Summit for Someone 2014

Mount Shasta. Photo courtesy of Shasta Mountain Guides (shastaguides.com)

Summit for Someone campaign number four is now under way! This time, I will be climbing 14,179ft. Mount Shasta in California as a member of the Backpacker Magazine team to help benefit the at-risk teens Big City Mountaineers serves. With your help and my summit attempt, BCM will reach over 2000 at-risk teens nationwide.

This summer, I had the opportunity to help guide on two of BCM's week-long wilderness mentoring expeditions. We took teens from Miami and Oakland to some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring locations in the country in Yosemite and the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierras. On both trips, I was able to see first hand the dollars from Summit for Someone campaigns as well as corporate donations from BCM's amazing sponsors hard at work. I can personally attest that every penny helped make a difference for each of the teens on those trips. Our time in the backcountry was filled with good times, learning, challenges, and most importantly, overcoming obstacles (both physical and mental) that were once thought insurmountable. All of this was possible because of donations from people just like you.  

Leading teens from Oakland through the Mammoth Lakes area near Mount Ritter and Banner Peak this July.

Please consider making a donation to my climb this year. Not only will the money go toward supporting yet another summer full of transformative mentoring experiences for teens across the country, this time, the money is also going to help BCM expand. If things go according to plan, BCM is looking to establish its first East Coast operation in the Atlanta area in the next 2-3 years. This has been a dream of mine for quite some time now, and it is finally beginning to happen. Help me bring Big City Mountaineers to the Atlanta area so that we can reach even more at-risk youth! As always, no contribution is too small, and thank you in advance for donating on my behalf!

Product Review: Mosquitno BandZzz and SpotZzz

Mosquitno adult and kids BandZzz and SpotZzz

“The sun shines and warms and lights us, and we have no curiosity to know why this is so, but we ask the reason of all evil, of pain and hunger and mosquitoes and silly people.” Ralph Waldo Emerson probably didn't know why mosquitoes exist, but just like the rest of us, he knew they were among the most despicable creatures to ever make their residence on this planet. The battle between man and mosquito has raged for years, and in warfare tactics that would make evil dictators around the world smile, we've resorted to dousing ourselves in chemicals that are known to cause a variety of maladies. If you're searching for a safer, non-toxic way to fight off the mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and other no-see-ums that try to make life in the outdoors a miserable experience, Mosquitno just might have an answer with their natural insect repellent BandZ and SpotZ products. 

Product Information

Not a fan of using caustic chemicals like DEET to ward off the ravages of bugs? Neither am I. However, Mosquitno has come up with an all-natural solution. Silicon wrist bands have recently become popular, but other than supporting a philosophical cause, they didn't necessarily serve a functional, every-day purpose. Enter Mosquitno's 15% citronella-infused BandZ. Citronella, a natural, plant-based insect repellent, is widely known to help keep biting insects away and is safe for humans, including small children. A typical citronella candle contains somewhere in the neighborhood of 3% oil. Research conducted by the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada showed a 42.3% reduction in the number of bites received by subjects who used citronella-based candles as opposed to subjects who used no type of insect repellent at all. The Mosquitno BandZ (and SpotZ) use five times the concentration of citronella oil as do the candles, which translates into more effectiveness.

Additional bonuses of using the BandZ and SpotZ: The smoke and scent from citronella candles can easily be blown away by a subtle breeze. Wristbands and spots are attached to your body, clothing, or other items, meaning you are constantly in the "protection zone". When used as a spray or lotion, citronella must be applied every 30-60 minutes to maintain effectiveness. The BandZ (up to 6 days) and SpotZ (up to 72 hours) work constantly without the need for reapplication. Another nice feature is these products are completely portable. They weigh next to nothing and are perfect for outdoor activities ranging from backyard fun to backpacking in the backcountry. The SpotZ stickers are even reusable and can attach to a variety of surfaces such as shorts, hats, or backpacks. Lastly, citronella is 100% natural and non-toxic. This means you don't have to worry about putting your clothes, yourself, or your children in harm's way just to have fun outside.

Testing Results

Testing the SpotZ and BandZ included a variety of locations. A day hike through Line Creek Nature Area in Peachtree City, GA. alongside the namesake creek and past several marshy spots replete with stagnant pools of water was bug-free.

I also spent time around my neighborhood, searching for mosquito-prone locations. Each time, no bites. To really test the products though, I knew I needed to find a spot notorious for its flesh-hungry invertebrates. What better place than Cumberland Island National Seashore in south Georgia?

Salt marsh on Cumberland Island. Feral horses in background.

