the blog

Anyone keen for a little walk in the mountains?

Still one of my favorite camping spots in Washington.

The open road is calling. Ruby has been in the shop getting a full makeover, and the process has been full of ups and downs. I can’t wait to be back on the road again soon, Baja is beckoning.

I’m realizing why the years are feeling like they are going faster and faster; and for me it’s because it’s becoming easier and easier to fill my time. Most of those times are meaningful, spent in nature or pursuing projects that are increasing my knowledge or skill. I’m also learning that there’s more to life than just the next goal or milestone, that each day has its own opportunity to be a day you look back on as an amazing day.

It’s truly hard to fathom all that has been happening in these “United” states the past days and years. We’ve seen violence beyond measure, double standards beyond comprehension, and division stemming to hatred. “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
Mother Teresa

On assignment with @backcountry on a trip that seems like ages ago.

Under the sea. Some days in Hawaii we would have to dive the anchor to make sure it was seated well. Don’t want the boat to float away ya know!

I’m not stuck you’re stuck.

Random person – “I’m sorry but could you reduce the amount of fun you’re having while climbing?”
Me – “Most likely not…”

Some places in the world just seem better than we could come up with in all of our imagination.

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of short shorts. Photo by @gregbalkin

When the hand jams are solid and the views go on for miles.

October 2015: I didn’t really know what The Bugaboos were back in 2015, I just happened to be in the area and wanted to go for a little solo walk up a steep hill, put up a tent, then… sit.

Find those people in life that will always push you to be more than you thought you could, then hold on for the ride.

Taking to the mountains has continuously provided my mind the space to be a better person when I’m at more reasonable elevations, so I will continue to spend time up here.

When the snow is deep, and the days are short.

Remember to slow down. Life’s fast enough as it is. All things happen in due time, like rivers through stone.

We have an impact everywhere we go, and while I believe that most van lifers and mobile warriors do their best to “leave it better than we found it”, sometimes places need a little more help. My friends @dometic and @conservationalliance have teamed up to donate $25,000 towards a restoration project to improve the places we play. Check out my story to read more about the project and see how we can make a difference each time we head out.