Leader of the Day
"This is fun!" I thought to myself as I slowly, methodically, kicked steps into the loose gravel of the backside of Johnstone Pass. Behind me was a group of six- the 2024 WildGift fellowship cohort - each placing their feet exactly where I'd placed mine, trusting me to guide them safely to the bottom of the pass where the ground would once again feel solid underneath us. Descending Johnstone Pass. Photo by Jacinta Gordon. An exercise in "Leader of the Day", this was just one of the activities I'd need to coordinate and guide, culminating in a feedback session over dinner where I'd learn how the cohort felt about my leadership. Other leaders had made time for mindfulness and meditation sessions, stretch breaks, and songs...but on our last backcountry day, my only mission was getting us to the trailhead in time to meet our ride. There would be no stopping to soak in the sun. I restrained my enthusiasm and momentum with each step, only to look behind an