9/24/2012

Study Abroad - Africa!

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If you are one of the few people who were infected with the Travel Bug at a young age, you definitely need to check out CMC's study abroad programs to help with the itch (http://www.coloradomtn.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2935482&pageId=14878933). This summer CMC went above and beyond my expectations by providing the opportunity to study abroad for two weeks in AFRICA! Unfortunately the cut-off for this years trip has passed, but there's always next year!


When I was growing up I would sit on my dads lap and watch the show "Nature", which was more often than not based in the African plains. I think that's where I developed my deep fascination and love for the continent... I've never been, but it's definitely a dream. Unfortunately this trip is out of my budget, but I strongly encourage anyone who can to take advantage of such an amazing experience. It would be something absolutely inspiring to blog about... I thought about doing a personal fundraiser? I've never done one, but it might be my best chance. Let me know if you have any suggestions!

A description of the trip, via CMC's website:

Mt.Kilimanjaro 
Students will be introduced to the skills of high altitude international wilderness trekking, non-technical mountaineering, and be immersed in the local guiding culture of Eastern Africa. We will spend six days in Tanzania hiking up Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341ft / 5895m), the highest point in Africa and one of the seven summits – the highest mountains on the seven continents.

While Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s largest topographical features, the mountain does not require any technical skills, specialist equipment, or supplemental oxygen to climb.

Tanzanian Safari
After our time on Mt. Kilimanjaro, we will spend three days on safari in Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks. Here we will get the chance to see African wildlife in some of the most beautiful parks on the continent.

Local Community Immersion in Kiserian, Kenya
On our way back to Nairobi for the flight home we will stop for a few days in the town of Kiserian on the edge of the Rift Valley. Here we will meet the local community and pastoralists and immerse ourselves in the Africa less known to tourists.

Courses
GEO 105 – World Regional Geography: This class is a 3 credit, guaranteed-transfer class covering the main themes of world regional geography: physical environment, cultural identity, and economic and political development of world regions with an emphasis on the regions of East Africa. Students who need GEO 106 - Human Geography can take this class instead of GEO 105.

PED 223 – Beginning Mountaineering: This 1 credit class will introduce students to the basic skills required for non-technical mountaineering including high altitude alpine environments, mountain travel, equipment, and hiking skills. Focus will be on weather, terrain analysis, distance vs. time and energy, and basic high altitude international mountaineering skills.

PED 225 – Trekking: Also a 1 credit class, Trekking will cover basic trekking skills and equipment in an international mountain climbing context. Climbing and natural history of the area will be discussed as well.

For more information on this trip, visit it's page (http://www.coloradomtn.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=2935482&pageId=15912706).


















9/13/2012

Late For A Very Important Date!

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Hello all,

It's already fall and I have yet to post an entry! For the month of September I am working full time and in school full time, on top of trying to find a new place to live by the weekend - YIKES! I just haven't had time to sit and relax much less reflect on my summer!

I was a Parks Worker for the Town of Breckenridge this summer and it was by far the best job I've ever had. Four 6:00am - 4:30pm shifts outside in the beautiful weather followed by three days off. It was pretty awesome to get paid to be at the town's festivities all summer.


And of course, my summer also consisted of a lot of outdoor activities, from zip lining, to hiking, to dirtbiking.


All in all though, I'd have to say the most exciting part of my summer was welcoming my two Great Pyrenees / Anatolian Shepherd puppies into my life. They are brothers (Huey and Hank) and the loves of my life.

 

But alas, fall is already here!! It came aweful early this summer, but I suppose that's for a lot of reasons. I'm not getting the itch to ski yet, I always enjoy the moment. Fall for fall, summer for summer, winter for winter... It's too beautiful not to. I found a free day this past weekend to take a drive down Independence Pass and spend the day in Aspen with some friends and my boyfriend.
 

I took some photos around Breck this morning. There was snow on the peaks and it was in the lower 30's. It's very prevalent that winter is on it's way!


I'm going to try to be a little better about posting the rest of the month, but just in case... I always find time to post a photo or two a day to my Instagram. If you have the iPhone/Droid app, my name is aligee_ , otherwise you can check out my album here! You can always see where I am or what I'm up to. All of the above photos are posted to my Instagram as well! http://instacanv.as/aligee_

5/07/2012

ABasin Closing Weekend and Summer Internship

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Ahhh... The first day of "summer". And it's just like Colorado to kick it off with a morning blizzard. *sigh*


This past weekend was closing time for Arapahoe Basin, the last standing ski resort in Colorado. I've gotta hand it to them; For one of the worst snow seasons in 20 years, it was pretty impressive that they were able to stay open into May. I spent my day there Saturday celebrating Cinco De Mayo and the One-Year anniversary of Phunkshun Wear. Phunkshun Wear is a new company I'm interning for, which I'll touch on later. Arapahoe Basin also had their annual Huck Rock and Roll slopestyle jam, as well as live music, a pig roast, and awesome spring skiing.


Following pictures taken by Carlo Marasigan



Anyway, Phunkshun Wear is a facemask company based in Silverthorne, CO that I've been interning for for a few weeks now. They originally wanted me to be an athlete for them and film some edits, so I went to their "lab" to get some swag and talk about sponsorship when one of them mentioned they needed an intern. As of now I'm working as their "customs" facemask designer for companies who want their own custom designs. In the future I'm going to be doing their blog and helping with some marketing as well.

I guess that wraps it up for the year! I usually do a big "year ending" entry, but I've been so busy lately! I'm sure I'll post some entries over the summer... As always, this is going to be the best summer ever!

5/04/2012

Picnic in the Park!

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Yesterday was the last day of school for the year. Me and my giant group of friends spent the entire day at Carter Park in Breckenridge with volleyball, kickball, beanbag toss, bbq, and beers. It was an AWESOME way to start off the summer! It was warm, sunny, and an all around perfect day. My entries don't end here though! This weekend is also very eventful, so check back!

What's even MORE exciting is that I was hired by the town of Breckenridge to be a parks worker this summer. I've been assigned to take care of Carter Park, so you get to see where I'll be spending the majority of my summer (tough life)!

Here are some pictures from yesterday. This first group of pictures were taken by my friend and CMC student Kenzie Phelps.


This second group of pictures was taken on my cell phone... So obviously not quite as good! Haha!


 

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