February 15th, 2007 - CDT Slideshow at Neptune Mountaineering

This past Thursday, I gave a presentation of my journey on the CDT at Neptune Mountaineering here in Boulder.

I did not know what to expect in terms of people who would show up. Neptune's is a world famous mountaineering store; heavy emphasis on climbing and ski mountaineering. Would anyone be interested in "just" a backpacking presentation? Would it be just "extreme Boulder athletes" who show up?

The show began at 8pm.

People started filtering in at 7:30pm. Some of my friends showed up and joked I would be handing out autographed Gatorade bottles.

More and more people came. By 8pm, almost all the chairs that Neptune's had in storage were used! By the time I started my show, it was standing room only. Even the Neptune's staff commented that this many people never show up for a show at Neptune's.

It was a diverse crowd. Uber-fit looking climber/runner types. Average people like me. Older people who could be my parents or decade older siblings. Still, it was A LOT of people.

Needless to say, I was a bit nervous at first.

But the lights were shut off. And there was only me, my photographs and my words.

I was able to get into the groove. The stories (and dumb jokes!) flowed.

When I am speaking about something I love, everything seems to go OK.

Based on the reaction of the crowd, the presentation went well.

There was the usual gear Q&A; but also many of the more personal and philosophical questions I enjoy discussing. My goal of this presentation was not to show what a burly/studly dude I am, but to show the majesty, the beauty and the wonder of living for months in the wilderness. Based on the crowds reaction, I succeeded. If I can inspire one person to live their dream, than my slide show was truly a success.

Afterwards, all the hiker trash who attended went out for a beer at the nearby Southern Sun.

My CDT buddy Love Barge, James (CDT03), Terry and "Boulder" Skittles all enjoyed a brew or two. Meant a lot for my fellow hikers to come out and support me!

Andy Skurka showed up at the tail end of my presentation and introduced himself. I think he was happy we invited him out for a beer with us all! Was a pleasure to "talk shop" with what amounts to a celebrity in our little niche community. I also think he just liked hanging out with fellow hikers! :)

Best of all for me was that a long lost AT buddy attended!

Marc Schultz (Squanto) now lives in nearby Louisville. We have not seen each other since Trail Days in 1999. In addition to hiking the AT on and off together in 1998, we also summited Katahdin together...and that is a bond you never forget. Who would of thought that all those years ago that he and I would live in the same area? Marc plans to go to my outdoor group's meeting this Thursday. After nine years, will be good to hang out together again!

Myself, Blaze and Squanto (Marc) on Katahdin. Aug 1st, 1998

Doing this slide show gave me such a buzz. The trail was finished almost four months ago. But by sharing my journey, the lessons and joy of the trail never goes away. And hopefully I can pass on those lessons, share the joy...and maybe inspire other people to follow their own journeys.