The Great Outdoors

Hello there, my name is Mark F. Costello the Third but ever since a baby I’ve been called Mac. I was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, New York an area rich in natural beauty and full of health, history and horses. I take great pride in my hometown and love living so close to the pristine Adirondack Mountains, where many of my most precious memories stem from.

“The core of mans' spirit comes from new experiences.” a quote from my favorite book Into the Wild

Ever since I was a child I have been exploring the great outdoors with my family, many nights spent camping on Lake George. I started Boy Scouts young and I believe this was one of the best decisions my parents have made for me. The scouts trained me in all aspects of outdoor living and wilderness survival. As well my scout masters taught me rules and moral laws to live by, I took them to heart and growing up I always remembered a scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, Reverent, and my troop added thankful to the end.

Each of my scout leaders were true gentlemen, real role models and that’s how I plan to live the rest of my life and eventually teach my kids. Nowadays there is sometimes a negative stigma associated with Scouting, I remember when I was young some of my friends were called “losers” or “gay” for being a scout. I admit as a kid I did think some of the ceremonies we lame, and dressing up in the full scout get up wasn’t my favorite but those weren’t the reasons why I stuck with it.

I kept with it for the adventure, for the white water rafting, the 50-mile hikes, the 70-mile canoe trips and most of all for the summit views. When you defeat a 10,000 foot mountain there is no better feeling of accomplishment then standing on the edge and seeing the land for thousands of miles in all directions, feeling the cool constant breeze dry the sweat from your face as the close sun keeps you warm and realizing just how small you are in this huge world. I bet any skier, snowboarder or hiker in the room will agree that this view does the mind and body good, and everyone should experience a summit view at least once.

I was awarded the seven-year rounder when I was 16 meaning I went camping at least once every month for seven years in a row. Living in the mountains is second nature to me and I prefer it to any city. Actually I hate being in a crowded city for more than an afternoon. Now I travel all over the northeast with my friends, finding the most beautiful spots we can and making them ours just for a few nights, then leaving without a trace.

                        Thank you