I feel the same way when seeing all these other people climbing and hiking, that I need to get out there right away! Although, it feels much better to want to get to the mountains than it does to want that new tv, doesn't it?
I understand your passion for hiking but I respect your priorities even more. I hiked a lot in central Idaho and now in Sedona, Az as well. You have the time just as you said my friend. Hell, I'm 57 and still get myself into scarey situations from time to time but I love it! Rock on dude!
Gary
I've seen some of your articles and i am impressed. living in northern utah, i completely understand what you're talking about when you talk about the pull these mountains have. In a way it kind of makes me dread growing up when I'll have responsibilities and can't go climbing every time i want.
Got to admit though, I don't really get or relate to what your talking about...yet. probably someday i will. until then... i'll just have to really enjoy the freedom of being in highschool.
Yeah, enjoy your footloose and fancy free life while you can brother, because it will change one day. But, so will you, and the things you don't relate to now, you will.
I agree... it is so easy to get too much into SP... You did a great job with your article.
Regarding your adopted handicapped son - it is hard. I think that I can understand being a pediatrician, and I used to follow up home ventilated children. You are never off - small plug in the trach and emergency starts... You are an amazing man! Good luck to you, and happy peak bagging (even if you would want to do more...)
Thanks man! That means alot coming from you. You're one of the guys I check up on and admire. Yeah, it just hit me that day, and I thought I'd share it. I had no idea it would get the response it has. I guess all of us SP'rs struggle with this at times.
Thanks for sharing your story. It’s nice to know that others have this desire and passion... Sometimes the pull can be so strong, almost waging war within our soul, but I'm learning to find a balance. I'm married and have 3 little kids’ ages 7months to 5years, the oldest we adopted when she was 5 months old... so there is a ton of responsibility and balance to juggle, but when the wilderness calls my heart is beckoned to its voice.
I see it as a place to meet with God, a place of refreshing and recharging so I can go back and deal with the trials that life can bring... to find strength for my family...
Thanks again Eric for being transparent. Not everyone gets out as much as it sometimes seems... lol
Thanks for your comments Beau. I had no idea that there were so many out there, who love the outdoors, and struggle to find the time to bag a peak. And I'm sure you're right; some people post so much, it seems like they wouldn't have time to work or care for a family!
I know how you feel. I took a break for about 20 years with kids, work, etc. I hit 55 years old, my kids were out of the house and I felt this would be my time to "catch up". Then I tor my right knee-lost some time. The next year I was rear ended and have permanent nerve damage to some fingers- time lost. Just as I recover from that I tear my other knee. That gest repaired and I get hit from behind again. I have been hard-pressed to get about 6 months of climbing in each year in the past 5. I feel obsessed with getting out there before I can't physically do it any more.
You're taking the right stance in not putting the mountains in front of your family. I learned that the hard way. The mountains will always be there for you, your family may not. That's cool that some of your kids are able to hike with you. Savor those moments!
maddie77777 - Jan 12, 2010 12:06 pm - Voted 10/10
I know how you feel...I feel the same way when seeing all these other people climbing and hiking, that I need to get out there right away! Although, it feels much better to want to get to the mountains than it does to want that new tv, doesn't it?
imontop - Jan 12, 2010 2:34 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I know how you feel...Yep, I'll agree with you on that. I hardly watch TV. But, then thats probably because I have ny nose buried in Summit Post!
garchov - Jan 14, 2010 2:23 pm - Voted 10/10
You da man!I understand your passion for hiking but I respect your priorities even more. I hiked a lot in central Idaho and now in Sedona, Az as well. You have the time just as you said my friend. Hell, I'm 57 and still get myself into scarey situations from time to time but I love it! Rock on dude!
Gary
imontop - Jan 14, 2010 3:51 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: You da man!Thamks man! I appreciate your comments.
benjydaniel - Jan 14, 2010 9:23 pm - Voted 10/10
grow up? not yetI've seen some of your articles and i am impressed. living in northern utah, i completely understand what you're talking about when you talk about the pull these mountains have. In a way it kind of makes me dread growing up when I'll have responsibilities and can't go climbing every time i want.
