Cierro Tronador is the heart of our Andes adventure. Our first steps into the Patagonian wilderness will be toward the mountain that took the life of our friend and fellow Outward Bound instructor Travis Lizotte. We dedicate this next portion to celebrate his life and spirit. In his life he opened his heart to so many people, showing and creating the kindness possible in humanity. He left a legacy that guides how we may trod our own path giving, and in turn, receiving.
We celebrate Travis and heed the insight of our Canadian friend and experienced guide, Lorenzo. Lorenzo told us how many of his clients came to the mountains expecting suffering, so they suffered. On Aconcagua and in the Himalayas, Lorenzo observed that people who approached a mountain with humility and compassion experienced less of a battle and more of a salutation. Travis approached life with similar compassion and we believe it is no coincidence that he lived a life rich in happiness and community.
We hope to approach Tronador with the same open heart and compassion that Travis lived by. We celebrate Travis’ life as we have and will celebrate the life of Matthew Baxter III. These two inspirational men guide our own interpersonal connections with people we are close to and they inspire us to generate strong bonds among the people outside our communities.
