Greetings Fellow Adventurers

Topic 1 of 7: "Who am I?"

Last week I had the pleasure of seeing Victor Hugo's Les Misérables for the fifth time. Like all great works of art, each revisit offers new insights. In the story Jean Valjean embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he grapples with the fundamental question, "Who am I?" In one defining moment, he is faced with denying his criminal past (and thus catalyzing the imprisonment of an innocent man) or revealing his true identity (and being sent back to prison which would result in problematic times for all those who rely on him, including his employees). This existential crisis is a central theme, highlighting Valjean's pursuit of personal transformation as both he and the world change.

My own experience has shown me that self-discovery is at the heart of life's challenges and joys and that we all should be open to second chances. 

Check out previous newsletters.

Topic 2 of 7: 'Embracing Wellness' Conference

Join us for a free one day mini-conference on Enhancing Wellness

Date: November 11th 2023

Time: 9 AM to 5 PM

Location: University City Library, St Louis

Topics discussed: Framework from Peter Attia's book Outlive / Exercise / Mindfulness / Emotional health / Self-care.

Learn more and RSVP here

Topic 3 of 7: Books and a beverage:

'A Gentleman in Moscow' by Amor Towles

Wednesday November: 6:00 PM CT.  RSVP here

Join us for an engaging discussion of the ideas from the book A Gentleman in Moscow. We will meet at 6655 Delmar Blvd, University City, MO 63130. The goal is to share ideas and consider insights that can be draw from the story. Bring your preferred beverage and any snacks. After the book discussion, we plan go to a Delmar loop restaurant for a bite.

It is not necessary to have read the book to participate.

Topic 4 of 7: Hiking / Rucking in Forest Park

Join us for a hike/ruck. Hike at your pace and with like-minded people. Engaging discussion and high spirits are the guiding principles for these hikes. Free.

Sunday 10/22/2023 at 9 AM

Saturday 10/28/2023 at 10:30 AM

More in November - Info and rsvp here

Topic 5 of 7: Upcoming trips

1. Grand Canyon Camping

2. Zermatt Switzerland Ski trip

3. Total solar eclipse

4. 2024 Colorado alpine weekend

   More info

Topic 6 of 7: Member spotlight

Nick Eastridge

Nick Eastridge is author of two books about the Grand Canyon. His first book is On Foot Through the Grand Canyon. A short description is:

On October 1, 2019, Nick Eastridge set off from Lees Ferry to walk through Grand Canyon National Park, paralleling the Colorado River on its north side below the rim along its 277 mile length inside the park. Because cliffs often prevent a direct path along the river, the actual walking length was over 600 miles, most of it bushwhacking and scrambling off trail. After 72 days spread over three trips, Nick reached the western end of the Grand Canyon on October 7, 2021. This book is the story of the hike. 

You can find my review of his book here.

Topic 7 of 7: Once is Enough: Movie recommendation

Once Is Enough is a 2016 film about Jeffrey James Binney, a mommas boy, who was raised on a Missouri pig farm. When we was 33 his mother died and he decides to avoid his mother's fate by trying to run one of the world's most difficult 100-mile ultramarathons. The film was inspired by a quote from Mae West: "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough". 

If you enjoy comedy and have an appetite for something different, watch it free here

About us: MAC is a non-profit learning organization. We help members increase wellbeing with active outdoor exploration, life-time learning, like-minded community, and healthy habit development. It is a whole-person perspective built on the proposition that adventuring happens one step at a time and is most appreciated when done with other like-minded people.

Thanks for your interest in this MAC newsletter. Click here for previous newsletters.

Please let me know if you

• have anything you would like included in the next MAC newsletter

• would like to be added to the newsletter mailing list or you know of someone who would like to be added

I can be reached at Ron@MedallionAdventureClub.com or a text in MAC Slack. 

To Adventure

Ron King

Medallion Adventure Club