 Exploring the White Sand Dunes National Monument in New Mexico. Photo by Brad Mickelson. While I was completing courses in Exercise Science and Outdoor Recreation Management, I took a handful of business classes and was intrigued by the course material and projects. I loved being able to apply what I learned in school the very next day in my pursuits with my vaulting performance troupe and coaching program. I thought that I might want to get a Master's in Business Administration one day.
However, by the time I was a senior in college, I was done with being a student and done with being tied down. I wanted to move outside of Utah. I dreamed of joining a performance troupe and traveling the country.  The Middle Fork of the Salmon River is absolutely amazing! I caught myself saying, "I wish I could come back and do this day as a day-trip"... daily.
Every turn in the 100-mile stretch of the Salmon River unveils beautiful geology and landscapes, fun rapids, and great fishing. Next to the Grand Canyon, it is hands-down the most magical stretch of river I have experienced. Two weeks have passed since I returned back to civilization and I still can't stop thinking about the river. It was such a surreal experience in many forms, but I wanted to share my reflection on how this time I was able to experience the Middle Fork in a way that I would never have guessed that I could: on my SUP. To see some of the highlighted rapids from the Middle Fork and read more about the trip itself, check out this excellent blog post by Northwest Rafting Company here. Also, I got the chance to meet and paddle with the founders of Jack's Plastics Welding on this trip- Jack and Lauri. They are amazing and their gear sets the standards on high-performance dry bags and Paco Pads! Seriously. I do not trust any other dry bag on the river. Check them out here. 
I am logged at about 65 paddle days so far this year.
I feel that I haven’t gone out and paddled enough. This year is different. It's been a wake up call for me. I had to learn to let go. I had to learn how to relax. I had to learn about sacrifice and protecting my assets. |