Larry Wells Reports From Retirement

Retirement? Isn't that the American dream? Since selling Wilderness Quest in 2005 to have some time to travel and do things I wanted to do, I'm finding myself doing everything but that. In talking to other "retirees", I don't think I'm alone in the fantasy. Growing children and grandchildren spreading all over the country seem to dictate "travel" plans. Taking care of an aging mother and sister with Alzheimer's limit the things we've been able to do. Doesn't sound that appealing, or like what I thought I would be doing, but in many ways, it is exactly what we preached at Wilderness Quest.......family first, guard your relationships, live without regret.

Since many people have asked me about Wilderness Quest, my answer is: I have no answer since neither myself, Karen nor Anngela have any involvement with the current Wilderness Quest. We have left that behind us, even though we all miss working with the families and students. Many families still contact us, send cards and emails, and talk to Karen on facebook (I haven't mastered facebook... yet). Just last week three past students/family members from the late 80's contacted us, one to see where to send their child. Since we "retired" we have had many past students/family members contact us. Some call to find a place for other family members or to discuss what they can do to help someone. Some call to get out of the insanity they find themselves in. Some call just to check in. We always enjoy hearing from them and hearing what they are up to.

I am on the San Juan County Search and Rescue Team and conduct a yearly training session for them along with the searches and medical evacuations. I do consultant work and have done some expert testimony. I am in the process of converting my workbooks for use by the general public. The workbook BRINGING LOVE HOME and the corresponding CDs for families and parents is complete and I hope to finish the SOBRIETY WORKBOOK in the next couple of months. (I have been saying this for a couple of years now).

I still love the wilderness and getting out. Currently I work part-time for San Juan County, interviewing folks and documenting the road use in San Juan County to try and save a few roads for us old retirees to jeep and ATV. While I have hiked more miles than 99.9 % of the folks trying to close some of these roads, (in the "old days" we hiked 300 to 400 miles per 30 day program and I did that for 4 to 6 months out of the year, for many years) I find I need an ATV to do much distance any more, so I have taken on this road project. I use to advocate for the healing attributes of wilderness for troubled kids....now I advocate for the healing attributes and access for geezers!

I worked this summer for the Dugout Ranch repairing water troughs and doing fencing on some springs. I learned my almost 70 year old body does not do well at extended 20 year old body work, but was able to get it done and enjoyed being out for the 4 weeks it took to finish the projects.

I enjoyed the time spent with Will White on his PhD project, recording the history of "Wilderness Therapy". It was very interesting to hear the different perspectives and paths the "pioneers" had traveled. I have had several folks tell me I should write about the "early years" but have not developed the ambition yet. I am glad Will did what he did so it is recorded for my family.

While I miss working with the students, especially the young adults, I am glad I don't have to deal with the current land agencies and their new regulations, licensing regulations, entitlement issues, and the heavier drug use. In the Spring and Fall, I do medical evacuations and some resupplies for NOLS (Northwest Outdoor Leadership School), and in fact, did an evac yesterday. Even NOLS, (not treatment oriented) is changing because of the sense of entitlement many students have. As in many wilderness programs, some of my evacs are not "real" but must be to prevent liability issues.

Recently I was talking with a friend about doing programs. I told him I do not believe I could operate in the US and do what I know needs done to jerk folks socks up (now known as intervention) when they are addicts in denial with heavy long term drug use. For now, I'll keep "traveling" (with 9 kids and 30 grandkids thats a lot of traveling....), and getting out whenever I can. It's not exactly the retirement I dreamed of, but it works.

Did I mention a great grandchild is on the way?