Admittedly, I am one of the “elders” of canyoneering. I began playing in the canyons in the 1970s with early descents in Zion and Escalante. As a school teacher, summer months offered free time to take advantage of Utah’s recreation wonderland. By the 1980s, my appetite for adventure led me to merge avocation with vocation and my wild adventure resume grew. I earned certifications as a Whitewater River Guide, a Professional Ski Instructor of America and a Wilderness Medicine EMT. I became Technical Director for Utah State University’s Outdoor Executive Ropes Course in Logan Canyon; at the same time, I taught rock climbing and telemark skiing for the University of Utah Outdoor program, and I founded the mountain bike/cycling programs there. I spent glorious years working with not-for-profit SPLORE, guiding on the ice, snow, rock and waters of North America. Narrowing my focus in the mid 1980’s, I became Program Director with Maxcomm and Associates, where I built an experience-based curriculum promoting team and leadership skills for executives across the globe.
Over the years, I never strayed far from desert adventures until I married, moved to West Africa and became a wife and mother in 1992. In 2010, I slammed back into the "new" sport of Canyoneering, thanks to Tom and Ram. I often tell folks that while my underwear drawer is on a little island near Vancouver, Canada, my soul lives in southern Utah’s redrock country. In the last two years, I have seen a couple hundred canyon descents and met even more wonderful canyoneering friends. While movement and beauty of the canyons fuels my passion, I am equally drawn to the joy of camaraderie with my adventure partners. As time and gravity inevitably take their toll, I strive to step lightly and gratefully through my days in the canyons. It is an honor to share in the commitment to develop safe techniques that honor the privilege of passage by leaving as little trace as possible. I hope to see you out there soon!