Nature is a wonderful thing. For most people, it’s the perfect escape from everyday life troubles. And for some, it’s the solution to them.
Garrett Eaton is one of those people. A war veteran who struggled with trauma and addiction after returning from combat, he was heading down a dark path. Then he found Desolation Canyon, Utah, and the Green River. Introduced to the region through a river guiding program for veterans, Eaton found peace floating down the scenic waterway.
“This place saved my life in a lot of ways,” he said. “In fact, it really did save my life.”
His story is told in the short film “Return from Desolation,” one of 10 films to be shown at the SYRCL Wild and Scenic Film Festival Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Heartwood Center. And it’s a reminder how important wild places are for our mental and emotional well-being.
Through the beautiful scenes of Desolation Canyon, we witness how Eaton reclaimed his life and family through his newfound peace. We see the contentment on his and his family’s face as they talk about their journey over the years. And we learn how he balances his in the North Dakota oil fields with his part-time job in the wild.
Tickets are almost sold out for the SYRCL Wild and Scenic Film Festival, a celebration of FSPW’s 15th anniversary. So if you want to see “Return from Desolation” and other terrific films like it, be sure to buy tickets today. Early tickets are $15 and available online or through Eichardt’s, Outdoor Experience and La Chic Boutique.