As we began planning our road trip to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, one of my bucket list ideas was to rent a couple of kayaks, paddles, and PFDs so we could see a glacier at its source. While searching the internet for ideas, I stumbled upon a couple photos of people kayaking to a glacier, I was sold. Portage Glacier was added to the ideas list.
Read MoreHow to Spend an Entire Summer in Alaska
Getting to Alaska was not easy, nor was it an over night journey. Flashback six years, I had just graduated college and was starting a career in photography. Often, I drooled over images of braided glacial rivers documented from small bush planes. I would day dream about the non-pressurized cabins and the images I could potentially take. However, I was not in a place where I could fund a personal project to Alaska. I was broke, living in a car, struggling to pay my student loans. So, how did I go from broke to being paid to travel through Alaska? Mostly luck with a little bit of fortune.
Read MoreTravertine Hot Springs: Your Guide to a Tranquil Sierra Nevada Getaway
Travertine Hot Springs is a wonderful stop for all those traveling along Highway 395. If you finished with a long hike, come pamper yourself. If you need time to reflect, bring a journal and enjoy a silent morning before the crowds arrive. If you need a place to sleep, there is dispersed camping around the area, so go for a soak and post up for the night, on forest service land, for a free night of camping. Be a kind human while at the hot springs and enjoy your warm soaks.
Read MoreA Cabin Deep in the Alaskan Woods
A gorgeous photo-essay combined with a guiding haikus tell the journey to a remote Alaskan Cabin. Seeking mental clarity and space to think, the characters in this photo essay reset their lives living off the grid. Chopping fire wood for heat, drinking creek water, and without electricity, this cabin in the Alaskan woods is a perfect place for a digital detox from our modern world.
Read MoreWatching the Sunset From the Highest Point in Lake Tahoe
Scarfing down our burritos and loading up in the van, we headed to the trailhead for Freel. The highest point in Lake Tahoe. With hopes of being on the summit of Freel for sunset, we packed a few snacks and headed out on the 10 mile hike.
Read MoreWhat is a Typical Day While Climbing Mount Denali?
“Good morning,” we hear from the outside of the tent. “The sky is a bit cloudy, but we are going to make the move for the cache today,” Hannah explains at 3am. We had packed our bags and went to bed with the mindset that we would cache, but there was a weather report predicting weather, so we were unsure if moving was going to be possible.
Read MoreAlaska Changed Me
The five years leading up to this road trip my life had been fueled by immediate gratification, what needs to be done right now, and a constant struggle to make a living. Most of this comes with the territory of starting a career out of nothing, especially a career in photography! However, this was the first trip I was “set” and capable of focusing on my craft everyday, without having to meet the demands of others. While I was still held accountable by clients and deadlines, this project was my baby. I conjured up the idea, raised the funds, and executed on the ideas.
Read MoreGo Fish in the Buttermilks
We have all been living in our vehicles at the Buttermilks for a while now, typically sleeping until the sun comes out as the mornings have been cold. However, after some bribery, I convinced the crew that waking up early to watch the sunrise and enjoy a cup of coffee before bouldering would be a great refresh.
They begrudgingly agreed.
Read MoreWe Came to Climb, but forced to Canyoneer in Arches National Park Instead
We came to Indian Creek on a week-long climbing trip, but mother nature had other plans. It was our third day of the trip and we awoke to a full-blown snow storm. We went to bed watching the sunset over the red landscape, only to open the van doors to a winter wonderland.
Read MoreMount Forker bathing in last night just before we begin our trek across the Kahiltna Glacier. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Carrying 100lbs across the Kahiltna Glacier at Night
Midnight struck, the sun had technically set behind the ridge, but sunscreen and sunglasses were still needed. Crawling out of my sleeping bag, I reached for layers. It was cold. Base layers, socks, boot liner, jacket number one, jacket number two, and gloves… I was now ready to shed the sleeping bag, put my boots on, and start packing my pack. Just as I got started, “Hot water and breakfast is ready,” shouted Hannah. I guess packing will have to wait.
Read More