Me+14ers=bffs.

i don't know who i am anymore.

reason being...
when i almost died via falling down a mountain in china almost 2 years ago, i vowed never again to frequent places in nature with ledges, rocks, and potential death scenarios.

but, after a little prompting, i decided to give nature, and mountains specifically, another chance.
not just any mountains though...
only those above 14,000 feet (a.k.a. 14ers).

i know. i know.
why subject myself to that?

i guess it's just like anything difficult in life...
it's hard.
sometimes it's painful.
but in the end, it's worth it.

here is the photo montage of my first 14er, mount quandary...
with all signs indicating that it won't be my last.


here's me in the beginning...
all smiles.
i'm ready to take on this mountain on with the help of my headband, camelbak, and my faithful wilderness guide and eagle scout (it's true...he's very impressive), mr. lesley.

our first view of the fake peak.
i didn't even know such a thing existed.
so very cruel, i tell you.

i love this picture SO much.
the bandanna, the apple chewing, the clouds.
nothing like a little photo shoot during a snack break.
(p.s. he swears he hates this photo, but i know better.)

oh yeah, and he refuses to wear these as shorts.
i guess manpris are much more socially acceptable when hiking.

the second part of the hike in one word.
ROCKS.
and lots of them.
i was not a fan.

and then...the payoff!
we made it to the TOP.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and i was very, very proud to be an american in that moment.

nick's dad, the other mr. lesley, also liked the modeling shots.
love it.

the view from the top was...INCREDIBLE.

perfect reflection.

muscle shot.

best. dog. ever.
if a weiner dog can make it to the top then i have absolutely no cause for complaints.
she even had a little bell on.

i like this family.

we made it!

to prove i made it...
i signed the registry (a.k.a. a piece of loose leaf paper:)

HOORAY for climbing mountains.

this is what real snow looks like.
i won't go into it, but there were some impostures at the top.

this was the perfect group for my first 14er.

2 thumbs up for dominating mount quandary!

look out labor day weekend.
there may be some more 14ers in your future.



xoxo