the blog

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.

It’s Earth Day y’all! I’m proud to partner with my favorite hard kombucha makers, @flyingembersbrew, who are donating 100% of proceeds today to rewilding programs and natural disaster response nationwide through their nonprofit, the Embers Foundation.

We recently took off to a little gem of a hot springs camp in central Oregon. Our favorite highlights were spending time around the campfire, enjoying a few drinks from @flyingembersbrew, and soaking in the springs. #rethinkyourdrink

Exploring lost and untrodden canyons in the desert west. Feeling alone, yet as though there was a history of humans here.

Through the eons of time, vividly in sight through the layers of the earth.

Find a place with some room to breathe.

Out for a spooky little ridge scramble with my pal @chrisbrinleejr

Been on a seriously New Zealand vibes kick lately as this summer they are opening back up! Very ready to be in the land of the kiwi soon!

Climbing in many ways takes as much as you’re willing to give, cuts and scrapes, breaks and bruises. And when you love it, it returns the love in the friendships you make with those you quest into the vertical world with. @chrisburkard on a fun route in Yosemite Valley.