Having hiked thousands of miles, nothing inspires me more than leaving the crowded city behind and heading into nature with everything I need on my back. If I can walk dozens of miles every day for a weeks on end, I can do anything. I also play the role of tourist every now and then.
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Known for its unglaciated, hilly landscape, this remote counterclockwise backpacking loop in the Driftless Area of Iowa showcases the state's most rugged terrain with a route that crosses ravines, climbs sandstone bluffs, and provides views of the surrounding hardwood forests and wildlife...learn more.
I decided to thru-hike the Tour du Mont Blanc once again, but this time accompanied by my partner. The trek was much as I remembered, with abundant trips down memory lane. These pictures showcase our daily amazing views from the trail while hiked 117 miles over 11 days, reaching a maximum altitude of 8,972 feet...learn more.
Before heading into the Alps for the Tour du Mont Blanc we took some time to explore the city of Geneva, from breakfast along the Rhone river to exploring Old Town and the botanical gardens...learn more.
Considered to be the most difficult of all trails in Europe, the Fra Li Monti (Corsican for 'across the mountains', and also more commonly known as the GR 20) is a footpath that traverses the Mediterranean island of Corsica from north to south along its spiny mountainous backbone, reaching a maximum altitude of 8,551 feet...learn more.
Luxor is a city where history comes alive, from its towering temples to the ancient tombs of the Valley of the Kings. Walking among these wonders, you can feel the weight of thousands of years of civilization...learn more.
Spending New Years Eve in a land of ancient wonders. Egypt is a place full of history and bustling cities, awe-inspiring pyramids, tombs, and amazing temples. Seeing them up close, and being able to touch them, is how history is meant to be experienced. We visited 4 destinations over 5 days...learn more.
A place of kettles and moraines from mile-thick glaciers long ago, completing this 1,200 mile long-distance national scenic trail in sections takes time. To date I've completed 3 sections over 4 days and 27 miles. It's not the distance on this trail that gets you; it's the constant up and down over rolling hills...learn more.
Filled with misty glens, deep lochs, and endless rain while hiking from Milngavie to Fort William, the West Highland Way is a long-distance trail in the highlands of Scotland spanning 97 miles. The trail travels down many ancient roads and old coaching routes, journeying from the lowlands to the highlands, while camping overnight in fields, along a lakeside beach, and under a bridge...learn more.
Escaping the trailing remnants of winter in Chicago by absconding last-minute down to Puerto Rico, walking its beaches, exploring the forts, and cliff jumping in the rain forests...learn more.
A tapestry of landscapes surrounded spires of granite, sprawling glaciers, pristine lakes, and windswept plains providing an idyllic background for thru-hiking 8 days and 73 miles in Chile...learn more.
Ranging from tropical forests and waterfalls along paddy fields to the frozen arctic region of the Tibetan plateau at 17,763 feet, the Annapurna Circuit + Basecamp thru-hike spanned 18 days while winding its way around one of the eight tallest peaks in the world in the Himalayas of Nepal for 193 miles...learn more.
Reaching the summits of the Colorado Rocky Mountains and breathing in the cold alpine air at 14,000 feet is an awe-inspiring experience offering unparalleled views and moments of profound triumph, a feeling of being on top of the world. I have completed 9/58 summits, with the highest peak reaching 14,421 feet...learn more.
In Northern Italy there is a mountain range known as the Dolomites, and they contain a series of seven trails collectively known as the Alta Via. This is a thru-hike of one of those trails: the Alta Via 1. Winding its way over 65 miles from North to South, this high route reached a maximum altitude of 9,129 feet and took 10 days to complete, while passing through a panorama of jagged ridges, vertical walls, and majestic towers, culminating in some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world...learn more.
After completing the Annapurna Circuit and Basecamp treks I returned to the outdoor adventurist capital of Nepal: Pokhara. Here I explord the city for a few days, including going paragliding for the first time...learn more.
Encircling the Mont Blanc mountain in the Alps, the tour of this peak is a classic long-distance hike covering a distance of 106 miles while passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland. It offered a challenging experience filled with diverse landscapes, a unique blend of cultures, and stunning alpine charm across 12 days of hiking, all while sleeping in comfy mountain huts and eating warm home-cooked meals each night. The unofficially highest point on the trek, via an alternate route, was 9,010 feet...learn more.
Starting high in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, and leading to the Atlantic ocean, the Camino Frances is part of a series of ancient routes that unfold across Europe called the Camino de Santiago: a network of pilgrimages leading to the city of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. I spent 32 days walking 534 miles over hills and mountains, across deserts, through rivers, and in thick forests...learn more.
I first learned about backpacking/trekking while in Patagonia, walking underneath the granite spires called Torres del Paine...learn more.
I returned to South America for another international adventure, this time including Lollapalooza, discovering a passion for the wilderness by hiking into the Andes mountains in search of glaciers, and heading down to Patagonia...learn more.
My first vacation abroad in South America continued with a quick plane ride over to Montevideo...learn more.
I embarked on my first vacation abroad to South America, experiencing the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires and my first music festival at Lollapalooza...learn more.
