Instead of a typical house viewing, Bildirimlerim invites you on a global journey across mountains, fueled by the recollections of our adventurous Sunday guests.
Our journey began with Mike, whom we first encountered at our camp many years ago; he returned eleven times and ultimately joined our program staff for a period of 3 years.
His vibrant spirit always embraced adventure, and his motivating and persuasive nature encourages others to join him; we observed his transformation from an unsure teenager into a self-assured young man, a photographer, and now a graphic designer.
We were also delighted when he found Katie, a girl who is sweet, petite, kind, cheerful, and equally adventurous; they married and recently marked their 2nd anniversary.
Last Spring, they moved their initial home into storage and embarked on a 4 1/2 month expedition.
For this trip, their concept of 'home' was reduced to only what they could carry on their backs.
Although Mike and Katie now reside 7 hours away, they kindly agreed to an email interview; despite preparing numerous questions, their delightful responses prompted us to share every single one! Pour a cup of coffee and stay awhile; I am certain you will adore Mike and Katie…
***
Mike, how would you describe Katie?: She is undoubtedly the most wonderful person; that's why I married her. Katie is perhaps the most likable person ever. She is quite small, yet she possesses immense capability as an adventurer and great resilience. She brings me joy and is wonderful… I couldn't ask for more in life.
Katie, how would you describe Mike?: Mike is enjoyable and maintains a very positive, cheerful demeanor. He is creative and relishes adventure, particularly those involving risk and the unknown.
How long was your trip planned before you departed?
Following our marriage 2 years ago, we resolved to backpack together and began saving for that objective; while the intention was set, concrete planning only began after booking flights last September, with departure in February.
Where exactly did you travel?
We commenced our travels in Lima, Peru, spending about a month exploring various towns and hiking to ancient Inca sites like Machu Picchu (typical first month tourism). Next, we bused for a month to the southern tip of Chile (exceeding 5300 Kilometers!) in Patagonia (a hiking paradise and our initial goal), hiking for 6 days in the national park of “Torres del Paine”. We then traveled back north in Chile, crossed into Bolivia for another month, and concluded our final 4 weeks back in Peru exploring the northern mountain ranges.
What research materials aided your trip planning?
This may sound imprudent, but our primary preparation involved purchasing a couple of South America guide books and browsing the internet; we viewed numerous YouTube videos to see available hikes and other adventurers' journeys.
How did you decide what to pack?
Our 2009 hike on BC’s West Coast Trail taught us that every extra item increases the load! I [Katie] learned to pack minimally (I carry less than Mike!) and that compromises are necessary; repeating clothing is part of the adventure. Knowing South America would be rainy and that we’d be at high altitudes in snow and rain, we ensured we had the lightest rain gear and warm, compressible clothing. Though our packs looked large, they held everything needed for 4 months (camping gear, sleeping bags, a tent, cooking gear, apparel, books, cameras, chargers, batteries, etc.), so we are satisfied with our packing.
Katie…these are for you:):
Have you always enjoyed hiking and adventure?
Yes, I have always loved the outdoors; as a child, I preferred searching for insects and turning over rocks to find small creatures rather than being indoors. Exploring new places through hiking is truly rewarding!
Was his adventurous spirit a factor in your attraction to Mike?
Absolutely. I admired how Mike embraced adventure and his desire to involve others; my time at camp allowed me to witness this side of him firsthand.
Even with a marriage filled only with gentle words, smiles, and cozy slippers, was there any point on this journey when you wished to meet Mike's gaze and declare, “I'm done!” (or did he ever look at you and feel the same way?)
Indeed, during our extensive 6-day trek in Patagonia, we encountered exceptionally severe weather, akin to being trapped in a rainy tornado for several days. Although I felt the urge to stop, I understood that quitting was simply not an option:
First, the boat that transported us to the trailhead had already departed,
and second, we had just dedicated 63 demanding hours on a bus journey across Chile, an effort too significant to abandon.
Mike never gives up. Furthermore, he consistently seeks ways to improve my comfort when I struggle. When facing winds reaching 120km per hour, he shared his walking pole so I wouldn't be blown away! He also willingly carried some of my food when my knees were hurting, lightening my pack load.
