Meet Your Guides- Emily Ross
You know those people who “light up a room?” Where laughter follows their movements at social events? Whose stories often fall somewhere between “I didn’t know that,” and “you’ve got to be kidding me?” Allow us to introduce you to Emily. You can thank us later.
You know those people who “light up a room?” Where laughter follows their movements at social events? Whose stories often fall somewhere between “I didn’t know that,” and “you’ve got to be kidding me?” Allow us to introduce you to Emily. You can thank us later.
Emily is the Yin to Allen's Yang; you will not soon forget her boundless energy, contagious enthusiasm and curiosity, and her infectious laughter. Oh, and her meals are killer, too.
Patagonia 2019
As for her experience?
Teaching middle school in New Zealand? Check.
Au pair in Scotland? Check.
The Cappadocia Loop in Turkey? Also... check.
Glacier routes in Iceland and Mount Rainier? Uh huh.
Hiking Machu Picchu? By the rugged Salcantay Route? Yep.
How about a “date” with Allen, backpacking through Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia? While 6 months pregnant? Of course.
Solo travel in the Masai Mara? Italy? Greece? The Netherlands? Estonia? Australia? Well, you get the picture. She hasn't done it ALL, but she hopes to soon!
At home in the desert
Emily provides a wealth of knowledge and perspective from her travels on 6 continents, yet maintains a sense of wonder and a yearning for "what's next?!" With 17+ years of experience as a Montessori educator, she is a master of turning work into play. She especially loves the canyons of the Southwest and sunny beaches all over the world.
Emily is a lover of art, music, and great food, a long distance runner, and a world- class mother. We’re sure you’ll get along famously.
(You’re welcome)
The Company You Keep…
As a travel program director, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most reputable outdoor education programs in the world. These programs provide students with unique opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them, while also gaining valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives.
As a travel program director, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most reputable outdoor education programs in the world. These programs provide students with unique opportunities to learn about themselves and the world around them, while also gaining valuable skills that they can use throughout their lives. While certainly not an inclusive list, the following folks have been instrumental in shaping who we are as a program.
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS):
NOLS is the leader in the field of outdoor education. In the fall 1994, I spent a semester climbing and skiing through the mountains of Wyoming and exploring the canyons of southeast Utah. Here I learned not only the “hard skills” that taught me to be technically proficient, but also how to weigh risk, predict outcomes, and communicate effectively with my peers. It was the hardest, most rewarding 94 days of my life.
NOLS offers programs all around the world, ranging from 7 days to an entire year in length.
The outdoor classroom
Outward Bound is one of the oldest and most respected outdoor education programs in the world. Founded in 1941 in the UK, Outward Bound has been providing students with transformative experiences for over 80 years. Our first experience with OB was in 1997 at a Wilderness First Responder training course. Since then, Mags has also completed a river course in Oregon with these fine folks.
Wilderness Medicine Institute:
WMI is a leader in the field of wilderness medicine. Now a part of NOLS, they offer initial certifications, continuing education, certifications for medical professionals, and search and rescue courses. We have now completed 7 WFR recertification courses with WMI, and they continue to modernize their curriculum and standards to match the best practices of the ever- evolving field of medicine.
Our go-to guide service in the Rockies, the always friendly folks in Estes Park have led our climbing trips since 2008. The Colorado Mountain School offers a wide range of courses, from beginner-level courses to advanced courses in ice climbing and mountaineering, and has programs in some of the most beautiful and challenging mountain ranges in the world.
Last, but certainly not least, is our home away from home. At Prescott College, the world is your classroom. Writing research papers by campfire light after 8 hours of paddling whitewater is standard fare for a student in the outdoor education program. Want to learn Spanish while also studying coastal biology? There’s a base at Kino Bay, Mexico. An internship guiding mountains in Nepal would not be out of the ordinary, and senior projects have produced curriculum guides, sustainable farms in Central America, and art exhibitions across the country.
Maybe you can’t take the boy out of Prescott
The writer, Dick Schaap, often said that his favorite pastime was “collecting people.” We’ve been fortunate through the years to be involved in a community where we can say the same. Thanks to all of you for letting us play along!
Tough Sledding
It’s been tough sledding around here lately. We know that time heals, but the passage of that time can be staggeringly painful. That time can move unbelievably slowly. If you are feeling the weight of these times, there are numerous community resources available.
I called to check on a friend in New York in late September, 2001. The new reality of a post- 9/11 world was still in its infancy.
This person was more of a mentor than a friend at that time, and I was unsure how to navigate the uncomfortable conversation and the answers that were likely forthcoming.
“How are you guys?” I asked.
“You know, it’s been tough sledding. Almost everyone we know has been affected directly. We’ve lost a lot of good people.”
As the conversation progressed, I realized that it wasn’t difficult, and it wasn’t uncomfortable. I learned that it wasn’t about me, it was about listening. And about just reaching out to say “hi,” and “we’re thinking about you.”
I’ve had a few similar conversations this past week, mostly at home, as this town is dealing with the heartbreak of yet another mass shooting, this time at a local bank. The lessons from 20+ years ago hold true today:
Call your people.
