. "You learn skills that otherwise you wouldn't have the money or the experience to learn. Most of the trips I went on I found hard to organize myself. I'd have to deal with permits, climbing equipment, safety issues rafting supplies, etc. I was never put in a situation where I had to worry about my own safety.  Neither was there ever a moment when I didn't have a person to support me if I was tired, or help me out with setting up a tent, packing or lending me a spare sweater."    

    Jane Shamaeva  former student of Derek's