My Year 2007,

As the year comes to a close, it becomes natural to reflect back at the year one had. This has been a good year for me, and I am proud to look back on the experiences and goals that will forever mark 2007. Here is my top 10 list:

1. Hiking to the bottom and back of the Grand Canyon with my Dad. He decided that if he could lose 100 lbs, he could challenge himself, and hike the Grand Canyon. We had a great time, and it was a physical challenge for both of us. My Dad has been an inspiration to me. His dedication to becoming an active individual after so many years bound by the limitations of his body, and then his determination to make the changes to break those limitations will always serve as beacon to my active life.

2. Spending a couple of days introducing my 6-year old daughter to the wonders of Yosemite National Park. We saw all the sights, did all the hiking her little 6-year old feet could do, and continued the process of creating a dedicated steward of our wilderness areas. I hope we all can take a little time to help introduce a young person to what it takes to become a steward to our environment. It does not have to be much, just pointing out the rewards that our wilderness brings is a start.

3. Winning the “other” division of the Steve Moyer Memorial Kayak Fishing Tournament with a 5-lb Bonito, and coming home with a brand new Wilderness Systems Tarpon 160i and a bunch of other cool new kayaking gear.

4. Spending a weekend at The Sierra Club’s Foster Lodge becoming certified in Wilderness First Aid. I got to spend the weekend with a lot of really great people with interests the same as my own, learning interesting and valuable skills.

(view from Foster Lodge)

5. Spending a week and a half with my family (wife and two daughters) and loads of friends, car camping in Mammoth Lakes. Fishing, hiking and kayaking too our hearts content.

6. Snowshoeing into the Sierra’s for an overnight backpacking trip, and experiencing weather that was milder than back home in San Diego.

7. Driving the back roads of East County San Diego a week after the wildfires, and witnessing the unreal destruction Mother Nature can unleash.

8. Leading a troop of 6-year old Brownies on a day-hike through Mission Trails Regional Park. (also known as herding cats)

9. Becoming certified as a Chapter Outing Leader for the San Diego section of the Sierra Club.

10. Being a father, husband and a outdoor junkie, and trying to make them all work.

I hope your year has been as great!