As I hung up the phone, I thought to myself, "I really should have looked up where Moab is before I took that job." That is how my addiction to the West began.

Six months later, I found myself part of an nonprofit outdoor adventure company, taking people with disabilities out whitewater rafting, backcountry skiing, climbing, etc. I had the harsh realization, about two months in, that I was in no way prepared for life in the West. I didn't even own a sleeping bag.

Here is a visual of the first time I guided a backcountry trip. I was told using split boards was simple. Perhaps not.

Here's a borrowed jacket being used (I got DRENCHED inside. ZERO breathability).

This was our amazing group! Our three days in the backcountry taught us a lot about each other, skiing, conditions, thrills and how to build amazing snow forts.

Lst night at the yurt.