Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado
I totally love the outdoors and anything that gives me a natural high! If you knew me back in High School you would probably be like, yeah right! But since I have come to ISU my opportunities have vastly approved and my eyes have been opened even wider. The most influential would be the Outdoor Program through rec services (where i work). They offer many trips and classes/workshops
to students, faculty, and anyone who
wants to join. I was a coordinator for about a year... these pics are from my first trip to Mattheisen State Park which is 3 miles away from Starved Rock.
| * signifies that the link is not done yet | |
| Rock Climbing | Skydiving | |
| Hiking | *Kayaking | |
| *Canoeing | *White Water Rafting | |
| Exploring | *Caving | |
| *Blading | Ice Skating | |
| *Parasailing | Skiing | |
| *Biking | *Rappelling | |
| *Horseback Riding | ||
| ||
| Ice Climbing | *Canyoneering | *Base Jumping |
| *Alpine Mountain Climbing | *Hang gliding | Snowboarding |
| *Sailing | Windsurfing | *Snowshoeing |
| *Telemark Skiing | *Backpacking(major trip) | |
| Did I miss something totally awesome?? Tell me! | ||
Since i climb and have also been diving (as in skydiving) people always ask which did u like better, had to be skydiving... and they are usually amazed when i say i get more of a rush from climbing... To some I think it is hard to understand.. but here's my explanation as best as it can be... Diving.. ok you put on a rig, fly up a few k and take a jump, very cool, but not very demanding- unless of course you hit a stationary object.. but that's another story :) so basically everyone and their brother can dive.. and over time can eventually become a great diver and do some awesome stuff, just takes practice and a little common sense. Climbing... everyone can climb, but not everyone can climb well or sensibly, which is similar to diving except that the hardest part of diving is getting out of the plane, whereas in climbing it's the whole thing. I take pride in how well i've improved (or my friends' improvement) as time goes on and we move up the ratings... when we impress fellow climbers with our footwork or technique, that's what makes it all worth it. The feeling of great achievment.. that and the fun 20 footers u take.. now there's a rush, not only are u hoping your belayer knows what in hell they are doing, but u are also hoping the rope, biners, and everything is setup right!! So I guess it is also the trust factor, having to trust someone else to save your life, just in case u push yourself further than you are capable... but then again isn't that what friends are for?
