Hello!

Hello everyone, my name is Derek. We have wanted to start this blog for quite some time in order to both chronicle our journeys and encourage us to get out more. I have been given the opportunities to do and see things that many of my peers have never been afforded. For me this blog is meant to give people a glimpse into the things in life that I believe to be important; to share with people my experiences, as well as remind myself how truly blessed my life to do these things.

Like Evan, I was able to develop my passion for the outdoors through Scouting. A lot of my drive comes from my father who has spent his life camping, canoeing, backpacking, and kayaking. I was able to share countless experiences with him and hope that one day I have my own stories that encourage him and others to continue exploring everything this world has to offer, the way his stories have for me.

Evan is aware, and can vouch, that I have a fairly explosive personality. I find something that I am passionate about and I devote myself to it. I have loved backpacking since I first went with my dad to South Mountain State Park (NC) in 2001. I fell in love with Rock Climbing in 2005 when I went to Crowder’s Mountain (NC) with Camp Grimes, the BSA camp Evan and I have worked at for a few years now. Though climbing it is something I haven’t stuck with nearly as much as Evan. My love of whitewater is different sort of beast however. I have been drawn to whitewater and kayaking since I was in elementary school and I jumped at any chance I was given to paddle whitewater in any form: raft, canoe, inner tube, inflatable kayak, etc. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I was a junior in High School that I finally got to get into an actual kayak and start learning the skills needed to navigate rivers safely.

I am the kind of person who will dedicate all of my time energy into one thing. I will push myself to improve and continue testing my limits so that I am the best at what I do. That is one of the reasons I love the idea of teaming up with Evan. I’d like to believe that Evan and I both have our own unique strengths and gifts that we bring to our partnership. I have a contagious energy that motivates others to follow me, but sometimes need Evan there to remind me when it’s okay to take a step back instead of continue pushing for the next level. Or even someone to help me maintain focus.

I’m hoping that in the months to come we can share plenty of our experiences and our growth with everyone. There are a lot of places I want to revisit and a longer list of places I have yet to visit. I hope everyone will help Evan and I remain accountable as well as encourage us to keep pushing forward. More than anything I hope to meet new people in the tales we have yet to write.