Q&A with Karen Lee
How did you end up in Wyoming?
It sounds cheesy, but my soul was drawn to this wild, empty state. My spirit of adventure comes from my grandparents: all four of them were immigrants, each moving to a whole new country without knowing anyone there. Their zest for adventure was quadrupled in me.
Do you have any pets?
Oh yes! My husband, son, and I are pet people! At the peak, we had 3 Rouen ducks, 2 parakeets, a dog, a cat, and a box turtle. We also have had a green anole, hermit crabs, fish, and tadpoles we caught and raised until they turned into frogs (and then released them where we collected them). Currently, we have the box turtle, a cat, and 2 dogs. Our son’s kitty (our grand-cat) also visits now and then.
Morning Habit: Coffee or tea?
Neither! I go on a walk!
I watch the sun rise almost every single day and marvel at the beauty of the changing light and dance of colors across the earth and sky. I experience all sorts of weather, from gentle summer mornings to harsh winter conditions with blowing snow and wind chills of minus 44˚F.
Although the number of miles I walk has grown over time (currently I go about 7), I’ve taken these daily walks for over 35 years—that’s a lot of sneakers and hiking boots! My morning walks connect me to God, to nature, and to myself.
Favorite Color?
Yellow and blue, followed closely by pink. (Does anyone have just one favorite?!)
What are your hobbies?
Hiking, camping, and going on adventures with my husband and son (and the dogs, when possible). I have two favorite trips so far.
Favorite Trip 1. In 2016, we made a 200-mile trek into the Wind River Mountains (with our dogs), much of it off trail at or above 10,000 feet. We were resupplied 2 times via pre-arranged pack-horse outfitters, but we ourselves didn’t leave the wilderness for 26 days and rarely saw other people. I didn’t want it to end!
Favorite Trip 2. In 2018, we climbed Aconcagua, the highest point outside the Himalaya. It was a real expedition, with base camp at just over 14,000 feet and the peak at 22,837 feet. The journey took 16 days, as we acclimated and waited for a good weather day for our summit push. Proud point: we didn’t have a professional guide! (Our son was our guide!)
Other things I love: the sky, flowers, trees, watching wildlife, snorkeling, traveling, and taking pictures.
What are three things you couldn’t do without?
1. My faith. God is the core of my existence.
2. My family. My husband and son are the most important people in my life; when I’m with them, no matter where we are, I am home. And I am content.
3. Walks in Nature. If I can’t get outside in nature, away from “society” (manmade things and a lot of people), I go bonkers. Even when I’m stuck in a city, I need time to walk where I can at least see the sky.
