the blog

I’ve been dreaming about being on this river since I first got a small taste of it on a Packraft trip a few years back. That desire was fully reinvigorated this summer after reading The Emerald Mile, when I started ambitiously entering the Grand Canyon lottery. Little did I know my winning ticket wasn’t going to be from the lottery, but through my friends. Getting a text asking if I could come on this trip was a thrill, but also made me second guess if I could actually paddle sections of this river. Here’s to taking chances and learning new skills.

Van living New Zealand edition. In my opinion traveling out of a van is the best way to see most places. It allows you to bring more gear so you can do more of the activities, and it brings you a little closer to the local vibe. You can stop in the small towns and little hole in the wall fish and chips food trucks that tours might miss. It also is generally more economical, especially when you go with friends. Backpacks, camping gear, coffee making supplies (obviously), and a few good books always make their way with me on international trips. The other, arguably most important thing to bring, is friends. I love traveling alone, but dang it’s great to experience a place with people you love.
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I am partnering with @backcountry to keep encouraging you to get outside and find your backcountry, wherever that may be. Use code WILL15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com! (exclusions apply ) #findyourbackcountry

Hi friends. I’ve been thinking a decent amount about this little app lately. About the good that I’ve seen come from it, but also the bad. It’s really hard to have one without the other, so I suppose the question is can we outweigh the bad with the good, and I think the answer is yes. But it comes with intention. The intention of trying to bring joy and support to one another, in all the ways we need it. Is it a big ask, sure, but I’d rather give it a go than sit back idle and wait for the collapse. So for now, I’ll leave you with this dad joke that actually works best when written down: Why isn’t camouflage spelled

The vibe is strong with this one.

Fun fact: mountains are more fun with friends. Life happens fast, but certain places help us slow down. Let’s not forget why we go outside, why we prioritize self improvement; for with self improvement we can begin to improve the world.
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For me climbing and growth go hand in hand. I can’t imagine one without the other. Climbing gear or camera gear, it is all a piece of the puzzle that creates these moments for me to share here.
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I am continuing to partner with @backcountry in hopes to encourage you to get outside and find your backcountry, wherever that may be. Use code WILL15 for 15% off your first purchase at backcountry.com! (exclusions apply ) #findyourbackcountry

Hiking into Narnia with mr @gregbalkin I’m really hoping to make New Zealand 2022 a possibility. Get ready @stephwrighttt @kelseykobasick @thefunhog @dirtbagdarling @briannamadia

I still feel like last year’s sailing trip was one of the most important things I’ve done in my adult life, really setting the stage for things to come. It made me realize more about who I am, and the things I have to be thankful for. One of those things is the friendship that I developed in such a deep way with Captain Eric. Thank you, see you soon.
@nomadixco

Day 26 of 30 #broncosport_ambassador Of all the parks that we have visited, I think the park that surprised me the most was Custer. The Black Hills area of South Dakota is stunning, seeing herds of bison roaming the plains, and then driving 30 minutes north and being among these incredible granite spires, which offer some really sporty climbing was a real treat. #statesofadventure

Day 22 and 24 of 30 #broncosport_ambassador While it has been great to explore many parks that I’ve never been to before, it was also a very special feeling to ‘come home’ to a couple of state parks that I visit regularly and have a deep place in my heart. Jedediah Smith and Smith Rock state parks have been a part of my travels for years now, one being the first place I ever experienced the Redwoods and the other being the place I learned to climb. A little playing in the big trees and a little rocks climbing, it’s good to feel at home. #statesofadventure

As above and so below, we seek growth in the mountains; learning to push ourselves, learning to respect your fellow mountain goers, to respect the mountains.

Day 17 of 30 #BroncoSport_Ambassador Valley of Fire state park lived up to its name, HOT, but also beautiful in its geology, it’s history, and fauna. The essence of a road trip are all the little moments that come in these places, a long road ahead, the unexpected friends made. #statesofadventure

The feeling of flight, when the sails are trimmed just right, you have found your direction, in line and on time.

Hi. It’s me, Willie. For folks who are new here, nice to meet y’all. For those who’ve been around for a bit, thanks for putting up with me. Life’s got a funny way of shaking itself up and keeping you on your toes. Don’t take it for granted, it comes at you fast and seems to speed up as we go.

Sunsets and summits get me all sorts of giddy.

Mt Shuksan on Fuji 400 film. Looking at this photo now makes me want to head back here in the winter, camp up high, and try for a summit ski descent. Anyone keen? #35mm

Reminiscing on some great trips over the years, this particular climbing trip to a distant village in Western China. Goal for the fall: shove my hands and feet in lots of cracks.

Day 13 of 30. #BroncoSport_Ambassador We’ve had the privilege to get out and try some new activities, but of course @maizalimarock and I were stoked to get out and get some climbing in! This classic route in Mt Magazine State Park, Arkasas, made for an epic morning start, and then capped the day off riding trails with new friends in Mt Nebo State Park. Nothing like a good multi sport day! #statesofadventure

Giddy up buttercup