One of the most memorable experiences in recent memory is summitting my first 13,000 foot peak. 13,806 to be exact. The Middle Teton in Grand Teton National Park – Jackson, Wyoming.
August 26, 1996
I said goodbye to Drew a few days ago and I left for Lake Powell. Goodbyes, or whatever you call them, are always so weird. He’s definitely someone I’ll keep in touch with as long as I can.
I’m sitting watching over 2 boats up Dark Canyon in Lake Powell, actually Cataract Canyon. I’m on a six-day trip for the Marlboro Adventure team. We actually only work about 2 and half days out of the six, but I’m getting paid for them all. I spent the night on the boats last night and it was Great! Quite time to myself. I haven’t had that in a while. I’m not quite sure why they chose me to do this trip – actually, I do. I’m hanging around for a while – longer than most.
Dark Canyon is beautiful! We’ve been portaging water and gear to these Marlboro guys and I’ll tell you what – 6 gallons of water is HEAVY! We’ve had to carry this up and down the entire canyon. But, on our days off we rented a kneeboard and have been fishing. Hell for 8 of the 12 hours you’re on shift you sleep. Easy!
August 19, 1996
this is actually part II of the same entry. I went to the beach yesterday. I don’t know what it was about the day but very strange and peculiar thoughts ran through my head. The main part of my thought consisted of seeing people in a state of zen. Right then was the perfect world. I understood peoples actions as far as why people seem so flakey?? sometimes – it’s easier to deal with your life. Being happy where you’re at and having a good time being there. Wow – is that profound? Possibly.
I’m still vacillating between what I want to do for my trip. Definitely Nepal, but now I’m considering going to Africa instead of Australia/ New Zealand. Thus the problem.
At Tag, they’ve made me the daily TL (trip leader) which is basically a manager of the daily boatmen.
Talk about 14 years and the universe synching up. I just got back from Jackson Hole, WY where I was visiting one of my college roommates – who, coincidentally, I hadn’t seen in about 14 years. 14 years is a long time, the reason we didn’t connect for so long? Who knows – sometimes people just move apart and then come back together. It was a full week of activity and much needed getting back to my outdoor adventure roots.
What I love about Jackson is the small town feel where my friends are your friends. I met my buddy for dinner and his whole posse showed up. Nothing out of the ordinary, but all were welcoming. I ended up going fishing with one of the guys on the SouthFork of the Snake the next day. Great day in a drift boat.
Next day, I did a hike up an unofficial trail in Grand Teton National Park called Hanging Canyon. It was close to a death hike since I had come from sea-level and then went up in elevation (straight up). Started from Jenny Lake south and going all the way up to the Lake of the Crags. Well worth the view once you get up there.
We fished in the Bechler River in Yellowstone. One of the most amazing river valleys – ever. Note: Lots of mosquitos that ignore DEET. 
Finally, we summitted the Middle Teton. Peak height 13,806 feet. LONG day – started at 5 AM – out at 7 PM. My friend summitted the South Teton as well. 2 peaks bagged. This city boy only had enough to bag 1.
August 11, 1996
I’m sitting here sunbathing in the hills behind Ken’s lake. Wow – three weeks of life just whipped by. I realized toady that summer is coming to an end. An end as far as the friends I had at the beginning of the summer are leaving and moving on. In 2 weeks it will be the end of August. Drew will be leaving and right now I have no idea what I want to do for the next 2 months. I’m trying not to reflect on summer just yet. Most notable events I can remember that: One, Drew and I went on a road trip. SLC to Denver back to Moab. I went to my first baseball (major league) game. Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. I don’t even know if they won I had a ball – had a full experience, – bratwurst, beer and 3rd row seats off of 3rd base. It was a pretty long death drive back, but we made it. Drew said later, if you can sit in the same vicinity as someone and feel comfortable, he considers it a special type of relationship. Probably as far as no pressure to “make conversation.” I’d agree with that.