National Geographic – Innovators Project – Nick Watson: Bringing the Wilderness Solution to Vets
February 2, 2015 by Caroline
Last Spring, I shot a story, written by Mark Jenkins, for National Geographic online. The story is about Nick Watson, c0-founder of Veterans Expeditions, who was voted National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year in 2014. Watson spearheads the group, which teaches vets technical wilderness skills while building powerful community.
The goal of this two-day trip, was to get young vets prepped for an upcoming attempt on Denali. The first day the team focused on technical rope and rescue skills. The second day, we attempted to summit Mt. Sherman. Sadly, we had to turn around about 300 m. from the top due to weather. But the trip was a blast! At the end, I felt welcomed into this group of incredible individuals, even though I’m not a veteran. Trying hard in the mountains, in tough conditions, can break down all sorts of barriers. I love that!
As usual, Mark’s story is not to be missed! Please check it out! Good stuff. More photos here.

April 26, 2014 – Wild Bill in his domain, the Leadville Hostel, Leadville, Colorado.

April 26, 2014 – Nick Watson, National Geographic’s 2014 Adventurer of the Year, teaches technical rescue skills to young veterans during a Veterans Expeditions trip in Leadville, Colorado.

April 26, 2014 – Nick Watson, co-founder of Veterans Expeditions, teaches technical mountaineering skills to young vets.

April 26, 2014 – Nick Watson, National Geographic’s 2014 Adventurer of the Year, and the Veterans Expeditions team in Leadville, Colorado.

April 26, 2014 – Mark Jenkins, writer for National Geographic always taking notes, Leadville, Colorado.

April 26, 2014 – My calzone, High Mountain Pies, Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – The Vet Expeditions team at the base of Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Dave Lee, Vet Expeditions trip, Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.

April 27, 2014 – Nick Watson leads a Vet Expeditions team up Mt. Sherman, near Leadville, Colorado.
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