Earlier this year I had the amazing opportunity to visit Peru to explore a story about mountain guides. However, when I arrived there and started working on it, I realized there was an even deeper story.
Being in the Andes reminded me about what I love the mountains. The Andes are magnificent, not only in their beauty, but also in the people that live & work there. I was inspired not only by the company of our group but simply by the energy that exists there. In the mountains, daily tasks are oriented toward food, shelter, sleep, and community. There is more space to reflect & appreciate. It is in that space, change can happen.
When I asked Julio why he was guiding, he talked about a change he saw in people after visiting the Andes and I instantly understood. Being a guide myself, I’ve seen it as well. It is one of the most amazing experiences to be a part of. I was intrigued how this drew him into guiding. The story that unfolded was of family, struggle, and inspiration. I found it a little difficult to convey in a 5 minute spot, but you can watch it here.
As soon as we got to the base of our climb, we felt drops. A moment of sun. Now a moment of rain. Undeterred, or maybe not even noticing, he racked his quick draws, did a quick safety check and started the climb.
Moments. Most are mundane, passing by unnoticed and unnoteworthy. We’d been planning this trip for months. It’s been almost a year since this group of friends has been together. A three day weekend was the perfect opportunity for a little rock climbing, camping, and outdoor fun. A moment in time we wanted to remember. Unfortunately, the weather was a crap shoot once again. The spring weather can’t decide if it should bless us with sun or rain. The clouds murmured a few drops, only to be dried quickly by the warmth of the sun. We sneak by, trying to get in a climb before it figures out what we’ve done. Yet this moment would not go by so unnoticed.
Wow, happy Spring everyone! April already? I can’t believe it.
This winter I worked on so many side projects, I barely had time to write. Nonetheless, I’ve been working on some very fun things!
Continue reading “Hello Spring, is that you?” »
Just posted up some videos from the Ouray Ice Festival! Both were cut with iMove ’11 as an excuse to play with it. Pretty cool app. Though Windows Live Move Maker has many competitive features, the trailer templates are so cool. Here’s a quick trailer I made from our footage:
Winter is here! Seattle was blanketed today in it’s first snow of the season. I’m dreaming about ice climbing and can’t wait to get out there.
I came out of the mountains to the news that a friend died. She was 32. Completely shocked and saddened, I wondered why life is full of so much death. I re-questioned all the risks I take in life. Climbing is a dangerous sport. Even though I work to mitigate those dangers, accidents can and will happen.
Perhaps death is there to remind us about life. What is life without some risk, without passion to do what you love, and living to do it? We all must measure what acceptable risk is. A walk, a ride, a climb, a jump. A person can be struck dead crossing the street. The reality is we have no idea how long we have and in many cases, it’s shorter than we think. If I want to take away something positive from an otherwise tragic end, it’s that every moment is precious — so seize it, because you may not get that second chance.
Let death remind us of life … that every moment is precious.
Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed.
