Although this spring was very rough in terms of personal growth and life goal direction, it's been an amazing time. I've come to realize that traveling makes me very, very happy...especially when I have a wonderful home to return to. I had the opportunity this March to go up to Seattle and visit some of my dearest friends and family. My best friend Michelle helped me get in touch with my feminine side by staying up late gossiping about boys and reacquainted me with a curling iron.
I also spent a good deal of time with her best girlfriends from high school who have all grown into strong, beautiful women leading very interesting lives. Being in a male-dominated field, it's refreshing to see women bring strength into the office as well as the field. And family. My oh my, I still can't get over the treasure of discovering Chris and Anah. Not that I need an excuse to visit the Northwest, but they sure provide a strong one.
After Seattle, I met with my logging sports team in Corvallis, OR and also got to visit with my family and best friend's mother, Teri. It was so nice to see Teri settled and happy-as-a-calm in Oregon. She and my folks provided much needed support and mothering to my teammates; they were seen as angels out at the wet, cold arena when they provided dry towels, warm tea, and laundry service as well as hugs and compliments.
As for the actual competition, I was very proud of Humboldt. Overall, two of our teams took 4th and 5th. Personally, I received two 3rd places and a 5th as well as Best Dressed for the overall competition. Might have had something to do with this outfit...
In any case! Had a brilliant time and made some fantastic connections with competitors from other schools (much love to Cal Poly!). Next year the competition will be hosted in Montana, and I can't think of one thing that would make me miss it. Get to judge awesome competitors and free food? Book me a ticket!
Since then, I've been keeping busy. LOTS of hiking, camping, and small adventures. Went on a 3-day rafting trip on the Klamath with these two handsome Hot Shot devils.
We had originally expected to take on the 65 mile trip in 4 days, but the river was at high water and flowed much faster than we had thought. In either case, it was a riot! Reminded me why I love hanging around other firefighters so much. Good-hearted people who aren't afraid to tell it how it is. Made me excited to head back to my own crew!
So now, onto Lassen adventures in northeastern California! Already longing for beer floats down the Pit River, wakeboarding on Lake Shasta, crosscut bucking in the wilderness, and hiking all through the Sierras and Trinity area. Have said a lot of goodbyes in the past few days, but can't wait for all the welcome back hugs and good times!
Until next time,
Kate
