be a key to my future. Those that had the highest scores in the class were given an option to go the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). For those unfamiliar “google it” and you will not be disappointed. A watery wilderness that must be seen to be believed. With my eye on the prize I dug in. I studied, soaked in every word taught, and did all the extra credit I could, including building and sleeping in a quinzhee (a snow shelter…., no I would call it a snow fort…, created by piling snow and hollowing it out…. walls in winter, even made of snow, can insulate). The end result was 120% in the class and a first-class ticket to Northern Minnesota. With the help of my mom, I assembled my gear and my bags were packed. When the time came, we loaded a big yellow bus, where a wide eyed and giddy young man experienced a visual and spiritual transformation. With our compass pointed north, the concrete jungle transitioned to forest, to wilderness to the end of a gravel road. We arrived at an entry point and loaded classic 18 foot Alumacraft canoes. Rivers, lakes, flora and fauna abound we pushed into the wilderness as we dipped our paddles into a glacier carved world of liquid blue bliss. We had an adult mentor to provide guidance, but also let us each lead the way and make our own mistakes. We grew…., and I think we grew together and transformed. Long story short, I was given the gift of wilderness that undoubtedly changed the course of my life forever.

A special shout out to Sam Bailey, our teacher, our mentor and a light to guide our way. He changed my life, and perhaps others. Many classmates joined for the broad trip, but our smaller team consisted of Josh Lokken, Casey Hogan, Allison Ishizaki, Mali Bjorgum, Elise Grant and Greg Packer. Thank you for the epic memories!

If you know me today, what I’m interested in……. look at the scars on my hands, the dirt on my skin, a quiet glimmer in my eyes, my maps, and highlighted notes, then this fundraising effort carries something that resonates to the depth of my soul.

The initial goal is to raise $3,000. I feel like we should aim higher and would just be icing on the glaciated Mt. Baker cake. Some numbers ring true with relevance to Mount Baker. Its elevation is 10,781 feet, the prominence is 8,812 feet (prominence is essentially how much a mountain rises from it base, a high prominence means it is more a standalone highpoint that just a highpoint in a big mountain range). Perhaps these feet are hopeful $$ targets? Aim for $3K, and hope for $8K or $10K or more. If we get above those, I’ll find some other relatable numbers and we can have some fun with math.

20 years ago a giant headlamp guided my way, let us now shine a light on some youth and their yonder dreams. If you are able, I’m looking at you!!

I hope my message finds everyone doing well in life. If you are interested in donating, please visit my page.

https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/1186011

BONUS Opportunity: November 28th is #GivingTuesday. Up to $2 million in donations to nonprofits will be matched by Facebook and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation starting on Nov 28 at 8 AM Eastern Time. That’s 7 AM Central and 5 AM Pacific. Set you alarms people! Here is the link to that part of my fundraising.

https://www.facebook.com/donate/1801277369946259/

Many, many, many, many thanks for your time.