Oh the places you

2006-06-29 08:20:06.000 – Kristin Odell,  Summit Intern

Week two from a Summit Intern, Kristin Odell:

Well, here I am again. It’s a weird life to conform to: one week on top of a mountain, and then one week back to life below the clouds. My first week was a whirlwind of emotions. Everything is new, and there is a gamit of information being crammed into my cobwebbed cranium. Every piece of information however, is new and exciting. I’m taking it all in with my eyes wide open.

More than the educational component of my internship, I am also rewarded by the aesthetic beauty of this fragile yet robust mountain. Just last night I watched the sunset over my home town, which was blanketed by a layer of undercast clouds. And no more than 20 feet to my left, a red fox came up from tree line to say hello.

I consider myself one fortunate gal. What a humbling experience to be surrounded by such intelligent and gifted people. At times I couldn’t help but think to myself, “Why am I here?” “How do I match up?” There may be more profound writings than the one I am to quote now, but it has stuck with me, so here it goes…

“On and on you will hike.And I know you’ll hike farand face up to your problemswhatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up of course,as you already know.You’ll get mixed upwith many stray birds as you go.So be sure when you step.Step with care and great tactand remember that Life’sa Great Balancing Act.Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.And never mix up your right foot with you left.

And will you succeed?Yes! You will indeed!(98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed!)

KID YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!
So…
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Brayor Mordecai Ali Van Alenn O’Shea, or (Kristin Odell) you’re off to Great Places!Today is your day!Your mountain is waiting.So… get on your way!”
-Dr. Seuss

On a sidenote, Walter wanted me to tell everyone that the Jefferson snow field is officially melted out. Sorry all you crazy backcountry skiers.

Kristin Odell,  Summit Intern