When 60 is the new 20.

This is Pennie Close, a "Wandering" member of Leave No Trace for two years.  She is a lover of the outdoors, an inspiration to others around her, and a ball of energy.  She is also my Mom, and yesterday was her 60th Birthday.

Here she is, embarking on her 60th year, celebrating in a way that few other men or women of her age - or half her age - would ever be able.  With support from the local climbing gym, family and friends, my mom climbed 60 pitches to represent 60 years of good health yesterday - roughly 2,400 vertical feet.  One month ago, I climbed roughly the same distance in the Black Canyon, and I am awestruck and inspired - but not surprised - that my mother did the same yesterday.

Above is a photo of her final and 60th pitch yesterday, donning a red cape from the gym employees, and I'm sure surrounded by a crowd of local fans below.

As a solute to the woman who encouraged my passion for the outdoors, dragged me up mountain sides in a backpack since I was 2 years old, played the "Billy Goats Gruff" game with me on the trail, always had extra trail mix and sour gummy worms in her back pocket, and knew every trail song there is to know, Happy Birthday.