What presented the greatest difficulty during the trip?
Adapting to constantly carrying a roll of toilet paper because facilities lacked it was a challenge. Additionally, the lack of proper restrooms during long bus rides was hardly enjoyable.
What was your most cherished memory from this adventure?
While many wonderful memories exist, the highlight occurred on the final morning in Patagonia. After five tough days battling fierce wind, rain, and snow, we awoke at 6am and ascended through a foot and a half of fresh snow to a viewpoint where we witnessed a spectacular sunrise over the huge granite towers. It was truly incredible and validated every challenging moment of the preceding five days.
What aspect of 'home' did you miss most while camping on a chilly mountain peak?
During the cold trekking nights, we spent considerable time in the tent, and our talks often turned to what our friends and family were doing back home, or the delicious meals we anticipated upon returning!
How has this travel experience shaped your perception of 'home' now?
I plan to frame several large prints from our trip for our small dwelling; selecting them is the tricky part! We also acquired lovely woven tablecloths, paintings, and decorative pillow covers in vibrant colors to introduce some South American charm to our home.
Did living out of backpacks for months alter your view on possessions, given the limited resources you had? Did you feel the absence of your 'do-dads'?
It is amusing because I expected to miss many things after 4 and a half months away, yet I honestly didn't feel a strong longing for much. Apart from our large, comfortable bed, we possessed everything necessary for that period, which was sufficient for me. Mike, however, truly missed his computer and his mountain bike.
For both of you: What personal growth did this journey bring?
{Katie}-I recognized the importance of mastering another language. I now have a personal objective: achieving fluency in Spanish. I hope to return someday to converse meaningfully with locals, which would make the traveling experience far more fulfilling and engaging.
{Mike}-Documenting my life through film and photography is something I deeply enjoy. I tried to capture daily moments to create a shared memory. This trip was crucial for me because I wish to attest to living an exciting life with stories to share later. Sharing even a small piece of our experience brings me immense satisfaction.
How did this trip affect your partnership and marriage?
Spending 63 hours on a bus through a desert, with a barely working restroom immediately behind us, quickly reveals a relationship's resilience to stress. Since we spent nearly every hour together during that time, I believe that is a wonderful foundation for us so early in our marriage. We were free from worries about finances, work, or household duties; we simply connected deeply and got to know each other immensely.
Are there any future adventures in your plans?
{Katie} -This journey revealed the breathtaking beauty of our own nation. We explored so many fantastic and lovely locales and cherished every moment, yet it sparked a desire within me to discover more of my own country.
{Mike}-We are fortunate to live in BC, often taking the easy access to incredible local spots for granted. The South American adventures were unparalleled and unforgettable, but seeing Mt. Everest firsthand remains a major life aspiration. A trek in Nepal might happen in the future; I know Katie would be enthusiastic about it.
Understanding Yeti Adventure Films
Yeti is a video initiative spanning a year and a half, showcasing brief adventure clips involving both of us, numerous close friends, and family. These videos encompass global travels, local mountain ascents, cycling excursions, and river riding mishaps. We favor keeping them brief, thrilling, and enjoyable to revisit. Beginning as scattered online clips, we now actively maintain the content and upload new adventures promptly. It has been a great experience, and major plans exist for forthcoming episodes (including additional South America content). Our aspiration is reaching a Million YouTube Views someday (though that is likely quite distant).
***
I extend my gratitude to Mike and Katie for sharing insights into your adventurous lifestyle and home. I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your responses, yet one particular detail resonated deeply. I observed that Katie's most cherished recollection occurred precisely where she first contemplated giving up! What a profound lesson for me!
Despite my persistent encouragement for them to launch a blog, they currently do not have one. Nevertheless, a wealth of their adventure videos is available on their YouTube channel here.
Be advised, however, that their passion for adventure is highly infectious. It inspires even those who aren't typically adventurous (like myself!) to lace up hiking boots, conquer mountains, and wade through streams…
This particular video from their journey is my favorite. It holds even greater significance now after learning more 'behind the scenes' about it. I am truly happy you did not surrender, Katie. That luminous mountain is a truly magnificent location!
