FAST FIVE Becca Russell enjoys a bird's-eye view

Meet Becca Russell, a 2015 Lakeland High School graduate who lives in Post Falls and works for Timberline Adventures in downtown Coeur d'Alene, where guests can sign up for a number of high-flying experiences awaiting them among the trees.

1) How did you get involved with Timberline Adventures, and what do you love about the job?

I have been working in the outdoor industry in one form or another for about six years now. A few years back I guided at a zipline in Montana and really enjoyed the position. That experience got me interested in working with Timberline Adventures once I moved back home to Coeur d’Alene. My favorite part about the job is simply being able to work outside every day. I love watching the landscape change with the seasons, every day bringing something new to notice. Additionally, I really appreciate the amazing community of employees here at Timberline.

2) Do you ever get scared being up that high, and how do you prepare your guests for the thrill?

Heights have never been an issue for me. In fact, I quite like heights. I have been an avid rock climber for the past seven years, so height exposure is something I seek out in both my personal and professional life. I love getting to see my surroundings from a different perspective. I know this is not the case for everybody, so I usually check in with my guests before the tour and try to get a feel for how comfortable everybody is with heights and whether or not this is something they’ve experienced before. I definitely use the gorgeous views as motivation for those feeling a bit skeptical.

3) Why should someone seek out this sort of high-octane adventure?

I believe it’s important for everybody to connect with nature in a playful way. It brings out the simplistic, childlike joy that can be hard to come by in ordinary day to day life. If people are feeling a little out of their element with extreme activities, such as ziplining, it’s all the more reason to pursue the experience. I am constantly impressed with people who show up incredibly nervous but end up conquering fears and loving every minute of it. You simply never know what you are capable of until you push yourself a little bit outside of your comfort zone.

4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Those who know me personally would know this, but it may come as a surprise to those those I’ve had the pleasure of guiding that I’m actually very introverted. On tour it’s easy to show my confident and quirky personality that usually only comes out around those I’m comfortable around. But I’m normally very quiet around people I don’t know. Somehow being outdoors and connected with nature brings out the confidence in me. I genuinely enjoy sharing my passions for outdoor recreation with others. Being in my element allows my true colors to fly a bit more freely than in other circumstances.

5) If you could have an adrenaline adventure anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?

There are two particular adventures that come to mind. I have always dreamed of rock climbing the limestone and stalactite cliffs overlooking the beautiful beaches of Thailand. Also, someday I hope to complete a big wall climb in Yosemite National Park. This involves climbing thousands of vertical feet over multiple days and sleeping in a suspended cliff side tent called a portaledge overnight.