Kelly Ashton

Connect What national park do you dream of visiting?

This is difficult to answer, because my real dream is to see them ALL. However, I do dream immensely of seeing Sequoia National Park, because I am big lover of trees. And, oh those magnificent, ancient, wise trees. The stories they could tell. What majesty and grandness, what a testament to how incredible life on this planet can be! To hike and camp amongst those whispering giants would be an honor and life changing, of course.

What has been your favorite adventure experience?

Hiking the very steep, cold and windy climb up Acatatenango and camp, watching De Fuego, a very active volcano in Guatemala, erupt all night and through sunrise. The hike was brutal and the weather was bad enough that the guide of our small, 5-person party, nearly decided to turn us back. I was the only American, amongst all strangers (who quickly became friends) but watching De Fuego, up close and personal, erupt throughout the frigid night was the most awe inspiring thing I’ve ever beheld.

What would you do with $10,000?

I would finally, finally get back in to school for wildlife ecology, my first ever dream career, and would pursue my passion to professionally explore, research, and help preserve our wild creature neighbors, and their ecosystems. I would use my current art degree to create beautiful pieces along the way, with the goal of inspiring others to care about this beautiful, precious planet and all of her inhabitants.