Since today happens to be #givingtuesday, I wanted to tell you all about the generosity of my friends and family. My pay it forward tour would not have been possible without a lot of help from my friends and family.
Sandy Martin
First and foremost my significant other Sandy Martin. Without her encouragement and support this trip would have never started. I randomly came up with the idea to do this one day and as usual didn’t really discuss it just told her this was what I was going to do. Had I thought about it a bit, I probably should have gone about it a different way. Being gone for 2 months is a pretty big thing and she still encouraged me to do it. She also took care of the house, the bills, the kids, the animals and everything else for 2 months. I truly appreciate having such a supportive partner in life.
Henry and Jane Evans
I met Henry and Jane Evans when I was preparing for my ascent of El Capitan. Henry was left a quadriplegic and unable to speak after a stroke like event. I found out about him through my friend Sean O’ Neill. Sean came up with the idea that we could take Henry up El Cap, He just wasn’t sure how. I reached out to Henry with this idea and a friendship was born. I eventually figured out I could record the ascent in 360 degree video and he would watch it through virtual reality goggles. Unfortunately that didn’t happen because the camera broke. El Cap is still there and I hope to make it happen someday. So after this friendship started Henry and Jane have graciously allowed me to stay at their beautifully accessible home every time I have gone to California. They are two of the most caring and generous people I know. It is like staying at an all inclusive resort haha. I have also learned a lot from them over the past few years and I look forward to many more years of friendship.
Gary Dunn
Gary and I met on my first trip to the Gunks with Paradox Sports. He has been the friend that is always there to help out ever since. He is my go to guy when I need to figure out a climbing system or anything else really. I stopped at his house on my first night of the trip. It happened to be his twin daughters 5th birthday which was a nice addition I was only there for a night and the next morning but we managed to pack in a lot of catching up. He is definitely one of the people in my life that helps make everything happen. I truly appreciate his friendship
Wendy and Keith
I actually met Wendy and Keith through Instagram. I happened to post that I was stopping in Albuquerque New Mexico for the night and they messaged me out of the blue. They graciously offered to let me crash with them for the night and instantly became friends and part of my community. This turned out to be an interesting night. They both happened to be doctors. I didn’t plan on taking advantage of keiths medical expertise but sure enough I injured my foot. Luckily he was just upstairs and came to my rescue. He had me patched up in no time. I had no idea what to expect when they messaged me but I will forever be grateful that they did and that I said yes. Unfortunately I am horrible at taking pictures and never thought to get one with them.
Aunt Connie and Uncle Odie
My aunt and uncle happened to move to Sonora California a few years ago. Their home is only about an hour and a half from the visitor center in Yosemite National Park. Unfortunately some of the things i had planned for this trip didn’t end up working out. I ended up staying with them for about 3 weeks out of the entire 2 months. If I had to find or pay for accomodations for all that time this trip would have been completely undoable. I always love staying with them because my aunt is my mom’s sister. We get to talk about family and old memories. They also have an amazing amount of wildlife that frequently visits their yard. Deer, turkeys, and a lot of other things happily stroll around the yard as if we aren’t even there. I am really looking forward to my next trip to the valley so I can visit.
Amanda Detour
Amanda and I both grew up in Patten Maine. She since moved to Montana about 25 years ago. She is always posting the most beautiful pictures from all over the area where she lives. These pictures have been making me want to visit for quite awhile now. I made it a point to find a place to speak near where she lives so I could visit and tour Montana. Once again as with everyone else she gave me a place to stay, fed me, and drove me all over Montana. We toured Glacier National Park. This is one of the most breathtaking parks I have ever had the privilege of visiting. From the snow capped peaks to the most colorful water I have ever seen, it was beauty around every corner. We strolled the trail of the cedars, which is a super accessible trail through some of the most stunning scenery I have ever laid eyes on. We drove hundreds of miles looking for wildlife but unfortunately struck out. I definitely want to go back earlier in the year when things are more active and try again.
Community
If you saw my speech at Yosemite Facelift, you know i talk a lot about community. As you can see I have a pretty amazing community of friends and family. Without these people and others in my life it would be pretty tough for me to do the things I do. On this GIving Tuesday I want you to think about the community in your life. Maybe donate to an organization that helps your community to do things. Again thank you to everyone that helped me make this trip happen. I truly appreciate each and everyone of you.
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