Idaho is one of those sleeper states. It seems like folks don’t often bring it up in conversation when talking about the best of this, or the coolest of that. But let me tell you, it may just be a best kept secret. It’s known for it’s jagged Sawtooth Mountains, hot springs and a Mormon or two. But it’s much, much more.
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Four parking tickets or violations I received on a two-week drive through southern California, USA. My only crime? Living in my van. Not parked illegally.
Patriotism vs. Reality: The Need for Honest Critique
This blog challenges the notion of American exceptionalism, uncovering the dark truths behind U.S. support for oppressive regimes in places like Gaza and Vietnam. I encourage informed political dissent and emphasize the importance of holding our government to higher standards. Embrace the discomfort, do your research, and let's have an honest conversation about America's true impact on the world.
Read MoreExploring an Abandoned Uranium Mine
If there’s one thing you should know about the Four Corner states and the 1950s & 60s, it’s Uranium Fever. There are old mines for the material everywhere.
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Playing in the water as the sun sets over the lake. There’s nothing better than a rope swing in the summer.
Pups and SUPs - A Montana Adventure
Two summers ago, I approached Hala SUP Gear about shooting photos for their marketing. They were in need of some shots & we worked out an agreement. I spent time that summer chasing cool pictures with the SUP on some of the best water I could find. This is one of those adventures.
Read MoreFriendship - Forged by Fire: Part III
It can be easy to take for granted the sense of community built in the fire world until it’s abruptly taken away. Part of the job of being a wildland firefighter is that for many, the gig is a 6-month commitment and then we’re let go. From 100 to zero in an instant. And that can be hard.
Read MoreFriendship - Forged by Fire: Part II
In July, I had the privilege of joining a type 2 throw-together crew for a two-week fire assignment to Montana. These temporary crews are a 20-person handcrew with a mix of individuals from each district on the forest. An excellent time to meet new people in your profession & forge new friendships.
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Will makes the sloping cut of his Humboldt-style face cut while doing project work.
Friendship - Forged by Fire: Part I
It can be incredibly difficult to step out of your comfort zone, into the unknown. The hardest part about any change can be starting over. That’s something this blog series will explore as I step into a new crew, on a new forest, in a new region.
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An Open Letter to Those Who Will Listen
Below is a letter I’ve sent to multiple senators & representatives on behalf of Wildland Firefighters, currently recognized as Forestry Technicians.
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The Yager Lookout Tower sits abandoned, left exposed to the element as time does its dirty work.
Lookout Towers of Eastern Montana
They beckon back to the days of old, when the forests & grasslands were watched, the hard way. Dedicated individuals would sit atop high towers on mountain tops or simply tall hills to keep an eye out for fires.
Read MoreRubberTramp Rendezvous - Van Party in the Desert
Every winter, thousands of nomads descend upon Quartzsite, Arizona for two-three weeks of connection, campfires & camping under the stars. The RubberTramp Rendezvous (RTR) draws a vast array of individuals & lots of sweet vans, trucks & DIY homes on wheels.
Read MoreFire on the Mountain
Often with fires on my district, we tend to get stuck in some drainage with limited views, darkness & the ensuing morning light arrive without fanfare. This most recent fire however was the complete opposite.
Read MoreMy First Major Commercial Shoot: Nissan
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to work with Nissan as they launched the opening of a new dealership in Cleveland, TN. I was charged with capturing images of the brand in recognizable places around the Cleveland/Chattanooga region, while leveraging my personal followings to build hype.
Read MoreFour Lakes? Or Was It Five?
During the fire season, we often spend hundreds of hours hiking packs, saws, supplies all over the woods, fighting fires, clearing trails, doing project work. So often times going backpacking “just for the fun of it” loses its luster. But it’s important to get out, explore, photograph & experience some nature just for yourself.
Read MoreView of the ranger office from the East
Diving Into Forest Service History at Beaver Creek
The Beaver Creek Ranger Station was built in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It includes a historic ranger residence, office and barn/shop/garage. In 1993, it officially made the National List of Historic Places for its unique Craftsman/Bungalow-style architecture.
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Jon Carnill tends to the fire & his beer on a starry Tucson evening.
Buddy in Town
A few months ago, I convinced a fellow Forest Service buddy of mine to come down to Tucson to hang for a day or two. I first met Jon Carnill when I worked for the FS summer of ‘18. We spent our time hunting down cool hikes, chilling by creeks, making bonfires & just shooting the shit about life in general. It was a grand time.
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Breakers & Entering
Recently, I visited the abandoned both beloved & hated waterpark, Breakers, outside Tucson, AZ. Opened in 1982, the waterpark fell on hard times & was shuttered in early 2018. Reasons for its closure included a park riddled with maintenance problems, health & ethical problems (like the minimum wage increasing) & falling attendance.
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Connor casts his line across the still waters of Rose Canyon Lake
Cast a Line at Rose Canyon Lake
On a remarkably crisp, clear February day, my friends CJ & Connor decided it would be fun to play a little hooky from work, head up Mt. Lemmon & try our luck at fly fishing at Rose Canyon Lake. As we unfolded out of the car & made the short walk to the lake, we realized we were in for a treat: we were its only visitors.
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Montana to Utah
Every year as fire season come to a close, we are laid off & kicked back out into the world. After 6 months of being told exactly when & where to be nearly every second, it’s like a breath of fresh air. Trust me, I fully enjoy my job & the structure that comes with it, but being able to dance around the country has also been a passion of mine.
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Journey of a Lifetime
Two summers ago, I embarked on a journey of a lifetime. One that I knew would change the direction of my life forever. I was walking away from everything.
Read MoreHorse Thief Cave & Jumping the Sun
This summer, it’s important to remember that even though fire season is in full swing, you can still find micro-adventures close to home.
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