After finishing up work in early June with the Outdoor Education Center (OEC) at Colorado College, Chris Dickson, a former CC graduate, packed up his things and sought out a new adventure. For four months he traveled through the West, exploring the mountains of Grand Teton National Park, big-wall climbing in the Yosemite Valley, trekking across glaciers in British Columbia, and climbing spires in the Wind River Range.
“Each of these places left an indelible mark on me, and I hope to return to all of them again soon,” Dickson said when discussing his travels. His sentiment and attachment to these spectacular areas and views display the true love one can foster for the outdoors. In his two years working with the OEC, Dickson realized a desire to pursue a career in outdoor recreation. His motivation came in part from working with the OEC, but also from hearing of his friends’ adventures while he was working in an office. He decided to hit the road for the summer, doing things he loved like climbing and mountaineering.
One of Dickson’s first moves prior to leaving Colorado Springs was to build a sleeping platform in the back of his SUV, knowing that five-star hotels or even B&Bs were not in his future. He then budgeted how much money he was willing to spend throughout the summer on gas for his travels. In four months of travel, Dickson put 6,000 miles on his car, slept over 100 nights in his car, and drove through nine different states.
Some readers might cringe at the thought of bugs and no showers, restaurants, or kitchens, whereas others (myself included) get excited about the thought of packing up and setting out for the slightly unknown.
Throughout his travels, Dickson found climbing opportunities every chance he could, often involving camping. Not only did he encounter amazing wilderness landscapes, he also met incredible people. One night in Jackson, Wyo., he played guitar, sang country songs, and drank whiskey around a fire with a group of four people from Georgia.
Nights spent with strangers who are friends by the morning are unforgettable for Dickson. In Yosemite Valley, he encountered folks from Brazil, the U.K., Spain, and Japan, and climbed alongside them for a period of time.
One of his most memorable encounters was meeting someone named Matt in Yosemite Valley who incidentally knew Dickson’s friend Nick Koch (‘13), a fellow CC climber. “His name was Matt, he had driven directly to Yosemite after graduating high school, and he was living the quintessential dirtbag climbing life.” Dickson had climbed only two routes within the Tuolumne high country when Matt convinced him to climb ‘The Nose’ on El Capitan in Yosemite Valley, which Dickson calls “one of the coolest experiences of my life.”
The next step for Dickson is to pursue a career doing what he loves. At the moment, he is living the glorious ski bum life just outside of Telluride, Colo. with some other former CC graduates. He works at an outdoor gear shop and will begin his NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Instructor Course in May. He is hoping to work for NOLS this summer through rock climbing and backpacking courses within the Rockies. After this summer, he hopes to combine career and mountains as often as possible.
I asked Dickson what advice he had for someone wanting to pack their things up and adventure after college (or whenever, really). “Just go. And don’t look back. Adventures should not be things that wait. You’ll return happier, healthier, and ready to take on whatever comes next.”