Got to admit though, I don't really get or relate to what your talking about...yet. probably someday i will. until then... i'll just have to really enjoy the freedom of being in highschool.
imontop - Jan 14, 2010 10:03 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: grow up? not yetYeah, enjoy your footloose and fancy free life while you can brother, because it will change one day. But, so will you, and the things you don't relate to now, you will.
Liba Kopeckova - Jan 19, 2010 8:59 am - Voted 10/10
obsession...I agree... it is so easy to get too much into SP... You did a great job with your article.
Regarding your adopted handicapped son - it is hard. I think that I can understand being a pediatrician, and I used to follow up home ventilated children. You are never off - small plug in the trach and emergency starts... You are an amazing man! Good luck to you, and happy peak bagging (even if you would want to do more...)
imontop - Jan 19, 2010 2:04 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: obsession...Thanks for you comments Liba. It's so good to hear of others who feel the way I do. Hike on!
imontop - Jan 20, 2010 4:03 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Cool read.Thanks man! That means alot coming from you. You're one of the guys I check up on and admire. Yeah, it just hit me that day, and I thought I'd share it. I had no idea it would get the response it has. I guess all of us SP'rs struggle with this at times.
Marcsoltan - Jan 21, 2010 3:13 pm - Voted 10/10
Eric,You're my hero,
Marc
imontop - Jan 21, 2010 7:32 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Eric,Oh no! Don't even go there Marc! Just trying to get by. Thanks for your support though. Thanks Marc!
beaudaddy85 - Jan 26, 2010 1:11 pm - Hasn't voted
Hey Eric,Thanks for sharing your story. It’s nice to know that others have this desire and passion... Sometimes the pull can be so strong, almost waging war within our soul, but I'm learning to find a balance. I'm married and have 3 little kids’ ages 7months to 5years, the oldest we adopted when she was 5 months old... so there is a ton of responsibility and balance to juggle, but when the wilderness calls my heart is beckoned to its voice.
I see it as a place to meet with God, a place of refreshing and recharging so I can go back and deal with the trials that life can bring... to find strength for my family...
Thanks again Eric for being transparent. Not everyone gets out as much as it sometimes seems... lol
Beau
imontop - Jan 26, 2010 10:02 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Hey Eric,Thanks for your comments Beau. I had no idea that there were so many out there, who love the outdoors, and struggle to find the time to bag a peak. And I'm sure you're right; some people post so much, it seems like they wouldn't have time to work or care for a family!
Good luck with the balancing act my friend!
Grampahawk - Jan 26, 2010 3:41 pm - Hasn't voted
Time ticks awayI know how you feel. I took a break for about 20 years with kids, work, etc. I hit 55 years old, my kids were out of the house and I felt this would be my time to "catch up". Then I tor my right knee-lost some time. The next year I was rear ended and have permanent nerve damage to some fingers- time lost. Just as I recover from that I tear my other knee. That gest repaired and I get hit from behind again. I have been hard-pressed to get about 6 months of climbing in each year in the past 5. I feel obsessed with getting out there before I can't physically do it any more.
imontop - Jan 26, 2010 10:05 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Time ticks awayThats too bad about all those accidents! Thats sucks big time! Hang in there, and just try to do what and when you can. Keep hiking man!
shknbke - Jan 27, 2010 5:44 pm - Voted 10/10
nice articleYou're taking the right stance in not putting the mountains in front of your family. I learned that the hard way. The mountains will always be there for you, your family may not. That's cool that some of your kids are able to hike with you. Savor those moments!
imontop - Jan 27, 2010 11:34 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: nice articleThanks for your comments!
Marmaduke - Feb 18, 2010 10:28 pm - Voted 10/10
You've done right!Wow, you deserve "man of the Year" in your town. Put's everything in perspective.
imontop - Feb 19, 2010 9:54 am - Hasn't voted
Re: You've done right!I don't know about that, but I appreciate the comments.
pookster1127 - Feb 8, 2013 6:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Me tooThe weather sucks for climbing - so I post, read, and comment. Ahhhh. It does seem so weird. I am hooked.
BTW - sounds like you have a great family.