From Season to Season
Don’t worry, I missed you too <3 After a hiatus this summer, it is so good to be back! I say it’s best to bring you up to speed following an incredible summer.
Lupine in her full bloom. A place to behold in the summertime: the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, California. And every other season, for that matter.
Where have you guys been!? I kid, for I have been away. The guides reading will understand when I say we were busy all day every day. I mean, this was my first season of summer of starting this job I was itching to begin so there was loads of learning and excitement and more as it went on. That being said, there’s much to discuss from wildfires to orcas. So, we can get back to it right where we left off!
Guiding in Yosemite was an experience to behold. But like any occupation, there are challenges to work with. In this case, it was wildfires that ran our season. The American West continues to be highly active between the summer months of July and September as the climate lacks rain in its hottest months. Challenges arise for many residents in these areas, and it was a blessing to work in a forest and teach people about the ecology of fires and their importance to a forest. We thank all of our firefighters for keeping us safe!
As fun as guiding was, the breaks hit very nicely. Seeing as Austin Adventures runs week-long trips, the breaks were just as long. This gave me time to see some sites, both new and old in the Pacific Northwest. I was able to visit Mount Rainier National Park again. One moment brought this trip to its incredible climax, as a sun rising before 4am brought on the most magnificent glow on the Cascade Range.
The fun surely continued in Oregon, as Multnomah Falls showed off some glow, along with America’s deepest lake, Crater Lake. It’s the off time that fuels great work and better all-around living and, with views like these, I’d say it’s some pretty good recharge.
Reality had to kick in again and it was back to work in the San Juan Islands before we knew it (as if that’s a bad thing?!). As the summer went on, my confidence grew as a first-year guide and it was easy to do so with a strong team. With the help of guides like Bob and Steve, we went through the islands via hike, bike, and boats for the views they sought after.
There was so much to enjoy on the San Juans from the delicious food and views on land, to getting out in the water and witnessing nature at its pinnacle. One of the best parts of our trip is a boat tour in hopes of viewing the ocean’s top predator: the Orca whale! That is, if you’re lucky enough to be in the same water as these endangered animals.
It’s no ordinary day to catch these 20-foot predators in the water. They roam the northwest waters throughout the summer in high numbers but we always considered it a sight only seldom seen.
That was one of our favorite parts of the trips as guides: reminders of how lucky we are to witness the magic on this planet. We did this while doing one of the simple things - enjoying the company around us. The conversations I had this summer taught me a few things about myself, and a reminder of others:
Continuing to love my work is a valuable key to success. I was able to learn more about things I wanted to, while teaching the public about how important it is to save this beautiful planet.
No matter where or how you do it, this is a tough life, and participating in it every day should be considered a success.
I have thought this for most of my life but I say it LOUDLY: Teamwork truly makes that dream work. There are so many awesome people who help me throughout a single day and they always deserve recognition. This is OUR life!
After a whirlwind of a great summer, we have moved to a new season. As history shows, I have always enjoyed kicking off new seasons with road trips. So, let’s see how this roadie goes…
Where are we off to next?
