I owe a great deal to the outdoors and to the outdoor community. Being outside has given me euphoria, exhaustion, fun, fear, proper Ramen cooking techniques, life-long friends and a life partner. My access to public and private lands has taken me all over the country from the high Sierra mountains of California, to the deserts of Arizona and Utah, to the rolling hills of Virginia, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It has been a true privilege to access these spaces.

When I moved to New Hampshire I began volunteering with Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC). ASPNC’s goal is to enrich the quality of life for people with disabilities through year-round sport, recreation, and wellness. They develop and offer programming related to biking, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, snow shoeing, and skiing, among others, to enhance the personal development and self-esteem of participants and provide an opportunity to take risks in a safe and supportive environment.

This year ASPNC is holding its 11^th annual Sunrise Ascent on Mount Washington - which is the  primary fundraiser that sustains ASPNC throughout the year. Due to COVID 19, the event has shifted from a single day ascent to a month-long event. Throughout July, volunteers, including yours truly, and participants will be tracking their human-powered miles (roll, run, walk, or ride!) in an effort to raise money for Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country.  For the 2020 Ascent, ASPNC has set the goal of raising $200,000 and a combined total of 6,288 miles (the elevation of Mt. Washington).

Please consider donating to support their work. Your generosity will help secure future programming and ensure that people of all abilities can enjoy the privilege of accessing the great outdoors.

-Bruce/Drumsolo