7,000 miles of flying can get you pretty far. This trip took me to the southern hemisphere, the beloved region of the world known as Patagonia. Lifting off from Seattle on a cold and foggy morning only to land at the 41st parallel, south of the equator, in the midst of summer and 100o weather.
Mountains carry the same magic the world over, yet the varying cultures which surround them are special and unique, providing an experience so much more than a summit or vista. The trails feel different, the language buzzing in your ears and mind, different foods and the ever present reality that your life is on your back for a moment in time.
I came down here to work a course for a former employer, to have a moment back in a land which was instrumental in my development as a mountaineer, facilitator and human being. Having spent almost 2 years of my life here already, it felt much more like a homecoming than a wild and new adventure. Evenings full of conversation, dinners and an agenda full of trips with friends has made this adventure more than just a mountain escape.
Mountains tell such a great story of our lives. From the geologic birth of a volcanic peak, or the plate-tectonic shift thrusting a granitic range into the sky, mountains have become the landmarks which we orient ourselves.
I first came to Patagonia when I was 21 years old, and now having lived much life, much has changed, both inward and externally. To have a moment to come back to this place of my history, to touch the soil and see the views that dominated the formative years of my early 20’s.
Mountains not only give us something to strive for, an objective to reach for, a motivation for inspiration. They also hold the dramatic power of being a memorial to past achievements and moments of life. Remember where you were in your life when you stood on the top of your first peak? I do.
We live in a special place in the Pacific Northwest, dominated by huge mountains easily seen on the clearest days of the year. Baker, Adams, Rainier, St. Helens, Hood. All representations of the forces that shaped the land which we so bountifully live, and memoirs of the aspirations of the many whom have stood on their slopes.
| Gearing up for Summer in the PNW and saying”Good bye to June-uary” | |
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We are so lucky here to live in such a lush and green place!! Too bad that all that green takes so much water to make it so! It has been a wet and consistently rainy June this year, and we are all ready for the warmth of summer to follow the solstice into our lives. Despite this weather, we have been super busy and are geared up for a great busy season; happy staff, full calendars, and new people coming into our programs.
 Mt. Baker from the west, just a cloud window- June 8th, 2012
KAF Adventures is growing steadily, and we recently had our 500th “Like” on Facebook!!! We are also now on TripAdvisor: Here!
As we grow and more people find us on the internet, it is important for new customers to be able to learn about KAF through the reviews of past customers; this is where you come in: If you post a review on our Tripadvisor or Facebook page, KAF will send you a $10 giftcard for your next course (transferable to anyone!!!) and one of our new Stickers!!! Thanks for your help and continued dedication to the growth of our community.
 Help us spread the word about all the cool programs we are offering this season, and get a cool sticker. We received some awesome feedback on the above design and will be changing a few small details; thanks to all whom helped with this process!!!
As always, our website and Facebook page are the best ways to stay connected to what programs we are offering and to find new events and free clinics we are hosting. Below are a few of our Featured Programs Summer 2012.
Hike over mellow terrain while exposing self and soul to some of the most spectacular views and environments in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more Here:
 The Beauty and bounty of the spiritual side await you in Mount Rainier National Park.The massif that dominates the North Cascades beckons you to climb; you get to choose the route. Climb the technical and diverse terrain of the Fischer Chimneys, or summit the incredible summit pyramid via the classic Sulphide Glacier route.
 Spend 3 days climbing this beauty with KAF Adventures legendary Staff!We are making dreams come true in so many ways this summer it is pretty crazy!
KAF Adventures and Summit For Someone will be taking a group of 9 former Military
personnelon a fundraising climb of Mt. Shuksan, all to raise funds for under-served youth to be able to get out on a wilderness trip. We feel so lucky to be a part of this mission, to help our military personnel experiencethe beauty of the alpine, and raise money for youth; talk about a win-win. Learn more by going to the Summit For Someone Website
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An aspiring guide/instructor, Andy will be splitting his time between the office/warehouse, shadowing trips and sending on his own. He has already assisted on 3 rock climbing courses, is heading into the mountains next week and has climbed Prussik Peak’s “Solid Gold” route this summer. Liz Hampton
 Joining us through the CWU Outdoor Rec Program, Liz has already proven to be an invaluable member of our office staff. Learning the ropes of how to run a business, helping manage our online marketing and being ridiculously fast with tasks has us running to keep up with her! You WILL be getting an email from this lady sometime this summer.
Thanks to you all, the people whom make KAF Adventures possible. It is by your support, commitment to this community and passion for the outdoors that motivate us to keep working hard and growing this mission everyday. Good luck this summer in all your adventures and please keep in contact with us. We really do want to know what you are up to!
Crossing our fingers for sunshine,
The KAF Adventures Team
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801 South Fidalgo St. Suite #110 Seattle, WA 98108 || 206-713-2149
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Start out 2012 with a BANG – of your ice tools!
Join us for a 5 day, unforgettable experience, to one of the top ice climbing destinations in the country – New Hampshire.
Continue reading “New Hampshire Ice in 2012” »
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