the blog

37 years, it seems like so long but also has flown by. As they go on, I find myself seeking out new things, new phases, but also being more content with settling in to my skin. Friends and family are more important than ever, and I am working on respecting and giving time to them. Life is a constant opportunity to learn and grow, and I’ll take those chances every time I can. Here’s to another year, and with smiles as big as I’ve had recently probably a couple more laugh lines.

On the coast of somewhere beautiful. Where is your favorite camp?

Sitting here with the Bugaboos on my mind. It’s the potential for more trips like these in the future that gets me out of bed and running up hills to train, using the hang board in Ruby between emails, and organizing life so that it can become a reality.

Just pulled this image of my pal @jamesbarkman out of the archives. Mountaineer, van dweller, and also a rad human who’s currently in Ukraine documenting the war. Glad to know you friend.

Finding perspective, out for a little stroll.

I met @stevendimmitt years ago at Smith Rock in Bend. Since then, he’s left his engineering job and started the @thenuggetclimbing podcast. Passions become pursuits, pursuits become life, moments become years. Proud of you pal, looking forward to climbing together again soon!

Valley life.

That Big Bro confidence. If ya know you know.

@jarettjuarez getting sendy. Always down for a laugh and a big smile, surround yourself with those that bring joy.

My friend @nathanandy founded @waltersky.co and taught me a thing or two about turquoise over the last few years. It’s been awesome to see the designs he’s come up with and the progress of the company. Proud to know so many great people pursuing their dreams!

I’m not sure what I expected when we left for Turkey. It hadn’t been on my radar as a destination, for no reason other than I didn’t know much about the place. Honestly I didn’t even do much research leading up to the trip, partly because life has been busy lately and partly because it’s great to give yourself the opportunity to be surprised by a place, by the culture, by the landscape. It was nearly still dark when the hot air balloon lifted off the ground, and soon we were silently drifting along, watching the sun rise and illuminate the beauty below and all around. I took a lot of film photos, and will be sharing more stories soon.

When considering a life well lived, what do we prioritize? Money, status, material possessions? How about experience, relationships, and service to others? Just a thought.

It’s a great day for a great day. While the early season was a bit lackluster on the fresh snow stashes, late season at Batchelor provided.
Heading out with @mateo_verde and @whitwhitehouse to take advantage of these deep days, @smithoptics sent out some of the new 4D lenses to test, and let me tell you that you don’t know how much you’re missing when you can’t see down out of your goggles. It’s a true game changer.
Check out the link in my bio for more.
@smithoptics #pursueyourthrill #sponsored

There’s only a handful of activities that have solidified relationships with my friends more than weekends out in the high lakes regions of the Pacific Northwest.
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Over the years I’ve been happy to have had the chance to dial in my backpacking kit, taking things from the necessary to the optional category, and to know that I’m leaving just the right amount behind.
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@backcountry has been supporting me through this journey, and I continue to gain insight through our partnership and through conversations with the Gearheads. As always, use code WILLIE15 for 15% off your first order. Exclusions apply. #findyourbackcountry

Coming up on canyon season folks. Who’s got an objective this year? Need a friend to join?

The beginnings of all plans begin for me with some level of aspiration. Some amount of “I want to be able to grow in this way” type of mindset. Not of conquering a thing, but of learning from it.

What makes a great camp spot?

Sky above, sea below. No land in sight, nothing on our hands but the time.