The Much’ Kanan K’aax reserve is located in the Mayan jungle and covers 1,230 hectares of land in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The name is a Mayan expression meaning “Together we take care of the jungle”. More than 200 Mayan community members own and take care of the land. Each member is expected to do their part to ensure the health of the jungle, while earning a viable income from the land. It is sectioned off into various areas used for chicle tree farming, honey cultivation, ecotourism, agriculture, reforestation and conservation. It is a source for the community to make a living. The hope is to one day certify the area for sale of carbon credits, with the assistance of REDD+. The program’s expressed focus is to slow climate change by paying communities to stop deforestation and maintain forest lands like Much’ Kanan K’aax. There is uncertainty on how this program would help, but the community hopes to create a balance in maintaining a tradition of respect for the forest while obtaining a profitable outcome.

On one of my last nights in Kauai Janette took me to Polihale State Park. We went on Halloween night. A time when some believe the line between our world and the spiritual world becomes its thinnest. We decided to camp and I’ve never seen so many stars.

A cluster of stars created a rip in the sky which traveled to the other side of the sand dunes that surrounded our tent. We decided to head to the beach and see where this rift ended. At the end of the horizon a green glow beamed like portral way. According to author Agnes “Aggie” Marti-Kini His Holiness the Dalai Lama wanted to visit Polihale because it is where souls leave for the next world.

It surely seemed that way.

I went to my friend Andy’s property in Plain, Washington during Oktoberfest a couple weeks ago. On the way back home we took the scenic way through a valley. I am forever grateful for growing up in such a beautiful place. Welcome fall, I missed you.

Here are the last of the series. These are athletes who stood out in multiple sports throughout the year.