My biggest accomplishment of 2013 was progress with Atlas. In the course of 2013 Sagar and I have grown Atlas from an idea into a small business. We have two awesome employees on our payroll (and group health insurance policy), a small handful of clients, and a strong outlook for 2014.
The highlight of the year, however, were my two Grand Canyon river trips. The first was a 14-day self-supported solo kayak trip in January–a cold, terrifying, and lonely but successful and safe adventure. The second was 9 days of a Grand Canyon raft trip in July. The raft trip was simply excellent, through and through. Great companions, awesome weather, and plenty of beer, and a magnificent canyon… ah what a trip!
I skied 55+ days in 2013 (combining the second half of last season and the first half of this season). I’m thoroughly obsessed. Completed an AIARE I certification last spring–but am still 97%+ resort-oriented.
Other fun 2013 facts:
- Learned to bake bread using a sourdough starter. Also became competent making pizza dough (both yeasted, and naturally leavened) that I’m quite happy with.
- Upped my cooking game considerably, including a stint as a line cook.
- Paddled Gore Canyon, a Class V river at the headwaters of the Colorado. Well, that may be giving myself too much credit. I got seriously worked in the first Class V rapid, and portaged the second. Still, the point is that I’m starting to play in some real whitewater!
- Ran my first and only marathon, and several half marathons.
- Two great hut trips–one with Kendra last January, and a Montana (Quads) trip just a few days ago.
- Ticked off several 14’ers, and did a few climbs, including Keener’s Route on Long’s Peak with Sagar (an alpine route with some snow / ice)
Just uploaded a bunch of photos from 2013, which you can view here.
All in all, 2013 was a really good year. It wasn’t a vastly intellectual year, but it was productive, and peppered with really great trips. Successful in and of itself, 2013 has laid the groundwork for an incredible 2014!