248) Cali

I have been wanting to go to California for many years, but the way things go it didn't happen until just recently. The basis of my going there was for a job with the YMCA of Metro L.A. I was part of an outdoor science school at a camp near Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino's.



My brief two weeks in California did not leave me disappointed, and as of now keeps me trying to figure out how to move back long term. I say that now, but perhaps the job in Miami I have starting at the beginning of the new year will change my mind. But what I love about California is the diversity. The population is extremely diverse, not only in ethnicity, but also culture and interest niches. Equally as impressive to me is the diversity of the land. In one day you could be laying in the sun at the beach, hiking on a snowy mountain top, rock climbing in the desert, or walking through temperate rain forest. The landscape is epic. Now I understand why so many great photographers love Cali.


Unfortunately I did not take many pictures from around camp- I was literally working from when I got up to when I went to sleep a lot of the time I was at camp. Almost the entire first week I took all my meals standing or walking around, not having the time to sit. Getting a program on it's feet is not an easy task, but it is also extremely rewarding to be part of.


The whole experience was kind of a non-stop blur. We condensed a weeks worth of training into two days, worked a week, partied in LA, climbed in Joshua Tree, went back for the second week of work, went back to Joshua Tree to climb, party and hang out. Then before I knew it I am back WI.



One of the best things about the camp experience were the people that were pulled together for the two week gig. It's hard to imagine what kind of people might be willing and able to work for just two weeks like that- but the crew of people there were amazing for the most part. Ages ranging from 20 to 50, with all different backgrounds, experiences and stories. It was pretty cool to see that all play out.