Q- You've made special connections in South America. Please tell us why these trips mean so much to you?
A- I have been going to Peru since 1988. I lived there in 1993, and from 1994 to 1998 for eight months a year, and in Chile in 2007 and 2008. Being there, I had a wonderful deep connection with the mountain folks and felt that I had to help them and assist them any way I could. My good friend is a Shaman and he says that in my previous life, I was one of the Spanish soldiers during the Conquest in the late 1500’s. In this present life, I am repaying a karma debt from my actions during the conquest.
Q- You are also a para-glider pilot. Tell us about this unique aspect of your life and what you truly love about it?
A- Has anyone every looked down on a bird flying below them? Most likely never. But to fly next to birds and be approached by condors while flying in Peru and Chile was remarkable. It’s another view of the ground that no one ever experiences.
Q- As a person who is devoted to climbing, what can you say to people who are thinking about trying the sport to get a different perspective on the outdoors?
A- Experience whatever you can in life. Climbing rocks and ice give you a different perspective on yourself and your capabilities as a person. It is much better to wear out than rust out.
Q- You're clearly not afraid of heights. Has it always been this way? Were you into climbing adventures as a kid growing up?
A-Yes, I am afraid of standing on the edge of a cliff un-roped. It’s just human nature to be afraid, because I know the consequences of falling more than 40 feet. Climb like a gecko but don’t land like a tomato!
Q- What is one thing you must still do in life no matter what and why?
A- That’s a good question. Let me answer it this way. How many folks ask themselves when they are older what they should have done when they were younger. Folks on their last weeks of life must have some regrets. Society has a norm and that is go to school or get a job and work until your 65 and then retire. How many folks work their whole life with hopes and aspirations to do things when they retire. Some never get there but expire. Some get to retire but are not able to do the things they had hoped to do due to illness or injury. Well, if you ask me, there is nothing I have not done that I have wanted to do. Mission accomplished on the adventure realm. Been there and done that!