Karla Weidner

I’ve visited so many amazing natural places all over the world, but I’ve always had a wild obsession with Glacier National Park. It’s all based on pictures I once saw in National Geographic when I was just a kid. With the climate changing, I want to be sure to experience those majestic glaciers before they’re are all gone!

I helped patrol a Costa Rican beach at night to protect nesting leatherback sea turtles from poachers. By the light of the Milky Way, I got to experience the magic of a giant leatherback crawling out of the ocean to build a nest and lay her eggs on the beach. It was a deeply moving experience, almost spiritual. The eggs were then collected for transport to a safe location for incubation. Knowing I played a part in helping preserve this highly endangered species is something I’m very proud of.

Of course I’d use $10,000 for more adventures! Solo travel is part of my healing journey, and I am learning to love living life on my own terms. I am in my happy place when on the trails and connecting to something greater than myself. I want to continue doing more conservation work, and there are so many wonderful national parks out West I’ve yet to explore. But I need $$ and reliable transport to make that happen.