Each year I go with my students on a field trip to the Driftwood Education Center. The main part of the trip is a visit to Cumberland Island, hiking through maritime forests and salt marshes. I left the BandZ and SpotZ in their packages to get a sample of the bug activity. Within 30 minutes, people began to complain of bites to legs and arms. The main culprits: sand gnats. If you've ever spent time near the coast, you know just how annoying and relentless these little vampires can be. I tolerated about as much as I could before deciding it was time to put Mosquitno's claims to the test. I donned the wristband and applied a SpotZ to my backpack. The kids immediately showed interest in both products, lending credibility to their popularity with children. Adults commented they could smell the citronella right away. Soon, while I was relatively comfortable and satisfied, others continued to vigorously slap at their legs and arms.

Conclusion

I don't know if there is much short of a personal nuclear weapon that would keep someone 100% free of sand gnats. However, the weapon would likely cause unwanted side effects, just like DEET or other chemical bug repellents on the market today. Instead, consider Mosquitno's BandZ and SpotZ to help protect yourself and loved ones in a safe, effective, and toxin-free method. I still don't know why mosquitoes exist, but now at least I have a way to keep them at bay, thanks to Mosquitno.

Moquitno BandZzz come in a variety of colors and designs.

Disclosure: Into My Wild was provided the complimentary Mosquitno wrist band and stickers via Deep Creek PR (@DeepCreekPR) for the purpose of testing and product feedback. There was no monetary compensation for this review.

Inspiration in Atlanta

The name Leonardo likely conjures up a variety of images and memories that are specific to each of us as we grew up. For many in my generation, he was the leader of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, clad with blue bandanna and katana swords. On perhaps a more serious level, Leonardo is the genius inventor, engineer, artist and quintessential renaissance man from Italy who helped inspire many of the ideas which permeate the world as we know it today. As cool as the Ninja Turtles are, however, it's the latter image that usually evokes inspiration and ambition.

For me, that inspiration was initiated during my late teenage years in the summer of 1996. That year, I met a young boy of age five or six named after that famous historical figure who unknowingly planted a seed in my heart that has apparently taken nearly 17 years to germinate. Leo came across my path while I was with my church youth group. In those days, we would spend our weekends working with an inner-city ministry group based out of Atlanta, home to some of the oldest housing projects in the nation. During our trips we would visit places like Carver Homes, Hollywood Courts, etc. and take the afternoon to simply spend time with the kids who lived in those locations. It was incredible to see how badly they just wanted someone to sit and listen to their stories and give them a few hours of attention. It was Leo's story that sticks with me to this very day.

The specifics of the tale now elude me after so many years, but in general, Leo told us of how he saw his father murdered in front of him over a drug deal gone bad. In particular, I remember him sitting there, well-groomed, clad in multiple gold rings, a gold necklace and brand new Nike shoes as he recounted the event of his father's demise, telling us of the multiple gunshots his father received to the face. Those words coming out of the mouth of a child who was less than 7years old were impactful to say the least.

Obviously, one question that may come to mind is, Why does this kid have gold rings and new Nike shoes if he is so needy? The "support" he was receiving made me wonder. Obviously his material needs seemed to be getting met, but what about his emotional needs? What about his experiences with adults and his point of view on how the world works? From just a few minutes of conversation with the young man, I could tell that these more important issues where not being positively resolved. Only now though, after years of thinking back on this experience, do I start to come to some revelations. It's not Leo's fault that he had to witness what he did. It's not Leo's fault he had to grow up where he did. It's not Leo's fault that he had a litany of prescribed excuses for failure laid out in front of him before he probably even knew how to walk. However, it is OUR fault if we choose to ignore the problems of kids like Leo and still expect society to improve. That said, there is something we can do.

Backpacker Magazine and BCM Team 6 on the summit of Mount Whitney this past April. Team members L-R starting at the back: Jayson Yagi, Sean Estep, Nikki Flavio, Forrest Schwab (guide), Judd Glasser, Keita Sakon, Thomas Greene (guide), Lucas Hendrickson, Peter Athans (professional climber for The North Face).

Positive adult mentoring and leadership can make a huge difference in the lives of children like Leo, and there's a movement coming here to Atlanta to help make that happen. Big City Mountaineers is a non-profit organization based out of Colorado that seeks to influence the lives of disadvantaged youth through wilderness mentoring programs. I have taken on the task of helping establish Atlanta as one of the next hub cities for BCM within the next 2-3 years. The journey begins with the recruitment of individuals willing to participate in BCM's Summit for Someone program which serves as a major source of funding for the mentoring programs and the week-long expeditions that serve as the centerpiece of the participants' experience. As a three-time SFS climber myself, I can personally attest to the fact that these climbs are absolutely incredible. You get to take part in trips with some of the best guides on the planet and meet people like Dave Hahn and Peter Athans who are some of the greatest climbers in the world. Each trip has its own special surprise, but the only way to find out is to sign up! When you do, be sure to drop my name to Darin Fearday (director of the SFS program) to let him know you want to see BCM here on the East Coast.