Say hello.
Let them talk.
It’s been tough sledding around here lately. We know that time heals, but the passage of that time can be staggeringly painful. That time can move unbelievably slowly. If you are feeling the weight of these times, there are numerous community resources available.
Or give us a call.
We’d be glad to join you for a walk.
And just listen.
Foreign travel, for dummies.
We like to think of ourselves as experts in travel. We’re quick through the airport, we take only what we need, and rarely forget key items. Well, the last part isn’t true, but two out of three ain’t bad.
We like to think of ourselves as experts in travel. We’re quick through the airport, we take only what we need, and rarely forget key items. Well, the last part isn’t true, but two out of three ain’t bad.
There are definitely times, though, when we’ve been reminded that no matter how well planned, travel in and of itself is an uncertain endeavor. Some of the best lessons learned while traveling abroad have also been our most embarrassing.
First and foremost, nothing compares to the pure joy of getting lost in a foreign city. Whether it's misreading a map or taking a wrong turn, you're bound to find yourself in some pretty strange situations. But don't worry, it's all part of the adventure!
Take 2: the right direction
Most recently we found ourselves in Sayulita, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It’s a tiny town, which one would think impossible to be lost in. But we’re overachievers around here, so not only did we manage to “lose” our AirBnB, we also found a way to go the wrong way down one of the only one way streets in town.
During a national holiday. Go us!
Next up, let's talk about language barriers. Have you ever tried ordering food in a foreign language? It's a recipe for disaster! I once tried to order a vegetarian dish in Chile and used bravado and bad Spanish acquire a lamb stew. Whoops! But hey, at least I got some protein in my diet, right?
Oh… I meant “sin carne…”
And let's not forget about cultural differences. You might think you know a thing or two about a foreign culture, but trust me, you have no idea. Emily has made multiple trips to Turkey, but her first visit will always be the grandest adventure.
Wanting to “fit in,” and “experience the culture like a native,” she accepted an invitation to a Turkish bath. What ensued was a going over akin to what I imagine walking through an automatic car wash might be like. She was oiled, rolled, pushed and prodded, and well…
If you’ve never heard her tell the story, you are missing one of life’s great laughs.
When Em tells a story, prepare for tears of laughter
But the best part about foreign travel is the stories you come back with. Who needs souvenirs when you can regale your friends with tales of getting lost, ordering stewed meat instead of a salad, and being cleansed by 300 lb Turkish women? It's the gift that keeps on giving!
Getting out there, especially through foreign travel is not only valuable for broadening your horizons and expanding your worldview, but it also frequently leads to high comedy and a collection of stories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, grab your phrasebook, and get ready to laugh your way around the world!
Things We Love About Colorado
Colorado is one of the most picturesque states in the US, with its magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The state offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking and camping experiences in the country.
Colorado is one of the most picturesque states in the US, with its magnificent mountains, serene lakes, and breathtaking vistas. The state offers some of the most challenging and rewarding hiking and camping experiences in the country. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking to escape the city, Colorado has something for everyone. Here are a few things we love about hiking and camping in Colorado.
The views in Colorado are endless
The Views
Let’s be honest- a good meal with a great view is the best reward after a hard day on the trail, and the vistas and landscapes in Colorado are breathtaking. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the rolling foothills, the state has something for everyone. The stunning beauty of this landscape is ever present, and the reason we return year after year.
The Wildlife
Colorado is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. We’ve seen plenty of each over our many years spent in Colorado’s backcountry, and consider it a privilege to share some space for a short while with them.
The Trails
Colorado has some of the best hiking trails in the country. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, it's no surprise that the state has such a vibrant hiking culture. In our opinion, there simply is no better place for human powered adventure in the mountains.
A trip into the backcountry provides solitude
The Adventure
Hiking and camping in Colorado is an adventure. With fifty eight (or 53, but who’s counting?) 14,000+ foot peaks to climb, world class whitewater, and endless backcountry to explore, the state offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. 40+ state and national park lands make adventure accessible to every skill level.
Did someone say adventure?
The Seasons
Colorado experiences all four seasons, sometimes all in the same day! In the summer, the wildflowers bloom, and the lakes are crystal clear. In the fall, the aspen trees turn a stunning golden color. In the winter, the snow-covered mountains provide a winter wonderland, and in the spring, the mountains come alive with new growth.
The Solitude
While Colorado is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, there are still plenty of places to find solitude for those who know where to look. We typically travel on less well known trails, discovered over years of backcountry exploration, to ensure that our hikes aren’t too crowded.
The final frontier
The Night Sky
The clear skies in Colorado offer some of the best stargazing in the country. With little light pollution in many parts of the state, you can see an amazing array of stars and constellations. The Colorado backcountry provides the perfect opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the night sky.
The Silence
In the mountains, the only sounds you'll hear are the rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the birds. The silence is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life and offers a chance to reconnect with the natural world and oneself.
Lifelong memories are made here
The Memories
Hiking and camping in Colorado create memories that will last a lifetime. Our first trip here was over 30 years ago, and those memories are as vivid now as they were back then. What memories will you create on your Colorado adventure?