Fish are for Bears

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 [...]

Denali 2020: Summer of the Bear

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 [...]

Learning to Fly Fish

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 [...]

Fuzzy Animals ‘n Covid Curveball

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, [...]

5,000 miles from the Keys to Denali

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 [...]

The Return to the Mountain

My last day in Anchorage was spent wandering the streets.  I had been packed for days and found myself taking more and more walks.  The rain cascaded off the roofs and eves creating tiny rivers in the streets.  The gutters filled with babbling little brooks, floating leaves, and sticks down to the drains and beyond. [...]

Sacrifice what you are for what you will become 

​My new job allowed me more time to myself.  Working 12 hour shifts was much better than 4 hours here and there.  I now more opportunities to go into town, to get things done.  My weekends in the park continued with Sierra.  My free time however was spent looking for work.  We were both looking [...]