If you didn't know me in 2011, you're probably wondering who is Bert? What about Steve? Never fear, Steve is still here, in full support mode of my next undertaking. This is Bert. Filburt Norbert to be exact. Bert has acquired quite a few decorations over the past decade. This is my trusty steed who … Continue reading Bert rides again!
Picture it: a one month long road trip, just me & Steve, camping in the North American wilderness, putting our newly acquired fly fishing skills to use in the serene landscapes of the West, staying as far away from people as possible. That's the dream, right? Our Subaru Outback we purchased for this exact circumstance … Continue reading Fish are for Bears
Summer of the Bear. Summer of turning 30. Summer of death by mosquito. Summer of fly fishing. Summer of jewelry making. Finished by fall colors and blueberry picking. Not a bad way to pass the Summer of Covid. Hi ho, hi ho, It's off to work we go.... Gotta get those hiking legs back in … Continue reading Denali 2020: Summer of the Bear
This unique year of 2020 has had its challenges, sure, but it has actually given us a great opportunity for more time to learn a new skill! Our summer in Denali has been a lovely summer, and I'll be writing about that soon as the season winds down (already?!). The biggest difference in this season … Continue reading Learning to Fly Fish
Here we go! 1500 miles to Denali We made it to the official start of the World Famous Alaska Highway in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. Dawson Creek is an industrial type of town, a little grey during this cloudy day and closed-down season. We fueled up, took the obligatory photo in front of the sign, … Continue reading Fuzzy Animals ‘n Covid Curveball
Florida Sea BaseDenali Backcountry Lodge Ah, the privilege of working in beautiful locations on opposite ends of the spectrum, and country! It's just over 5,000 miles to drive a straight run from Islamorada, Florida to Denali National Park, Alaska. Then add in some side adventures, and a lay-over in Illinois, and our time and distance … Continue reading 5,000 miles from the Keys to Denali
We continued down trail from that heart-lifting trail magic from Abigail, alongside an almost catastrophic human-engineered canal system. (Humans trying and failing to control nature, imagine that). What did come from it was this nice shaded levee for the rest of our morning walk. We met a couple poking at a water moccasin snake, and … Continue reading Hiking is such a Pain in the…. Leg.
So here we are, a month into our hike. Up until this point, we have seen maybe a few dozen gators, miscellaneous amount of birds, a few deer, and fields of farm cows. No cougar sightings, no bear sightings... just a bunch of poo here and there. Well, today was the day. In one day, … Continue reading Critters and Springs abound!
Tramily - n. [trail family] - strangers who were brought together on trail, sometimes for days, sometimes for months, but grow into a supportive family who suffer through rough times together, and enjoy the fun times together. We were able to reconnect with some friends at Billy Goat Day, seeing some weren't too far ahead … Continue reading Tramily Matters
SMOR Adventures 