After the desert and one night in Salt Lake City to break up the driving, arrived in Jackson, Wyoming to visit my friend, Ben. Ben and I worked together leading a 10 day trip back in summer 2018 for the Appalachian Mountain Club's Teen Wilderness Adventures.
I hadn't seen Ben since that summer, so it was really amazing to catch up and see his life! Ben is a mountain crusher unlike anyone else I've ever met. When people tell me that they think I "crush" in the mountains I usually tell them "there are levels to this". And when I say that, I'm thinking specifically of Ben and my other friends like Ben who run trail ultras and ski unimaginable big mountain lines. It was super cool for me to hear and see the potential of big mountain adventuring.
I went on two 'casual stroll' style 'hikes' during my visit. The Tetons are unlike any other mountains I've ever seen in my life. I was in awe just looking at them, I hope that in future visits I can get up in them on some more burly adventures- skiing or hiking. The town of Jackson stole my heart as well, Wyoming really showed out as my final stop on this trip!
the end!
On Thursday, November 5th around lunchtime, I rolled into Big Sky, Montana. I moved into my new room and began trying to wrap my head around the idea that I won't move out again for months (hopefully!). It definitely feels relieving to be done with all the travel, but I don't feel burnt out from it, and hope to live on the road again in my life at some point (or multiple points).
I'm extremely proud of this journey that I just finished. At the beginning it was not clear if I should be leaving home or not, but now I can say that it all worked out and I was able to keep it safe and productive. I'm most proud that I endeavored this journey by myself. I've proved to myself what I'm capable of. I'm independent, organized, and able. Top 3 Favorite States 1. California - has it all! Surf-able coastline, huge mountains, inspiring desert, epic rock climbing, and lots of my friends and family! If I had to pick one state to live in, it would be CA. 2. Wyoming - the most underrated of all! True wild west, the most wild west of any state that I've ever been in. Breathtaking mountains and surprisingly high quality rock climbing. 3. Utah - a popular opinion. The mountains in the north spoke to my heart, and the desert in the south transported me out of this world. Next road trip will probably be entirely in Utah. Statistics
Determination on the causes of happiness I've had the unique privilege of seeing into the lives of many people all over the country while on this trip. I've observed and had conversations about many attributes such as living situation, job/ career situation, diet, activity level, friends, family, response to COVID, and more. The following is my own interpretation, although many psychology books might agree with me. What I have determined is primarily that people who have good relationships with friends and family are happier. As a secondary factor, people who eat clean and are active happier as well. Money, apparent "success", and material things did not seem to bring people happiness, in my interpretation of what I experienced. This was a great learning for me to walk away from this trip with. I am actively critiquing my lifestyle and where I put my attention in order to help move myself toward being happy and healthy. As this trip also showed me, I will never arrive at happiness. I'm going to have to work every day to make the right decisions for myself. And if I slip up, it's never too late to begin again. You too. What's next?
First, delete instagram off my phone. Second, learn how to use a crockpot. Third, buy a backcountry ski set up. Normal life is beginning again! On Monday, I start work for the rental/ demo shop at Big Sky Resort. I'm super stoked to be approaching ski season, and to be employed again!
My blogs this winter will probably look a little bit different than in the past. I'll still be posting once per month, but the subject will expand beyond me (finally, right?). I'm hoping to post some slightly-more-formal pieces regarding the outdoor industry, social justice, culture, and more. So if you like to follow the blog, I invite you to enter your email in the "subscribe to the blog" box above "archives" on the right of the page (desktop only, not mobile). This way you'll get a notification email when I post. |
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