Additionally, I am working to establish local connections with businesses and individuals who are willing to help support a BCM operation in Atlanta. To give you a better idea of who these programs help and how successful they are, take a look at the data below from BCM's own website:

The Facts on BCM Youth:

• 100% are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs.
• 83% are from families that report an average household income of $15,000 or less.
• 71% are from single parent or guardian-led households.
• “Not interested” is the number one reason for lack of outdoor participation by non-Caucasian youth.
• 7hrs a day is the average screen time spent by urban youth.

The Results of BCM Programs:

• 88% of BCM youth report that they will apply what they learned from their BCM trip, and it will help them in their future and in their day-to-day life.
• 100% of BCM youth report significant improvements in these key areas:
  - Commitment to Learning: motivation to do well in school, does homework, reads for pleasure.
  - Positive Values: cares for other people, promotes equality, has integrity, is honest and responsible.
  - Social Competencies: plans and makes good decisions, can resist peer pressure, seeks to resolve conflict non-violently.
  - Positive Identity: feels in control, has high self-esteem, is optimistic about personal future.
• In 2012, Big City Mountaineers delivered over 1,800 program days (1 Program Day = One youth participating for one day) of recreational mentoring to our teen participants in four regions, including the Rocky Mountains, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area.

You'll notice that the Southeast is presently missing from that list of regions, but that is about to change. I can't do it alone though, so if you or someone you know would like to help, please contact me. Let's give stories like Leo's an incredibly positive and inspiring ending.

Big City Mountaineers: Southern Fried Edition

At the summit of 14,508ft. (4,422m) Mount Whitney on April 28th, 2013.

I just wanted to take a second and again thank everyone who helped contribute to my Backpacker Magazine and Summit for Someone climb of Mount Whitney for Big City Mountaineers. Team 6 absolutely crushed! The trip was amazing and full of memories and experiences that will be with me for a lifetime. It also has served as the starting point of a new chapter in my life.

After speaking with BCM Executive Director Lisa Mattis, I am taking the next step and planning to join a BCM group of Miami-based teens this summer on a backpacking trip through Yosemite as part of their week long mentoring expedition. This will be a great chance for me to learn the curriculum and inner-workings of BCM so that I can bring that knowledge and message back home and start the groundwork of helping to establish Atlanta as one of the next BCM hub cities within the next 2-3 years.

To make that happen, I will be looking to recruit 20-25 people from around the Southeast who are interested in signing up for a Summit for Someone climb. The money raised by those climbers will be a huge part of funding this new project. Additionally, I will be working to establish connections with local individuals and businesses who would be willing to help contribute services and/or financial support to the establishment of an Atlanta-based BCM operation. This will include potential activities and events in which the youth would participate (ie. day hikes, overnight camping trips, rock climbing trips, paddling trips, etc.).

I am extremely excited to be a part of this project. It's going to take a lot of hard work, time and patience, but accomplishing something great is rarely easy. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Summit for Someone climber, or if you know anyone who would be willing to contribute in some other way, please don't hesitate to contact me via email. You can also message me on Facebook  or Twitter!

Shining Through

Looking West from Flowery Gap on the Art Loeb Trail.

"We've got some options, for sure." The words came from my slightly out-of-breath hiking partner and new friend, Chris LaFond, as we paused to rest at Deep Gap and the foot of Cold Mountain (yes, the one from the book and subsequent movie). After stomping out approximately 10 miles of backcountry trail in the last 4 hours while carrying 40lb packs, we had a decision to make. Despite our observance of the antiquated practice that is daylight savings, sunlight was becoming a fleeting commodity.

Our hike through the Shining Rock Wilderness area of North Carolina had been scheduled as a training event for our respective Summit for Someone climbs of The Grand Teton (Chris), and Mount Whitney (me), and the experience was all we were hoping for and more. Primarily, the goal for the weekend was to get in as much fitness at altitude as our bodies and the geography of the Blue Ridge Mountains could provide us, but we also wanted to be casual enough to actually enjoy the trip and all the scenic beauty there was to take in. Part of the Pisgah National Forest and one of the first locations in the East to receive the designation of Wilderness Area in 1964 (Because before the government's wisdom, it wasn't wild?), the Shining Rock Wilderness is a part of Western North Carolina that I have absolutely fallen in love with. Multiple peaks rise above 6,000 feet, rivers and streams flow as clear as crystal and panoramic vistas abound. At the heart of it all, is a mountain bejeweled with a deposit of snowy-white quartz that is visible from miles away, and a trail runs through it.

