In time I got better. Never the best, strongest, fearless, but good enough to begin to learn lessons from the wilderness. I knew I couldn't be a "pro", a guide, or anything more than a "hobby" climber. I was also going to graduate school in counseling psychology and working in an aggressive educational program for emotionally impaired teens. Part of the program consisted of "stress challenge" activities and twice a year I and other staff lead teens on outdoor trips modeled after Outward Bound. I began to expand my nordic skiing into overnight trips and then week long treks in northern Michigan. I continued to see my activities as less thrill seeking and more soul seeking. My life was expanding in multiple areas and my outdoor skills leveled off at a "good enough" degree of ability as school, work, and a new marriage took more time. It was enough, but traveling became more of a rariety, the wilderness more distant. Next - Where Does A Life Go?