I’d like to catch you up with what I’ve been up to and tell you about my newest ADVENTURE - where I’m heading in the spring. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Appalachian State and then moved back home and have been working as a baker at OWL Bakery in West Asheville.

I’m heading out for an adventure this spring and I want to take you along with me! I will be a river rafting guide for the next two seasons on the Rio Grande and Rio Chama rivers in New Mexico, working for the New Mexico River Adventure Company. I’ll be staying on base in a tent – roughing it after the comforts of home and a sweet house I rented in West Asheville this past year.

I’m looking to purchase a vehicle that will allow me to have some flexibility and mobility to get out of camp so that I can take advantage of the wonders of the southwest making day or weekend trips to Petrified Forest, Four Corners, the Grand Canyon, etc. I want a vehicle I can sleep in and camp in and that will last me for 5 -10 years or so until I’m out of grad school/continued education and wanting to settle a bit more.

I’ve heard from many of you over my formative years, that no one gets ahead in life all on their own. I believe this life takes a village and I am calling upon mine! This is YOUR chance to help me experience the country, and explore the gorgeous canyons, rivers, and landscape of the West before I park myself on more permanent land to call home.

I have some savings and a dear family member willing to match everything I raise, dollar for dollar, towards a vehicle purchase. I’m looking for something like a Ford Transit, Flex, Subaru, or a truck with a covered bed. Here’s how you can help –

1. Donate using this link to my GoFundMe page. Every dollar you donate will be matched – so if you gift me $100 – it turns into $200!!

2. Send photos/ads my way in the Asheville area of vehicles that you think would work. Or if you have one you’d like to gift me – I’m open to that too!

3. Send me your favorite places to visit within 5 hours of Sante Fe, NM.

Here’s what you’ll get from helping me launch this new adventure – a guided hike or river excursion if you come and see me; photos of your favorite places that you’ve recommended when I visit them; and the pleasure of knowing that I am building memories of a lifetime and skills for the future.

I dream that we may all journey towards what brings us the most joy. This is the direction I am taking, and with my sincerest gratitude, you will have had a hand in that success.

" I am embodied, I am empowered, I am ecstatic"

Ethan Sisser

All my love,

Cyrus