After reaching the ridge, the caribou turned and slowly started meandering in our direction. With bated breath, we continued watching as the caribou closed the distance between us.

Six miserable days later, having dodged a charging grizzly, deadly rockfall, hypothermia, and ankle-deep snow, I made mistake number 3, the biggest of the trip.

Everyone loves an origin story. We want to know why people do the things they do, and what transpired to lead them down their path through life. It’s no fun to only see the results, it’s the trials and tribulations that are interesting.

Another summer has come and gone, leaving me with a body that’s sore and a heart filled to the brim with gratitude.