National Outdoor Leadership School - Index

National Outdoor Leadership School - brochure - Index

20
THE
Leader
BELAY OFF
It has been said that you are essentially a sum of
your experiences, and I can honestly say that
being in the Wind Rivers for a month in 1994 as a
NOLS student has shaped who I have become. Never
before had I physically, emotionally, or mentally
pushed myself that hard while observing virtually untouched
beauty and learning so much about myself.
Now, 13 years later,
I am 34, married and
last summer had a hankering
to go back to
that wonderful place of
discovery. But how was
I going to put my life on
hold and head out into
the wilderness for such
an extended period of
time? The answer of
course was to take a
NOLS alumni trip. But
who can I convince to
go with me to share
this experience?
Thinking back to ’94 to a “debriefing” session of
my trip in the Winds in a comfy living room surrounded
by family, I specifically remember my father
asking, “So were you sleeping on the ground or did
you have some sort of cot?” My mother inquired, “Was
the weather sunny and warm in the mountains?” Boy,
did I have a lot of explaining to do! The crazy thing
about a NOLS course is that words alone cannot possibly
paint an accurate picture of what you felt, saw,
heard, smelled or did. I wasn’t really able to convey to
my family the feeling of the first time I planned my
own seven-mile hiking route with a topo map, compass,
and a blade of grass. Or the weariness at the end
of a day after hiking through thigh-deep snow for
hours. Or the simple satisfaction of kicking back,
watching the sun set, and drinking a cup of hot cocoa.
It suddenly dawned on me that my father was
turning 60 this year. A NOLS course would be a
great way to celebrate 60 years of life; and coinci-
THE FLIES
THAT BIND
Reconnecting Reconnecting with with Dad Dad and and Little Little Bro Bro
on a NOLS NOLS Alumni Alumni Fishing Fishing Trip Trip
BY By KARL Karl NELSON, Nelson, NOLS Grad GRAD
dentally, my 35 th birthday was during the summer as
well. I pitched the idea to my brother, Eric. He loved
it and immediately wanted in, being a bit of an outdoorsman
himself. The only problem was how we
were going to rope the old man in. After asking him
if he would like to go on a NOLS trout fishing
alumni trip for a week in the Wind Rivers, I remember
a couple of his remarks being something
along the lines of “Well, as long as I have a place to
chill my wine and a soft bed to sleep on, I’ll be fine,”
and “I could probably make it for the first few days,
but then I’ll have to leave early for business reasons.”
After several months of slowly bringing my father
into reality in regards to the format of the trip, we
were all looking forward to this new adventure. I know
my father did have a bit of apprehension, but we allayed
his fears with promises of catching a lot of fish.
At the beginning
of the trip, I knew we
Between hiking the trails
to some hot fishing spots and
being crammed into a tent on a
sleeting rainy day, I sincerely felt
as if this time was meant for us
to get reacquainted with each
other and made me reflect on
how fortunate I am to be related
to these two wonderful people.
were going to have fun
because of the camaraderie
of the instructors
and the personality
dynamics of the other
group members, a nicely
diverse ensemble. After
we saddled the llamas
and hiked in a few miles,
my sense of awareness
from 13 years ago came
crashing back to me. I
took it all in: crystal
clear lakes, streams,
and ponds; spectacular mountain peaks; wild
flowers; sense of self; and, of course, the freedom
from cell phones and regular modern
day stresses.
Both my father and brother were soaking
in the new adventure as well. How is it
that hiking in the wilderness is such a facilitator
for interesting trail discussion? We
delved into the subjects of politics, finance,
life, marriage, child rearing, religion,
environmental ethics, and family
dynamics, to name a few. Many times I
was shocked to find that I had so much
in common with my brother and father
on many of these issues. Between
hiking the trails to some hot fishing
spots and being crammed into a tent
on a sleeting rainy day, I sincerely
felt as if this time was meant for us
to get reacquainted with each other and made me reflect
on how fortunate I am to be related to these two
wonderful people. Oh, and did I mention we caught
golden trout?
On the hike out at the end of the trip, we had
one last sweeping view of the Winds. I was busy digesting
the experience and trying to guide a strongwilled
llama that really enjoyed seeing me fall off
rocks during stream crossings. We stopped for a final
snapshot at my father’s request. The picture captured
the three of us together in full NOLS regalia with
some of Wyoming’s finest views bidding us good-bye.
Man was that an unbelievable journey!
Four months have passed and my wife and I recently
made the two hour trip over to my parents’
home for Christmas. As we exchanged our gifts, I noticed
that my father was very excited about giving
both my brother and I our gifts. I opened up the
package to find a framed picture of that very last
snapshot we took as we headed out of the backcountry.
Inscribed at the bottom of the picture it read,
“Karl and Eric, The greatest accomplishment of my
life is being your father (thanks to your mother’s influence).
What a memorable 60 th birthday to go along
with a 35 th . Thanks for the adventure and memories.
Love, Dad.” I looked over to my father and as he was
choking back tears he said, “That gift is from the
heart; I had a wonderful time. Thank you.”
Photo above: John Nelson and his Wind River cutthroat.
Photo below: (from left to right) Karl, Eric, and John Nelson
enjoying each other’s company on a recent
NOLS alumni fishing trip.