Aron Ralston, SUWA Slide Show

Last night Jared S. and I sat in a small University of Utah auditorium with approximately 100 others and listened to Aron Ralston recount his incredible survival story that left him with no choice but to shatter and amputate his own arm. After six days of being trapped by a dislodged chock stone an epiphany provided him the solution for escape.

Earlier this summer I read Aron Ralston's book "Between a Rock and a Hard Place". I had been searching the library's mountaineering section hoping to learn something new, and there it was. A similarity I share with Aron is my passion for the outdoors and a frequent theme of adventuring alone. However, I must say that my adventures pale in comparison to the accomplishments and follies he has experienced in the outdoors. I am not going to rehash the contents of his book and details of his story. The book is readily available for those who wish to read it. What I will say is that I was very inspired, both by his passion for the outdoors and by the value that he placed on his relationships with family and friends. While trapped in the canyon he used a digital camcorder to record his goodbyes and regrets. It really made me think of what is important in my life, and contemplate what I can do to show more gratitude to those I care about. Much of his book and his speech focused on this topic.

The presentation was sponsored by the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. There was a push to get people involved in the organization and fight to protect Utah's rich geology and wilderness. The proceeds of the event and the book sale were donated to the groups efforts. Aron has been very noble in using his incidental fame to raise awareness and funds for environmental issues.

After the riveting story I shook Aron's remaining hand and had him sign my copy of his book. The entire experience was very moving.