backpacks and sidewalk cracks

Something I noticed while working trails in Colorado two years ago is a particular aversion to climbing down mountains. Ascending to the summit is fabulous. The path is full of fresh possibilities and vantage points. The steep terrain sets a steady level 1-2 heartrate and boulder stairs ignite a welcome quadricep burn that fuels the climb. A bubble of excitement forms as the peak appears and all there is to do is go up, up, up. And then there’s the top, offering evergreen-speckled valleys and a distant pastel horizon for climbers to feast their eyes upon. It’s a glorious moment of elated competence that’s probably fueled by a bit of a runner’s high. But the time always comes when you have to climb down. I wouldn't even categorize it as climbing so to speak, more of a hap-hazard stumble between loose tallus and slippery streams praying that I don’t roll an ankle. My knees hurt, my quads are shaky from the ascent and I’m normally a little dehydrated and hangry. While it inev...

  I just embarked on a four-month journey to Europe to study Architecture in Denmark and pick up any other adventures along the way. As a traveler, one of the most crucial items to cram in your already overstuffed carry-on luggage is awareness. I’ve found that are three types of awareness; situational cognizance, past reflection, and present engagement. Situational cognizance is extremely important en transit to destination. Marine Frank, a man whom I worked with this summer, exposed me to labels for such situational cognizance called Cooper's colors. This Color Code has four phases white, yellow, orange, and red. Condition White is a state of obliviousness. You are completely unaware of your surroundings, for example texting on your cell phone. Hopefully you won't be attacked in condition white because you'll probably be killed. Condition Yellow is still relaxed but aware that there could be hidden danger around the next corner. If you are attacked, you will be prep...