Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
John Dellenback Dunes
A solo hike through the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area along the John Dellenback Trail. From dense coastal forest to open sand and a quiet stretch of Pacific shoreline, this route delivers constantly changing terrain, challenging footing, and surprising solitude.
Harris Beach and Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor
From a quiet morning at Harris Beach to hiking the Indian Sands Trail in the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, this stretch of the Oregon coast delivers nonstop views. Short hikes lead to cliffside overlooks, natural arches, and rugged shoreline. A practical look at what to expect, where to stop, and which trails are worth your time.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove and Fern Canyon
From towering redwoods to a hidden canyon carved by water, this day along California’s north coast delivered one unexpected moment after another. A chance encounter led to Fern Canyon, where moss-covered walls and flowing water create a surreal landscape. The day ended at Gold Bluffs Beach, watching waves glow in the setting sun.
Bodega Bay, CA
What started as a quick stop at Bodega Head turned into a full day on the cliffs. Between the wildflowers, coastal views, shifting light, and even a sheriff’s helicopter training exercise, this stretch of coastline delivered far more than expected. It felt like a reset after a rough month and a reminder of why I’m out here in the first place.
Valley of Fire State Park
I spent the day hiking Natural Arch Trail and Rainbow Vista Trail in Valley of Fire State Park, navigating deep sand, red rock washes, and hidden sandstone arches. In eighty-degree heat, the solitude of Natural Arch contrasted sharply with the crowds at Rainbow Vista. A bighorn sheep sighting and an evening drive toward Cathedral Gorge rounded out a long desert day.
Chiricahua National Monument AZ
I hiked the Echo Canyon Loop in Chiricahua National Monument on a perfect spring day. The Grotto, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs trails wind through towering rhyolite columns, balanced boulders, and pine forest. A narrow canyon crossing, a quiet moment with a horse, and nearly four hours on the trail made this one of my favorite Arizona hikes.
Saguaro National Park
I hiked Wasson Peak in Saguaro National Park’s western district via King Canyon and the Hugh Norris Trail. Eight miles, mostly uphill, through dense stands of saguaro cactus, early desert wildflowers, volcanic ridges, and wide Sonoran Desert views. The climb was hard, the summit expansive, and the conversations along the trail unexpected.
Puebloan Ruins, Dino Tracks, and Valley of the Gods
A quiet morning in Blanding, UT led to a full day across deep time—Ancestral Puebloan ruins at Butler Wash, dinosaur tracks preserved in ancient stone, and a slow drive into the Valley of the Gods. I photographed cliffs, towers, and stars, and spent the night alone among formations that asked nothing and offered everything.
Arches National Park - Day 2
A calm winter morning at Devils Garden Campground leads to an unhurried hike to Landscape Arch, conversations with other photographers, a slow afternoon in Moab, and a silent overnight stay on BLM land near Canyonlands National Park.
Red Butte Garden and Arboretum
Today was one of those get-ready-for-what’s-ahead days. After a workout, coffee, and lunch, I spent the afternoon hiking the muddy winter trails at Red Butte Garden, photographing snow-covered plants and lingering color, before turning in early for a ski day at Solitude.
Red Cliffs National Conservation Area Utah
The day after Christmas started quietly in southern Utah, with an early shuttle run to St. George and a stop for pastries in Hurricane. A plan to hike to Babylon Arch near Leeds took an unexpected turn when soft sand and washed-out roads left us stuck—briefly—before search and rescue rolled through and pulled us out minutes later.
Martin Guitar Factory & More
From watching frets installed by hand at the Martin Guitar Factory to carefully navigating an icy trail at Trexler Nature Preserve, the day unfolded as a mix of precision, patience, and quiet observation. It ended simply and comfortably in the Cabela’s parking lot in Hamburg — one of those rare places where a long day of exploring wraps up without complication.
Harpers Ferry - Day 2
I started my day near Harpers Ferry, grabbed breakfast in Charles Town, then hiked the Maryland Heights Loop—the steep climb, the fort, and the overlook were worth every step. After lunch at The Rabbit Hole and watching a freight train blast through town, I caught sunset at Antietam and ended the night quietly at Planet Fitness.
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks
I woke to fog and rain in the Monongahela National Forest and set out for Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. After exploring the summit’s alpine forest, I continued to Seneca Rocks for a steep hike, sweeping mountain views, and unexpected conversations about shutdowns, miners, and the strength of small mountain towns.
Falls of Hills Creek & Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
From steep trails and roaring waterfalls to quiet bogs preserved since the Ice Age, this stretch of the Monongahela National Forest reveals a wilder side of West Virginia. I hiked the three falls at Hills Creek, wandered the boardwalk through Cranberry Glades, met a few unusual characters, and ended the day camped high on Route 150 under a glowing fall sky.
Red River Valley
I camped at Koomer Ridge in the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the few out in the cool, rainy weather. The day took me from a steep climb to Kentucky’s largest natural bridge to a kayak tour through the flooded tunnels of an old limestone mine. I ended the loop drive near Morehead after passing through narrow mountain roads and a one-lane tunnel cut through stone.
Blue Heron Mine / Trail
I stayed a few days at Bear Creek Horse Camp in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, then hiked the Blue Heron Loop Trail. The 6.5-mile path winds past sandstone cliffs, coal seams, and the re-created mining camp of Blue Heron. It was a day of quiet forest, unexpected encounters, and a glimpse into Kentucky’s coal-mining past.
Berea, KY
Berea, Kentucky, is built around its arts community and the spirit of Berea College. I spent the day exploring the artisan shops, learning about the town’s history, and hiking the East Pinnacles Trail. The views were worth every step, even if the rest of the day didn’t quite match the hype.
Riverfront Trail-St. Louis
Bike along St. Louis’s Riverfront Trail and experience history and art side by side—from the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge to bold street art and sites marking the Lewis and Clark expedition and the fight for freedom.
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge lies deep in Nebraska’s Sandhills, far from towns and paved highways. Visitors who brave the rough roads discover a landscape of quiet lakes, prairie dunes, and birdlife. It’s one of the most remote refuges in the lower 48, where solitude and sweeping skies define the experience.