That trail, named for a man whose doctor once prescribed walking as treatment for a recent heart attack, has been referred to by some as a mini-A.T. Take out the 2,000+ miles and 6 months of travel, and yeah, I can sort of see that comparison. Actually, this hike proved to be quite therapeutic indeed. It had been a stressful last couple of weeks at work, and there's not a shrink's couch in the world that can compare with Mother Nature. No she isn't going to sit and listen to you bitch about your boss, how much you think you are underpaid, or how mommy or daddy didn't hug you enough as a kid. She doesn't have time for that. Instead, she offers a chance to take perspective by putting the onus back on ourselves. Superficial problems tend to melt away and fade into the distance when you're on (and sometimes off) the trail. Priorities change.

When you know that it will get close to the freezing point that night, you become concerned with essential things like food, water and shelter. As we traversed the trail which skirts along a ridge above Graveyard Fields just south of the southern border of the wilderness area, Chris and I began looking for a place to establish camp for the night. Graveyard Fields is a unique area just off the Blue Ridge Parkway where, as history would typically have it, man found another way to make his imprint on the land by causing devastating fires which scorched the land so much that the soil became nearly barren. What now exists is a high elevation meadow at the base of Black Balsam Knob where the Yellowstone Prong of the Pigeon River finds its beginnings. It was the trickle of that water source that drew our attention. Chris pointed out that down in the floor of the valley was enough dry fuel (for a fire) to choke a mule, a reliable water source, shelter from the winds that were beginning to pick up, and plenty of trees from which we could hang our food in hopes of denying any prowling bears (last year the whole area was shut down due to an abundance of visits from Ursus americanus). The only problem? We had to bushwhack about 200ft. downhill through briars and brambles in order to reach our Eden for the evening. Priorities.

As Chris blew into a bundle of dried grass and flower heads to spark the fire to life, a few moments of rest and relaxation were finally upon us. Dinner had been cooked and consumed, reloading on the carbohydrates and proteins needed for proper recovery and another long day on the trail, and all edibles were stowed high in a tree for safe-keeping until morning. As night slowly crept in, the two of us sat captivated and mesmerized by the flickering, snapping, popping flames that bathed us in an island of light and warmth, an island whose borders continually shifted - expanding and contracting - as each log carried out the process of carbonizing into charred sticks. At some point, in an hour of night much earlier than either of us expected, the simultaneous decision to retire for the evening was made. Stepping beyond the warming embrace of the fire was a bit of a shock to my senses, but only for the moment it took to scurry up to the tent and slide into the down-insulated warmth of my sleeping bag. Tomorrow's day would begin with another bushwhack up the hill and back to the trail, followed by an ensuing 1,000ft climb to the summit of Black Balsam Knob, highest point on the Art Loeb. Multiple 6,000ft peaks and endless views awaited us, but first, some well-deserved sleep.

Chris looking out from Shining Rock.

The next day was spent riding the roller coaster that is Section 3 of the Art Loeb Trail, including summits of Black Balsam, Tennet, and Flower Knob, each penetrating the 6,000ft barrier. The highlight, however, had to be the gigantic mountain-top exposure of quartz aptly named Shining Rock. The most abundant mineral on the planet, quartz is rumored to have several spiritual properties, including being especially effective against chronic fatigue, arthritis, bone injuries, depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, intestinal issues, mental and physical energy loss, lack of stamina, and lack of physical strength. While the scientific evidence may still be thin on these claims, the rejuvenation I felt after spending time in this area is equally thin on comparison. Chris and I climbed onto the face of this natural phenomenon, and for a while, simply stood in awe of nature's beauty.

We spent a while resting here and taking in the surroundings that could easily have served as a Peter Jackson backdrop. With renewed spirits, we eventually pried ourselves away and continued our hike toward Cold Mountain where a decision had to be made. Light was a fading resource. After weighing out the options, the choice came down to this: make a push to summit Cold Mountain, camp without a fire among the several others who had recently entered the camping area, and then head home in the morning with both of us having to work on Tuesday OR, continue on to the western terminus of our trip at Camp Daniel Boone, roll into the city of Brevard, partake in some of the local cuisine and brew at The Square Root, and then take time Monday to soak in the infamous tubs at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa before heading back to Georgia. This was a no-brainer.

From the trail, the roof of my Subaru glinted only faintly in the dim light of sunset as we left the Shining Rock Wilderness for the creature comforts of craft brew and gourmet burgers. It was a hike that, while perhaps cut a day short, was one of the most rewarding and mentally cleansing I've had in quite some time. Monday morning we awoke early, procured breakfast from the Smoky Mountain Diner, and then headed downtown to relax for a bit in the hot springs for which the town is famous.

I drove home feeling like a new man. Mystical or not, the healing powers of Shining Rock and its surrounding wilderness area left an indelible mark on my soul that continues to shine through, even if only in some small way, that I hope to carry with me for quite some time.