When you live a life that revolves around outdoor endeavors you are bound to cross that moment in time when the reality of risk hits home. As climbers, cyclists, paddlers and such we take on a certain amount of risk each time we go out. Some of us even go that extra step to assume a bit more risk. We do these things because we feel free and at peace when we are doing it.

I keep trying to remind myself of WHY we do the things we do as I grieve for Alan. Alan is my friend. Alan is a friend to many. Alan is an artist, an architect, an adventurer, a musician, a human, a mechanic, a dancer, a climber, a lover, a son, a risk taker, a companion, a partner, a beautiful soul, an angel…

We lost our friend Alan along with his partner Jonathon in a climbing accident here in the Tetons. Being part of a mountain community we have grieved before for the lose of such adventurous souls. This is part of the cycle of life. This is part of why we do and live the life we lead. I know this…though it does not help the pain in my heart.

Next time you are in the mountains, on the water, or on the trail, please give a shout out to our friend Alan. Is a great little guy and just as in life, Alan will do anything for someone who needs him.

”If adventure has a final and all-embracing motive, it is surely this: we go out because it is our nature to go out, to climb mountains, and to paddle rivers, to fly to the planets and plunge into the depths of the oceans… When man ceases to do these things, he is no longer man.” — Wilfrid Noyce.