Maddie is known as, “The Trip Mom”. She is always watching out for the safety and well-being of everyone around her while utilizing a humorous and slightly sarcastic approach to suggestion. Her ability to maintain a seemingly endless level of enthusiasm does not go unnoticed. It has a positive, infectious effect which forces you to join in with her ensuing hysterical laughter. She always seemed to me smiling.

Maddie was incredibly knowledgeable of the Grand Canyon. Any question you had, she was quick to give you an accurate response. Her level of logistical organization and planning helped the trip keep in an exceptional level of fluidity. I always had confidence that Maddie would not only offer up a beneficial suggestion when the time was needed to figure stuff out, but also tag on a joke to follow. She always seemed to have a multitude of different camps filed away in her mind in case of last minute itinerary changes. Without Maddie, this trip would have certainly had a lowered level of humor and organization.

What is your definition of adventure?

"Embarking on an endeavor, whether it be recreational or travel-oriented, which facilitates the start of a journey. Also, letting go of expectations and not necessarily steering your journey in any particular direction. Allowing events to unfold that may catch you by surprise."

What does adventure mean to you? What does it mean to be adventurous?

"Embracing a lot of the elements from my definition. Whether that be physical, social, or psychological elements, any obstacle that challenges and forces you to learn from it. Another component is meeting victory with triumph or meeting mistakes without despair or frustration but instead with openness and a willingness to learn."