Support Wes Hatz's High Sierra Expedition
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“The Mountains Are Calling, And I Must Go”
- John Muir
Hello, Fellow Adventurer!
Welcome to the fundraising and information page for my upcoming High Sierra Expedition – I’m excited you're exploring what we're up to!
WHY THE HIGH SIERRA?
The “High Sierra” is a 300-mile swath of the highest altitude of the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, packed with absolute, jaw-dropping beauty. This high country incorporates portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT), as well as extreme, remote backcountry travel. The area is widely-considered the most difficult, demanding, and rewarding terrain in the United States. This will not be a vacation. Rather, the 10-man team I’m part of this summer will be pressed and tested, pushed and challenged, and embarking on an experience designed to break us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually - all against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada wilderness. I will be a team member following a proven, comprehensive experiential leadership curriculum, jointly leading the entire team through every single angle of expedition travel. It will ask much energy, sweat, determination, perseverance, and commitment from each of us, and then toward the end it will give it all back, ten-fold.
THE CHASE (a men’s development/adventure/experience organization based in Columbus, OH) will be taking us way outside of any personal limit or comfort zone, with the express goal of building us up into men of self-awareness, purpose, direction, and unleashed potential. It’s an annual rite of passage that’s been proven over a 12-year period of unprecedented success.
We will be heading out to the High Sierra on a 150-mile journey over a course of 14 days. Each Monday evening, we prep physically (legs, back, core, and cardio) at a gym in Plain City. We will be prepping mentally and emotionally as the expedition launch date (June 25) nears. On the spiritual front, we’ve been told it’s impossible to prep for the breakthrough awaiting us.
WHY THIS EXPEDITION? WHY ME? WHY NOW?
We all want to win in this life. But most men never truly try to directly impact the trajectory of their future. Most men don’t make the moves and take the action that’s required to grow and thrive. All men die; few men every really live. I want to live fully alive. In short, I’m searching for myself. This opportunity with this team this year is something I simply cannot pass up. It offers all the challenge I know to my core that I need to get me to the next level as a man. This is no flash-in-the-pan, “mountain top experience.” Relying completely on my team while backpacking and climbing, I will return home after 17 days to accountability, camaraderie, mentoring, and community connections to fan the flame of all I encounter and grow from in the wilds. I plan to come home a changed and bettered man.
HOW MIGHT YOU HELP?
Only 3 members of our team have been to the Sierra Nevada previously. I’m responsible for my own courage and prep, but I’m humble enough to ask for the help I need with fundraising toward this experience. The expedition costs a total of $2,995. This includes all flights, shuttles, meals, lodging, permits, fees, instruction, guidance, and gear (except a sleeping bag, coat, trekking poles, boots, and clothing). I’ve managed to invest $500, but I need to get to the full total before we leave at the end of next month.
You are someone who I know believes in me. You believe in my potential, and who/what I can still grow to become. I see you as someone in my life who would want to walk beside me through this transformative journey. Thus, I am coming to you to ask for any financial support you might be able to give, and for your encouragement and prayers.
I am SO STOKED for this chance to push myself to the limits! To grow toward more of the man I know I am meant to be. I pray and hope you will choose to be a part of this opportunity alongside me - I sincerely want and need YOU to be there in spirit with me as my partner and fellow teammate.
If you are led to help me, you will be my fellow soldier out there - - as such, I would love for you to check-out the amazing organization I’m headed out west with for yourself: www.WeAreTheChase.com.
Also, there's a short video below that gives a glimpse of this expedition - I hope you will watch it (turn up the volume!), and then prayerfully consider joining me as a teammate on this expedition!
With Relentless Gratitude, Wes Hatz
Linked Video (2014 High Sierra Expedition):
Organizer
Westley Hatz
Organizer
Northfield Township, MI