This past week I traded the brick & mortar of Granite State College with the sandstone and basalt of Zion National Park and Snow Canyon State Park. I spent five days with my wife hiking and climbing through the spectacular scenery of southwest Utah. The views and experience was often breathtaking, in more ways than one....
I had an opportunity to join two group hikes in Snow Canyon, one being an "endurance" hike: 7.1 miles and four ascents in two and a half hours. This was a wind-sucking, leg burning activity with some really physically fit people, most half my age. Starting the second climb, only 25 minutes into the hike, I really doubted my ability to keep pace with the group. Fortunately, I got a second wind and was able to push through. Finishing, provided me with not only a sense of accomplishment, but incredible views of the surrounding landscape that were not visible from the more well traveled trails.
Sitting back in the comfort of my office I can't help but think about the analogy between my endurance hike and adult college education. Both take effort, energy and a commitment to finish. Both bring a sense of personal accomplishment and new perspectives of the world around us. Yes, it's a lot of work, but once you're done it feels great and you can sit back and enjoy the view.
My Captain Morgan imitation.
A view that you can't see from the canyon floor.
I had an opportunity to join two group hikes in Snow Canyon, one being an "endurance" hike: 7.1 miles and four ascents in two and a half hours. This was a wind-sucking, leg burning activity with some really physically fit people, most half my age. Starting the second climb, only 25 minutes into the hike, I really doubted my ability to keep pace with the group. Fortunately, I got a second wind and was able to push through. Finishing, provided me with not only a sense of accomplishment, but incredible views of the surrounding landscape that were not visible from the more well traveled trails.
Sitting back in the comfort of my office I can't help but think about the analogy between my endurance hike and adult college education. Both take effort, energy and a commitment to finish. Both bring a sense of personal accomplishment and new perspectives of the world around us. Yes, it's a lot of work, but once you're done it feels great and you can sit back and enjoy the view.
My Captain Morgan imitation.
A view that you can't see from the canyon floor.
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