For some people, one huge adventure is enough to hang your hat on. For Erica Nelson, it’s only the beginning.

On this week’s episode of Peak Northwest, we hear from the Portland fire captain who balances her time with an incredible array of global adventures, from ice climbing to bikepacking and international motorcycle excursions.

For Nelson, the adventuring hasn’t been an escape, exactly, but a practice that helps inform her work as a firefighter, offering confidence to help fight against the doubts that have popped up throughout her career.

Here are some highlights from this week’s show:

• Firefighting hasn’t been an easy career for Nelson, who has faced physical and emotional challenges.
• As a female fire captain in Portland, Nelson is in rare company.
• Nelson’s list of personal adventures is full of incredible accomplishments.
• What is she doing after retirement? Adventuring, of course.

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