After 78 days in the Wilderness, Graham graduates from Open Sky. He said "I can't believe I'm actually done." This is one of the chief guru's at Open Sky, Norman. He leads the group meditation ceremonies and leads most of the major events at base camp.

Graham made some new friends. Students who go through this experience form a special bond with one another. His friend William also graduated on the same day. Pictured from left to right: William's brother (who attended graduation), William, Norman, Dustin (wilderness guide, therapist, and tracker), Graham, Dad.

Immediately upon leaving the trail head, Graham and William made a bee line to Dairy Queen in nearby Cortez, CO (about 30 miles from the base camp). They had cheese occasionally in the back country (packed in each week). But soy milk was the closest they came to any kind of liquid dairy. In general, they ate very well and were very well nourished.

Naturally, after a nice ice-cream dessert, we had to go to "Home Slice Pizza" in Durango, CO. Coke's and garlic knots as sides too!

Graham was so happy to get back into his favorite clothes: his old jeans, t-shirt, and Fred Perry hat. His music is like his "higher power." It was possibly what he missed the most for 78 days. His first night in a bed, at the "Rochester B&B." After a short break, he wanted to go outside and just be where the people are, and the cars, and the shops, and the bustle of civilization: Old Downtown Durango. We were tired, but still went to a late movie that night: "District 9."

Graham said, "Of all the therapists, counselors, teachers, and advisers, Ruben was the only one who really made an impact on me." This is Ruben Jimenez. His style and wisdom made a big impact on Graham. He came to have breakfast, and to wish Graham well in his next phase of life. He said: "the next two months are going to suck, no doubt, but it won't be anywhere as tough as what you just went through."