There's a Place for Wild Spaces

Taking a break while backpacking through Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

I’m back!!! The past two months have been so busy that I haven’t been able to pick up my camera much or even get outside and enjoy the mountains as I normally do. But now the smoke is finally clearing and I am gearing up for Spring and Summer travels. As my excitement is brewing I thought I would start by spotlighting Alaska since it has been such an integral part of my life for the last decade.

As I am planning my next Alaska adventure I realized I have only revealed a handful of my photos from last summer. So I am going to start finally showing off the many reasons why I think that 1) Alaska is one of the most special and incredible places on planet Earth and 2) why I think that you should visit Alaska at least once in your lifetime.

To accomplish this task I will be publishing new photos every week and highlighting different yet unique features of Alaska. It is truly one of the most wild places you could imagine. Although it’s becoming more and more difficult to find “true wilderness” for various reasons, mighty Alaska is a bastion of freedom in the form of places so remote that you can go for days or weeks without seeing another person. These places are so beautiful and hostile that they will take your breath away and force you to confront the thoughts and feelings stirring in the deepest confines of your primitive brain. Simply put, Alaska is the place where you WILL lose yourself and find yourself at the same time.

We as human beings need wild places like this to exist. Join me over the next several weeks as I guide you through America’s Last Frontier and hopefully inspire you to finally buy that plane ticket to Alaska!!!

“Sunset” behind Mt. Blackburn as viewed from the Kennicott Glacier, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, Alaska.

Reason for the Ski Season

Carly shredding with a big ol’ smile!

It is December 23rd, the eve before the eve of Christmas. This is one of the busiest days of the year. Just leave the house and go, well, anywhere. People are buzzing around shopping for last minute gifts, buying food for family gatherings and doing whatever else needs to be done before all of the holiday festivities begin tomorrow and will pretty much continue until New Year’s Day.

I try to avoid going anywhere in public on this day because it is complete chaos. There are simply too many people that are frantically trying to get what they need and go where they need to go at the last minute. This, unfortunately, causes a lot of stress and hurry that often seems to lead to frustration, anger and even nasty behavior.

Believe me, I understand. I really do understand. We all work hard, lead pretty hectic lives and have A LOT of responsibilities. And we all want to make sure that we have a happy, fun time on the holidays. So I encourage you all to slow down, take a deep breath and actively embrace the spirit of the holiday season. If you are in a hurry to get that last minute gift at Target, pause for just a second to hold the door open for the person behind you. If you need to get those last few food items at Trader Joe’s, please drive slowly in the parking lot to avoid hitting one of the hundreds of other very nice people who are walking or parking around you.

And regardless of how busy you likely are during the holidays, don’t forget to call up your friends or family and go outside for some exercise and fresh air. Trust me, you will feel so much more alive and in the holiday spirit after spending some time in the outdoors with your loved ones. Ski, hike, run, bike, walk or whatever your passion. It doesn’t matter, just GO.OUTSIDE!!!

And if you do happen to be a ski-o-phile like moi, then go hit the slopes or the backcountry with your friends. But when you do, don’t forget the most important thing. The reason for the ski season is to have fun, celebrate life with the people who mean the most to you and appreciate your good fortunes. Basically, shred that mountain wearing the biggest, brightest, happiest grin you can!!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS