My original plan this past summer was to collect as much footage as normal, but to not put out a “Monsoon V” until 2019 when I had two years worth of crazy haboobs and lightning to make it truly spectacular. But the monsoon had different plans and put on a pretty dang good show in 2018, starting off with a decent dust storm on July 5th, then the best haboob chase I’ve ever had on July 9th, an epic green hail core on July 11th and finally another fantastic dust storm day on August 2nd.   Sprinkled in there…more dust storm, some at night, spectacular lightning, and tons of microbursts and stormy clouds, plus a few rotating supercells to put some icing on the cake. It was one of the best monsoon seasons I’ve chased, so I couldn’t help but get to work on Monsoon V after just one chasing season.

The first haboob of the season rolls through central Arizona, seen here along Casa Blanca road east of 347

A monster haboob approached Vekol Valley Road along Interstate 8 on July 9th

An unexpected sight in Arizona…a monster green hail core on a storm that looks more like it belongs on the central plains of the United States than it does out in the deserts.

A severe thunderstorm kicks out a bolt that lands in the mountains northeast of Willcox, AZ as seen from Highway 191

Two bolts slam into the ground near Bowie, Arizona, absolutely dwarfing the Chiricahau Mountians.

A lightning caused wildfire continues to burn as a thunderstorm moves towards it.

A gorgeous haboob crests these mountains south of Sacaton, Arizona

A huge haboob swallows not just most of Phoenix, but here in downtown Tempe

A gorgeous rainbow and downdraft move over Marana, with lightning flashing in the middle of it.

A lightning bolt lands near Castle Rock in the mountains of the Coronado National Forest

Stoic saguaro watch as lightning blasts the landscape around them.

A lightning bolt exits the clouds above and pierces the clouds capping a mountain range south of Interstate 8 in southern Arizona

A set of strong bolts rai down over the Sil Nakya community on the Tohono O’Ddham nation

A beautiful thunderstorm on the east side of the McDowell Mountains.

A stunning sunset storm out in Vicksburg, Arizona lasted for almost two hours.

The post Haboobs, Lightning, and Hail: See the Frighteningly Beautiful Arizona Monsoon appeared first on Resource Travel.

I am captivated by the world’s oldest living culture, which has co-existed with nature for tens of thousands of years, enduring the raw land and some of the harshest elements in Australia.

I love to learn, and over the years (and visits) I have been fascinated with learning what I can about the Aboriginal peoples and their Countries in The Northern Territory.

It is an honour to hear the creation stories and to experience the essence of the land and country. One of my favourite things I’ve learned is about the six seasons of the year and how aboriginal people use the life cycle of the plants and animals to tell the change in seasons, what is coming and how to then migrate with the stars. The laws of the land means to know what nature is doing; a sentiment I feel deeply connected to.

On this recent trip to The Northern Territory I was fortunate enough to travel with one of my best friends Anne and a friend I made briefly in Dunedin (New Zealand) last year Carmen – two incredible and inspiring photographers/ women. We hit the road, a non-stop ten-day adventure in our amazing motorhome from Britz  (which we cutely named “Willy Wilbert”) writing new stories and creating new memories.

We travelled from Darwin to Alice Springs and everywhere in-between, moving each night across to the land, under the stars of the best night sky I have ever seen.

 I’ve said it before but I have honestly never seen a place as incredibly diverse as The Northern Territory – it really has something for everyone. In just 10 days, we would experience all kinds of weather, from warm and sunny to chilly. Packing for this adventure during winter saw one side of the suitcase filled with summery attire for the Top End , the other packed with winter woollies for the Red Centre.

We began our journey in the ever-so-stunning Litchfield National Park. A return visit for me, driving past the familiar and impressive sight of hundreds of termite mounds (some up to 100 years old) standing proud in the wide swathe of the empty ground.

On our first stop we took a refreshing early morning dip in the crystal clear waters of Florence Falls. Set inside a pocket of monsoon forest, we swam as the mighty two-tiered waterfall plunged into the pool below. It’s never easy to get up well before the sun and drive to your destination, but it all quickly fades away when you are standing atop the viewing platform above the falls with a panoramic view of an open valley and the waterhole quiet below. We enjoyed having the morning to ourselves before more floating-noodle-bearing visitors began to arrive (if you have been to the NT you will get this reference) and as we sat in the sun to dry off, we admired the new comers reaction to the energy in the air pounding off the falls.

After a lazy picnic lunch in the sun, we found ourselves at the base of best-known and most popular attraction in Litchfield National Park, Wangi Falls. It was my first visit to Wagni and although many other travelers accompanied us, I was so impressed with the lush forest and large lunge pool. It was a beautiful place to float the afternoon away and sit right underneath the rushing water.

Each morning began the same, it’s really nice to have a little bit of routine when you see each rising sun in a new location. After a delicious breakfast of coconut and berry warm oats, topped with almond butter and granola, we had the energy to explore. Making the most of the Top End’s waterfalls and chasing that summery feeling, we found ourselves at the upper pools of Edith Falls. A morning well spent diving underneath, floating on our backs and drying out on the warm rocks surrounding this picturesque waterhole.

 We had a hard time moving on, but knowing there was more unexplored Territory waiting ahead we hit the road and arrived at the ancient stone country of Nitmiluk National Park. Comprising of a system of 13 immense gorges, carved over the millennia by the Katherine River, Katherine Gorge is more than a location of beautiful landscapes and escarpment. The gorges hold great cultural value for the Jawoyn people, for the traditional owners as Nitmiluk refers to a cicada dreaming place – the place where the spirits of creation abide.

We watched as the golden light illuminated the land and felt alive sitting at the top of the Baruwei Lookout, retreating to our camper as the blue hour faded and stars begun to sparkle. It was an early night, as we rose to see the first light on the dawn cruise through two of the impressive gorges.

Within half an hour of Nitmiluk we found ourselves swimming in the natural pools of Katherine Hot Springs. Here we met some local children on school holidays and spent the afternoon in the thermal pools chatting away with some new friends about life, travel and everything in-between.

One of the best observations I’ve made on the road is the sense of freedom in many ways, but specifically in terms of communicating with strangers regardless of their age or lifestyle. In our daily life how often are we guilty of bypassing people in the street, on the bus, during a morning/afternoon walk or on the beach and not acknowledge one another? On the road we let go of those reservations and talk to the strangers in front of us – or in this case – whilst floating in the hot spring. It’s really an interesting way of learning about the local “secret” spots, where others have been, where they are travelling next and how they found themselves there in the first place.

Some of the best conversations I have ever had have been fleeting interactions, yet profound moments, on the road and in some cases lifelong friendships have been made.

And so another day began with another natural wonder. We actually decided to stop, take a rest and blissfully spend the entire day submerged in a stunning oasis known as Bitter Springs. Hidden away amongst endless palms and tropical woodlands, Bitter Springs are crystal clear spring-fed thermal pools with an ideal temperature of 32 degrees Celsius – the perfect way to spend the day unwinding. We actually couldn’t believe a magical place like this exists.

Swapping our summer attire for winter woollies we headed further south. Our next stop was the quirky Daly Waters Pub – the original outback pub, iconic to the region and literally in the middle of nowhere. We traded our home cooked motor home meal for the night and enjoyed a pub-style (vegan) dish, a glass of wine (for me) and an evening on the dance floor with the grey nomads, dancing and singing our hearts out to all the classic covers that Lou Bradley was playing.

I’ve been itching at the chance to go back to the ever-evolving scene of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) and the 502km drive from Daly Waters to these stunning geological treasures was completely worth it. Located in the traditional country of the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Alyawarra and Warlpiri people, they call the Devils Marbles Karlu Karlu, which literally translates to ‘round boulders’. Stories of their creation tell a spiritual connection that is echoed throughout the landscape.

I had left a piece of my heart here when I worked on a job for Australian Traveller Magazine back in 2014. I vividly recalled this otherworldly landscape of huge granite boulders, defying gravity, balancing precariously on one another, casting long shadows across a wide, shallow valley.

After watching the sunset and the pink sky linger for what felt like hours, we ate our dinner around a shared campfire and spent a night under the stars. Staying out late we watched the land come alive in a different way as the impressive outback chandelier night sky took our breath away.

Our next stop was the final destination, Alice Springs, but our journey was far from over. We were treated to exquisite outback winter weather and had a chance to revisit some old favourites in the West MacDonnell Ranges.  A calm sunrise spent at Ormiston Gorge flying the drone with views of Mt Sonder and Mparntwe, the traditional land of the Arrernte People. Making our way back to Alice we stopped off at one of my favourite places to take a dip in the NT, Ellery Creek Big Hole. Surrounded by high red cliffs and the sandy Ellery Creek, this stunning waterhole, formed by massive floods over thousands of years cuts through a gorge in the West MacDonnell Ranges. We admired the beauty from dry land, Carmen was the only one brave enough to submerge in the freezing (but refreshing) waters; an action that speaks volumes of her infectious zest for life and willingness to step outside of her comfort zone.

What followed that afternoon left me in tears of happiness and was one of the best afternoons I have ever had at work. The legendary owner of The Kangaroo Sanctuary, Brolga actually called out in front of a crowd of people

“Hey you, crying girl, want to come and cuddle Yaru”
“ummmmm me, cuddle a baby kangaroo?! YES PLEASE!”

We were lucky enough to walk through The Kangaroo Sanctuary at sunset – cuddling some rescued little cuties, feeding them and learning about history of the land. The Kangaroo Sanctuary was established in 2011 with 188 acres for rescued orphaned baby kangaroos (and adult kangaroos) and with a mission to educate and encourage people to rescue and care for kangaroos in the NT and Australia wide.

Sometimes, well most of the time, I have to pinch myself how much I love my job, but an afternoon spent at The Kangaroo Sanctuary is a highlight for any animal lover.

We woke up quite early the following morning, still floating on a high from the Kangaroo Sanctuary and soon to be floating high through the sky with Outback Ballooning. A golden morning spent spotting kangaroos hopping below and soaring through the cool air, as the mind disappeared into the layers of the raw earth below.

Our final destination was a special request of mine, I wanted return and stand before the night sky at the sacred Rainbow Valley. Arriving mid afternoon we frolicked through the red dirt, settling on a location to marvel as the sandstone bands began to change through every colour of the rainbow, from ochre red to orange and purple and then illuminate under the grand night sky.
The Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve is on the traditional lands of the Upper Southern Arrernte people and is known to them as Wurre. It is a truly special place I feel grateful to revisit and share, wishing upon many shooting stars dashing across the expansive sky.

Some thing I really love about being on the road – and even revisiting places – is how the land changes through the seasons, but mostly I just really enjoy sharing the experiences with like-hearted people. Enjoying living through my friend’s eyes as they light up with wonder witnessing the unique beauty of the outback for the first time.

I love the open road, the playlists and sing-alongs, spending each night sleeping in a new destination and waking to witness the rising sun. There is something magical about the Australian Outback, I feel connected with the power of this country and immersed in the wonderfully rich, ancient intricacies of the Indigenous culture. From marvelling at distant skies, being silenced by the outback sounds, to watching in amazement as the transformation of colours of the land highlight the stunning beauty of this remarkable, diverse region. It was an absolute pleasure to share a piece of my heart with one of my best friends Anne and to have the beautiful Carmen  along for the journey. Creating a strong bond and memories of a lifetime, sharing a common interest for all things around working hard and making sacrifices in the name of adventure. Celebrating all the decisions and all the roads that ultimately lead us to these very moments.

That is what life is all about.

A version of this article originally appeared on Mellisa Findley’s travel blog.

The post Three Girlfriends on a 10-Day Roadtrip Through the Australian Outback appeared first on Resource Travel.

So when Phoenix based storm chaser and photographer Mike Olbinski woke up on July 9th in Blyth, California, he knew he had to rush home based off the weather models he checked first thing in the morning.

Olbinkski detailed the chase on his Facebook post.

I kinda had the entire day mapped out before breakfast based on models and how this same deal happened on July 29th, 2016…and sure enough it played out the same way.

 

Except BETTER. Because this time the storms were early. And we had 150 miles and hours to stay in front of a churning, dense haboob. From driving through it near Stanfield, to a gorgeous haboob approaching Vekol Road, then it was to Gila Bend and after that is when it really came to life and was a dream to chase all the way to Yuma.

 

Better yet was the fact that this wall of dust was so thick, NO traffic came from the east for at least an hour. All it was was about 5-7 storm chasers leapfrogging each other, jumping out along Interstate 8, hootin’, hollering and high-fiving.

It’s no secret that we are big fans of Olbinski’s storm chasing photos and time-lapse films. In fact, we have brought you along for the ride in 12 of his previous storm chasing experiences, and all are as beautiful and fascinating as the ones before. So when I saw this incredible moment on his Facebook post, I had to sit down with Olbinski and get the story.

That is one big haboob! Is this the biggest one you have ever seen?

No, it’s not the biggest, but I’m definitely ranking it #2 all-time now! The best will always be July 5th, 2011. That was the first time-lapse I ever did of a haboob and it went viral within an hour of sharing it online. One that size won’t be seen out here again I don’t think, but this one from July 9th, 2018 was absolutely stunning.

When the wall is quickly approaching, is there ever a fear of the unknown about being inside of one?

No fear for me really. I’ve been in countless dust storms, and they vary in intensity and strength. However, we could definitely tell this was a dense one and if you got stuck inside for too long, it would be very hard to get back out with the low to zero visibility. For a time-lapse guy like me, I usually let it hit me, wait about 20 seconds, then race out of it as fast as possible. The good thing about this one is that it was so dense, we really had no cars to worry about on the interstate because they’d all pulled over behind it.

Some of your footage looks to be taken from inside the haboob. After it would descend on you, what was the game plan?

That footage was in Yuma and was basically when it was dark and we decided to call the chase. So we pulled into a lot and waited it out. The wind and sand was so intense. I think my windshield may have thousands of tiny little dings in it now from what I noticed today. Once it passed, we went back east towards home to hopefully catch some lightning, but it ended up just being rain and wind.

How long were you chasing this one?

The storms that really helped spawn on this hit around the Casa Grande area, as well as rolled through Phoenix around the same time. So I was on it from the start west of Casa Grande around 4:30pm. The last video was shot at 8:30pm when we gave up, so a solid four hours. It was a dream to catch it with all that time and daylight left. I’ve done two similar chases the past two years, both of them were AMAZING haboobs, however, they came after dark or right at sunset too early, and the chase west to Yuma was so dark that the photos were impossible to do much with. But July 9th…150 miles of chasing and tons of stops and fun photos along the way. Great times.

Your friend Greg McCown has a photo of you and fellow chaser John Sirlin standing outside as the haboob seems mere meters away. Did he snap those pics and then you immediately ran for cover in the vehicle?

I think the haboob was further away than it looked! Those are monsters, being nearly 3000-5000ft tall. So while it looked close (and it still in reality was), it wasn’t a “shoot and run” situation completely. However, I’m sure within the next five minutes of those pictures, we were packing up. Sometimes you get in front long enough to time-lapse for half an hour, sometimes a mere 5-10 minutes.

Any advice for amateur storm photographers on how to safely photograph one?

If you see one, and you’re new, definitely keep ahead of it. Don’t wait for it to hit you. And be very cautious if you are trying to punch one to get to the other side. You never know who might have stopped in the middle of the road because of low visibility and didn’t pull off to the side.

What was it like to experience this incredible moment with your kids?

Well, my kids probably just love being with dad, on the road, getting snacks and being on their iPad…but we do have a ton of fun watching these storms, and while they don’t always understand it all, they definitely let out a few “wows” for this dust storm. And I got some cute shots of Eli on top of my truck, a selfie with them together and a dust storm behind us and my daughter was shooting BTS video all day which I loved. Hopefully someday in life they will look back with fond memories on all this, because for me it’s already amazing now.

So there you have it. Another day, another incredible storm chase with Mike Olbinski. Look out for his upcoming completed time-lapse film of this entire storm on an upcoming feature on Resource Travel.

See more from Olbinski on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

The post See the Massive Dust Storm That Swallowed Southwest Arizona appeared first on Resource Travel.

My last actual holiday (outside of work) was back in New Zealand. All too often I find myself dreaming of the mountains and craving that feeling of standing on the edge of the world, most likely with tear-stained cheeks. It is hard to disconnect from work and take a ‘holiday.’ It is hard to consciously make a decision to put my camera down and separate the two, to allow myself to just be. I’ve spent countless hours over the years photographing this sublime world. Often choosing adventure filled destinations where I simply couldn’t just leave my camera behind. And so, the cycle continues.

I remember last year, I was standing with my friend Will Patino in Port Macquarie in New South Wales, Australia. We were on a job together and in the midst of one of our many deep life chats. Will told me about his upcoming solo trip to Patagonia to scout for one of his workshops. Before he even finished saying the words, I interrupted with ‘I REALLY WANNA GO THERE!’  Patagonia: a dream destination for me. That ‘why don’t you just come to the workshop?’ conversation turned into me packing my bags less than a year later and leaving with two people I consider my dear friends, work colleagues and some of the people I admire most in this world, Will and Lauren Bath. But nothing could have really prepared me for the adventure, or rollercoaster, that was my trip to Patagonia…

First stop was Buenos Aires, otherwise known as BA, and considered the gateway to South America. Lauren and I left the Gold Coast, boarded via Brisbane, onwards to Auckland and made the final route to BA with Air New Zealand’s business class.  I love Air New Zealand as an airline and experiencing business class felt like a real treat and the beginning of a real holiday. For all the traveling I do with my job, I never fly business and it was nice to arrive in a country and feel rested, at least until the onset of jet-lagged knocked us all around. I’ve been to Buenos Aires before on my way to Columbia, but it was a stopover and not somewhere I had a chance to explore. I’ve written so many times how I am not a city girl, but honestly BA surprised me.

After a few days of incredible food, nightlife and the occasional nigh time tango, it was time for us to move onto our final destination. Our time in BA alone was worth the trip alone, however the adventure was just beginning….

We caught our flight from BA to El Calafate. I couldn’t sleep the night before, likely still jet-lagged, but mostly excited. I had my head stuck to the window the entire plane flight (sit on the right hand side going down) as the tears literally rolled down my cheeks at my first glimpse of the Patagonian Andes piercing through the thick layer of clouds. I couldn’t believe my eyes at the turquoise blue of the glacial water. The scale here, from the sky, was expansive.

When picking up the car that Will had hired for the next 10 days of adventure I was dancing around in the car park, freezing already but unable to control every particle inside me screaming and moving for joy.

P A T A G O N I A.

South America’s Gem; an undiscovered paradise for adventurous trekkers.
Where nature is wild, remote, barren.
Space so expanding, that silence engulfs it.

After a night in the cute little town of El Calafate, our epic crew ( Will, Lauren, Davey, Ben, Grace, Nick) set off around 3am, bleary-eyed and yet still hopeful Patagonia’s notorious weather would hold out.

After the three hour drive, I found myself away from the group, standing alone at the top of the road towards El Chaltén, literally almost getting blown over by the sheer force of the Patagonian wind, left speechless by the explosion of pink in the sky as the sun rose behind me. Facing the towering granite peaks of the Patagonian Andes with my heart exploding, I caught my first, very brief glimpse of Mt Fitz Roy before the clouds swallowed it up.

Little did I know that would be the first and only glimpse of the infamous peaks that soar over El Chaltén.

I was prepared for all the elements. But I wasn’t prepared for this…

The worst window of weather in 7 years.

Some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, the most vast, incredible landscapes, those iconic mountains I’d grown up dreaming of, the vibrant turning autumn colours were all just out of reach. The roads were flooded and closed, although we tried a few hikes despite the weather, the chill got into our bones and our clothes soaking wet.

Disheartened. Devastated. Discouraged.

We left the town of El Chaltén without so much as unrolling our sleeping mats, my camping food uneaten, my tent still inside my suitcase – completely dry….

Photographically speaking, I’ve crafted a life by making sure I was in the right place at the right time, and I’d dreamed of visiting this place since I first laid eyes on an image of it. That image was burning in the back of my brain as I stood exactly where it was created and could not see a single thing. There were tears, but of frustration this time. For two weeks leading up to this trip, I was looking at stories being shared of picture perfect weather, so this felt like some sort of cosmic message, a form of universal rejection.

It was another lesson on letting go. I firmly believe that expectation is the root of all evil. If you can learn to let go and leave your expectations behind, that is when the real adventure starts. No this wasn’t what I pictured, it wasn’t even close to what I dreamed of, but I was happy. What a privilege it is to have the ability to travel and explore a new country, to open yourself up to new enriching experiences and create lifelong memories with new hearts.

Travel is about the experiences, about finding a shift in your perspective and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Although what I came to Patagonia for did not eventuate in full, it is not all doom and gloom.

The picture I just painted through my disappointment in the circumstances, and the emotional rollercoaster that was brewing in my heart and mind, is not the only story of our trip. I often ponder the detriments of social media’s highlight reel and how I may contribute to only sharing the final or “hero” images, as always I want to be transparent about all emotions – about the life of one that is on the road.

That week I met some of my idols. I was in a small town with world class photographers and there were only a few cafes and restaurants open (due to shoulder season) so I ended up at the same places, sharing meals and sitting with the same glass of Malbec. These very photographers paved the way to do what I do and I have spent countless hours pouring over their work, studying and learning from them and now I was there, in real life, having a conversation (about the weather) with them.  Wow!

We were a determined group and spent our days attempting to trek in the rain. Even in thick overcast weather the autumn leaves still burned so irresistibly vibrant, we saw Canyon Falls rushing and when it began snowing around us it felt like we were in some kind of wonderland.  How lucky we were to be there. Just to spend hours waiting in the cold for the smallest window and chance to see an opening in the sky. I’ll never take the sky for granted again, and I didn’t realize I ever had until this experience.

And yet, still the story was far from over..

Upon arrival at the breath-taking Perito Moreno Glacier we were greeted by the thundering echo of a chunk of the electric blue glacial tongue breaking off the 70m face, crumbling and plummeting down causing waves bigger than 20m below. Right place, right time? I think we just found it.

The tears were frozen to my cheeks. I wore a smile that spanned from one ear to another. We all stood together in disbelief, simultaneously exclaiming a series of “WOAH” whilst holding onto our heads, hearts and each other. The significance of this moment I will remember forever.

* For those interested in some nature froth: The Perito Moreno Glacier is in a state of equilibrium meaning it’s advancing as fast as it’s declining. This ice field is the third largest reserve of fresh water in the world (only 3 % of all water on our planet is fresh). Glaciers are a climate regulator, which means they keep our beautiful planet cool by reflecting back 45 to 85 percent of the sunlight.

From here we leaned forward to the next crazy adventure and began driving the 6 hours south towards Chile, where it felt as though our luck had started to change before our very eyes.

Crossing through the border security was an event, or interesting spectacle, with seven photographers all carrying a camera bag and suitcase each. However, as we stepped foot into my 30th country I recall feeling an overwhelming sense of immense gratitude. I had unintentionally made it to 30 countries before turning 30. Over the years I have worked really hard, sacrificed a lot and have been incredible lucky at the same time. I wrote an Instagram story thanking those of you who follow my journey (and my little feet) around the world. I truly feel so grateful for you.

Good road-trips often evoke buried emotions; I was deep in thought contemplating life and why I do what I do despite the loneliness, sleeplessness and stress at times. There is of course the undeniable connection with nature and love of sharing the beauty of the natural world. Deep in thoughts of the full circle of nature to our very existence, wandering down into the life I have created through photography and the interplay with seeking the light – for even on the gloomiest of days there is light. And then, there it was – the light – towering before me in all its ancient wild and rugged glory; the Patagonia Andes of Torres Del Paine National Park.

A simple reminder, a gentle nudge from the universe that we travel for more than just photography. It is all about those moments that take your breath away.

I am left, again, feeling breathless, humbled.

This is everything I ever dreamed of.  Writing this right now sends a shiver up my spine as my body erupts in goosebumps thinking of those majestic glaciers and mysteriously carved mountains, which were formed over 12 million years ago. It felt like it would be completely natural to see a dinosaur stroll past me (of the herbivore kind of course!)

The emptiness was impressive, those jagged peaks and the ruthless terrain, pristine turquoise rivers; I was worlds away from anything I have ever known and I couldn’t have been more captivated.

I’ll forever cherish the memories of us here watching the sunset together by the edge of the lake, trekking by star light and opening up to the most unexplainable beauty I have ever seen. Beauty that can only be seen with the eye and felt with the heart.

Those days consumed me. Everywhere I looked was something larger than life, be it in the smile of a stranger along the path, the waterfalls, the autumn flora, the cheekiness of the infamous locals Guanaco (Chilean Alpacas) or just me feeling so small beneath the most dramatic scenes on the planet.

The Three Towers hike will remain a mental and physical challenge that I proudly accomplished. Due to the weather, this trail only opened for one day in the 3 weeks prior, so we slept under the stars and woke up at 3:30am to take the chance for sunrise. An 18km return hike and 4 hr steep incline was among the most challenging hikes of my life. It was my first snow hike and at times I was falling into waste deep snow, laughing hysterically, cold and soaking wet. But we made it and right on sunrise.

Looking back now I’m still speechless, the scale of what I witnessed is indescribable. Those three striking granite Towers above the glacial lake are higher than two of the tallest buildings in the world stacked on top of each other.

It changed me.

When I really fall in love with a place, I struggle to look at the photos…for months. I feel like I will never be able do something so beautiful justice. I struggle to write about it, or even to collect my thoughts. How do you capture the way your heart feels like it’s going to burst through your chest? To put emotions into a single image? How does one convey the feeling when your eyes become wide, child-like, and fill up with tears that don’t break, as your smile is frozen breathlessly across your face and your legs are quivering, burning so deeply, but every part of your being is SO alive.

Travel turns you into a storyteller. It opens your heart and mind in more ways than one. It invites you to seek the beauty, find the light and never let go of hope.

To me, it’s a chance to learn about yourself, who you are and what you want from life. It allows you to see how different the world is and to put your life in perspective. When you remove yourself from your life back home, you’re able to take time to reflect and see things in your life a little differently.

Going to leave you with my favourite quote –
“To live is the rarest thing in the world
Most people exist that is all “ – Oscar Wilde

Don’t stop dreaming, don’t stop exploring. Don’t stop living.

A version of this blog post originally appeared on Melissa Findley’s website. 

Follow Melissa Findley on her Instagram and Facebook. 

The post Mountains And Storms: My Adventure in Patagonia appeared first on Resource Travel.

I think it is safe to say that I have a fascination /or obsession with the underwater world. The breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef just blows me away. It is the only living structure on our planet which can be seen from outer space, the biggest single structure made up by living organisms and the first coral reef ecosystem to be awarded World Heritage Status. Right here in my backyard! Just a half-day drive from the place I am lucky enough to call home and I was ready to return for a new adventure.

I’ve never hidden my utter love for Australia and my passion for sharing this incredibly rich and diverse land. My connection with it is ineffable.

I have an ever-expanding urge to capture and showcase the beauty of Australia and I love using photography to connect others with the natural world and actively seek the peace that comes from spending time in the great outdoors. An insatiable desire to use my art to share and connect with others and to hopefully impart a sense of wonder to See Australia and to see it now!

And there is no better way to really immerse yourself like hitting the open road with a clear mind and willingness to discover.

We landed in Mackay, with an itinerary that saw us driving the length of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, stopping at the local regions to explore. We picked up our home on wheels for the week (which later was renamed to Lenni) and set out straight towards the sub-tropical rainforest, for an afternoon spent by the enchanting Araluen Cascades at Finch Hatton Gorge.

Hayley Anderson (my new travel companion) lives 10 minutes away from me at home and we have mutual friends, but we’d never met until the morning of this job. Funny to think that we were essentially strangers who were about to spend the week road tripping and working together in such an intimate space, but the moment she walked into my life I felt a great sense of familiarity. It really wasn’t long before we were sharing everything – meals and our life’s stories- singing along to music blasting through the stereo and laughing so hard we were literally crying.

I think the best connections are made on the road. They can be immediately palpable. There is that feeling like you have known someone forever and it is almost as if real “time” becomes irrelevant. Aligning with one another in a unique way, being stripped away from your usual, while physically experiencing new, contrasting environments. You begin collecting moments together.

We rose on our second day and drove to Cape Hillsborough, just 45 minutes outside of Mackay.  The National Park is known for it’s windswept shore and jagged coastline, providing a backdrop for one of Australia’s top wildlife encounters.

Arriving to the beach in almost total darkness you can begin to make out the silhouettes lining the shore. As the sun begins to rise, the mob of Kangaroos and Wallabies emerge for their morning feast, foraging for seaweed and mangrove seed pods.

An encounter that is pretty popular with tourists – an iconic Australian experience and a view that is absolutely worth waking up for.

*Please remember if you are planning to do this, that these animals are wild and should be treated as so. Please do not feed them.

From here we hit the road heading down towards Yeppoon, stoping only to have a roadside breakfast of peanut butter oats and a quick tour of the Sarina Sugar Shed. We arrived at our destination just in time to enjoy the golden glow of sunset in the picturesque Byfield State Forest. A place I would definitely love to see more of to spend more time exploring the sand dunes, rainforest edged creeks and those rugged mountains.

We had to keep moving, for the next day was the beginning of our taste of the island life.

Great Keppel Island is an undiscovered treasure, with 17 pristine beaches of unspoiled bushland and pockets of fringing reef. We spent a quiet day relaxing here with our local guide Geoff, showing off all the highlights and even taking us out on his personal boat.

On our third day we rose for sunrise and a female Emu greeted us in the caravan park. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw her strolling past out van as I was coming back from dish duty. Some of the staff members later told us she had been visiting for the last 20 years and her name was Ernie. Definitely a unique experience to wake up to and I say this all the time, but Australia is seriously so incredible. Where else could you be casually sharing a meal with an Emu walking past? Just amazing!

We set out early, with full bellies and ready for another mini road-trip to Agnes Waters – the home of the famous 1770 sunset. I’ve been fortunate enough to see a few of these places before and I was really looking forward to getting back to the beaches here. When we arrived we had a quick bite to eat at Getaway cafe we were told by some locals a few good spots to check out before the sun set. Hayley and I headed straight for the Paperbark forest, which is an easily accessed trail off the side of the road that was absolutely and unexpectedly magical. We arrived at the perfect time of day as butterflies swirled around us and the sun was twinkling through the thick wetland of hundreds of paperbark tree trunks and majestic green cabbage palm frongs.

After checking out a few of the other beaches we headed for 1770 foreshore to take in the last light of the day in one of only a few places on the east coast of Australia where you can enjoy the sunset over the ocean. We twirled around, frolicking in the calm water and spent an evening in Lenni eating pizza with a glass of red wine under the incredible night sky.

Day Four was perhaps the trip highlight for both Hayley and I, as we were completely taken away with the charming beauty of Lady Musgrave Island.

Wallaginji means “beautiful reef” and Lady Musgrave Island couldn’t be more perfectly described. A vast, calm turquoise lagoon and island paradise unique to the entire Great Barrier Reef as the only coral island with a navigable lagoon of its kind. Set on 3000 acres of living reef in a protected Green Zone, Lady Musgrave offers an abundance of marine life and a lifetime experience to get up close and personal with the locals turtles. We travelled with Lady Musgrave Experience and truly couldn’t recommend the experience enough! The staff we amazing and there was ample time to explore the 8km island, enjoy a glass bottom boat tour, a delicious feast and spend hours of snorkeling (or diving) the remarkable reef. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face that afternoon, feeling truly lucky to experience a moment with Hayley and the turtles below.

The next day we rose to the sound of birds and a stunning 360-degree pink sky – my favorite. I literally rolled out of Lenni at Agnes Water Beach Park and straight onto the beach with my camera in hand and observed as the surfers and morning yogis went about their daily routine. We decided to treat ourselves to a morning picnic breakfast on the cliff top over looking a secret bay, before getting under the waves and playing with my water housing.

We couldn’t leave 1770 without getting on board one of the most popular tourist experiences of the town: the 1770 LARC! Tour. We had the sunset cruise on the amphibious vessel and enjoyed the owner Neil’s infectious passion and knowledge of the surrounding Round Hill Creek and Eurimbula National Park coastline with magnificent evening views.

Waking up in Bundaberg, we devoured a drool-worthy and very notable breakfast of (vegan) sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon and homemade gelato before heading out for a day experience the pure magic of Lady Elliot Island; a place I have been waiting to visit for years. Just north of Fraser Island and home to the mantra ray, Lady Elliot is regarded as one of the best snorkelling destinations of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with an amazing array of colorful coral and marine life. Another place I need to add to the list to return to stay and explore longer. I would seriously love the chance to spend the night, see the Milky Way from this remote location and swim with the manta rays.

Waiting for us upon return was the most exquisite evening picnic at Sandcastles on the Beach hosted by Nourish café. We couldn’t have felt more treated, sitting down ocean side with candles and fairy lights to one of the best picnics I’ve had in a long time. Truly a beautiful way to end a perfect day and a huge week on the road.

Day eight began and it was our last day of adventure. Before leaving Bundy, which I think is secretly the food hub of Australia, we were treated to a lazy breakfast in a refurbished Windmill that was absolutely delicious and the perfect send off. But not before a visit to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and a Blend Your Own Rum Experience. We uncovered the secrets of Australia’s favorite rum, learnd about the story behind the iconic drink and even got to create our own signature blend of rum. I’m not much of a rum drinker to be completely honest, but my grandfather is going to be really stoked when I gift him 2 x bottles of “Melissa’s Blend” Bundaberg Rum.

All good things must come to an end and so we embarked on the journey home.  Driving back to Brisbane, we very sadly parted with Lenni before returning to the Gold Coast. Home with an ever-heightened love and appreciation for this incredible land, so many new memories and clarity that allows a deeper sense of self with the lingering connection to country.

We all know the benefits of being out in nature, but there is something about road-trips that give a sense of absolute freedom. You get the chance to do some genuine bonding with (new) friends, while appreciating the wonder of each new destination. You can stop at any point you like, or make that detour if you see something that sparks your eye. You can head down that unbeaten path, because actually, why not? And you can take the chance to go as fast or slow as you want, because all you have is time. Time and a desire to see and fall in love with this beautiful world.

With a plethora of jaw-dropping vistas to marvel at and so much variety in the Australian landscape, why not leave behind the worries of every day life, hire a van and hit the road?

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Have you ever considered embarking on a road trip in Queensland? I’d love to know where you want to hit the road and what you would see!

Friendly reminder: Pack light, collect more. Limit your phone time, talk to the locals and actively seek their advice and take lots of photos. Enjoy those moments that inevitably become lasting memories.

Whilst sharing my love for Australia, I pay my deep respect for the true custodians of this beautiful land, their elders past, present & future.

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A version of this blog post originally appeared on Melissa Findley’s website. 

Follow Melissa Findley on her Instagram and Facebook. 

Follow Haley Anderson on her website, and Instagram.

The post Two Girlfriends’ 8-Day Roadtrip Along Australia’s Southern Great Barrier Reef appeared first on Resource Travel.

When both returned home, the talked about different ideas that they could collaborate on to tell an adventure story. Woodward  doesn’t remember when the idea of running across Iceland came up, but once it did, there was no turning back. There was only one problem. Whittle was not much of a runner. In his life, he had finished a couple 5k and 10k runs, and even a marathon five years earlier, but by no means was he a ultra runner. But once the idea was hatched, they couldn’t get their minds off it. To make it even more interesting, the team applied to make this a Guinness World Record attempt.

Whittle didn’t want to do this just for himself though. The 28-year old and his family suffered a devastating loss when Whittle’s nephew Sonny lost his battle to a rare form of cancer at just one year old. Whittle was determined to accomplish this challenging feat in Sonny’s name and to help raise awareness and donations for CLIC Sargent, a UK-based organization that supports families of children with cancer.

With all of the high level work done, the team started planning the details of the run. They would cover 450 miles of roads (both paved and dirt) as well as hiking trails. The Dyrhólaey lighthouse in the south was the desired starting point and the Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse in the north was where the team wanted to end their adventure.

When they arrived in Iceland, the typical Arctic weather already began to throw a wrench in their plans. Heavy rain had washed out a bridge just 80 miles from the starting point at the Dyrhólaey lighthouse that, if not repaired by the time the team got there, would end their quest for the Guinness World Record. Once the clock starts, there is no stopping it, even if your route is blocked. Making a last minute decision, they decided to flip the route and start at the Hraunhafnartangi lighthouse in the north and work their way south, which should give them enough time to arrive at the bridge after it was reopened. Once in the north, the team started the stopwatch and Tom Whittle began his run across the desolate Icelandic landscape.

The film is a beautiful look into the journey, and Woodward wrote an exceptional blog post about the details of the run over on the Backcountry website, who sponsored their ambassador’s bold attempt to run across Iceland on foot. The film is painful to watch at times, as us viewers can literally see the athlete’s body giving out throughout the course of the run. Even though they had brought multiple pairs of shoes for Whittle, they didn’t anticipate that his feet would grow over a full size throughout the journey due to the extensive swelling that running 40-50 miles a day would cause. But that wasn’t the only challenge the team faced, as the film shows, but they endured. Ten days, 13 hours, and 11 minutes after they started, Whittle channeled enough energy to jog across the final couple hundred feet to the Dyrhólaey lighthouse.

It is hard to put into words how inspiring this feat was, and especially for the reason why Whittle was compelled to achieve it. Eager to know more about the challenging journey, we sat down with Woodward to talk about this amazing accomplishment and his stunning film and photos that brought us along for the ride.

This story is truly remarkable. You have done some pretty cool stuff on your travels. Where does this adventure stack up?

This adventure was one of the most unique that I’ve been on. While many have an objective, few have had the cumulative number of moving pieces that we had to manage each day that this proved to challenge us with. This trip was also amazingly special in the goal, not just crossing Iceland, but honoring the passing of Sonny, Tom’s nephew.

At any point were you fearful that Tom wouldn’t be able to finish the route?

Absolutely. The first days were by far the hardest. The night before we were meant to start, the rain flooded the field we camped in, and continued on into the morning as we headed to our starting point. Whipping winds and cold rain chased us the entire first day, and by day three we were almost a full day behind our schedule. As Tom’s body adjusted slowly, the third day we were concerned that his knees wouldn’t hold out for the remainder. But each day we started he hobbled from his tent, ate breakfast in the truck, and began slowly down the path.

We can see in the film what the hardest parts for Tom was, but, as the filmmaker, what was the most challenging aspect of this record attempt?

We all shared many roles on this attempt. Mandy was in charge of logistics, Jason handled driving and most meal prep, and my main focus was filming and shooting, but that quickly changed to assisting during the transitions where Tom would need to change shoes or socks, as well as restocking food and water in his pack. We quickly realized that his feet would need medical attention each day, and that landed on my shoulders as well. As much as we wanted to document the journey, I was torn between the tasks that would help us towards the finish line and those that would allow us to do more than just write the story when it was finished.

What inspires you most about what Tom, and the team behind him, accomplished?

I think the most inspiring thing for me is how willing the team was to jump into the unknown. Tom wasn’t a long distance runner, we weren’t a trained support team. We all braved a lot during the trip that tested our limits to act at the edge of our comfort zones. It taught me to never assume that just because you may not have all the answers ahead of time, that it doesn’t mean that the risk isn’t worth taking. We learn the most about ourselves when we take a chance to find the limits to what we can accomplish.

The story is remarkable, and we applaud Whittle, Woodward and the addition team members Mandy Marr and Jason Sivyer for fighting off weather, pain, fatigue, and doubt to complete this challenge. And most importantly, to help raise awareness about childhood cancer and help support the families affected.

See the rest of the incredible photo essay below. 

See more from William Woodward on his website, Instagram and Facebook. 

The post Running 450 Miles Across Iceland For A Good Cause appeared first on Resource Travel.

The film is a beautiful look at this remote southern wilderness and gives viewers the feeling of being in the passenger seat along for the adventure with Hill. But if that wasn’t enough to convince you that Patagonia should be on your bucket list, the photographer also provided us with his favorite photos from the region.

So sit back, relax, and take a journey through Patagonia with Jason Charles Hill.

Follow Jason Charles Hill on his Instagram, Facebook, and website.

Follow Kalum Ko on his Instagram and website.

The post A Two-Week Adventure Through Patagonia With Jason Charles Hill appeared first on Resource Travel.

So when my director buddy Eric Becker contacted me about doing an autumn road trip through Idaho in order to film a field test of the Canon 6d Mark II for DPReview, it didn’t take me long to pack up my favorite thrift shop flannels and head on over to his house. Becker informed me that we were going big time for this production. Since fall in Idaho can get rather chilly, the director Becker and producer Zach Voss got us a sweet adventure camper from Boise-based Wandervans.  That loaded house on wheels would become our home for the next five days as we drove over 800 miles chasing fall colors in a state so remote, we had almost no cell service the entire five days.

Day 1: Riggins & Sevin Devil Mountains

Five guys, one van. Let the adventure begin. After getting a late start (we are creatives…we don’t do anything quickly), Becker, Voss, DPReview’s resident on camera hunk Carey Rose, videographer Lou Karsen and yours truley settled in for the three hour drive north to Riggins, a small town of 400 residents nestled up against the Salmon River. The town is especially popular among outdoor adventure enthusiasts in the spring and summer, as rafting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding are easily available, all in front of a stunning backdrop. Being that we arrived in autumn, the town was exceptionally quiet, perfect for the solitude we were seeking. But we didn’t have time to stop in town, as we wanted to make it to the Heaven’s Gate Lookout to catch the sunset on the Sevin Devil Mountains. Being that the lookout is at 8,400 feet above sea level, we greatly underestimated the amount of snow that would be on the road, as well as the cold tempuratures that awaited us up top. We had to park the Wandervan and pile into Becker’s 4WD drive pickup truck to navigate the treacherous road to the top. But once we did, the reward was worth the cuddle party we had to endure in the cramped truck.

After the sunset, we made our way down the mountain, looking for a repurposed church camp that we would call home for the night. We set up our fire and cooked some fantastic meat. The Idaho night sky never disappoints, and the camp like scene made for some great astro photos.

The next morning, I was rudely awakened in my corner of the van by Rose, who promised me on camera to deliver me coffee. To this day I am still waiting for that coffee. So after getting my own coffee, Rose and I went to make friends with the local horses, who played nice as I tried to photograph them in the hopes of making the cover of Horse & Stable magazine.

Day 2: White Bird & Nez Perce National Forest

We left Riggins and drove north along Highway 95 to one of my favorite overlooks in all of Idaho, White Bird. This area is near the point in the Salmon River that Lewis and Clark crossed on their expedition west. But the history isn’t all happy, as this is also the location of the Battle of White Bird Canyon, the first battle of the Nez Perce War. In that battle, Chief White Bird and the Nez Perce tribe famously defeated the U.S. Army before making their escape. The overlook includes historical plaques that document the event and the view is so captivating, you can find yourself just staring off and getting lost in your mind, imagining the history that took place here.

From White Bird, we headed east on Highway 12, a remote road that winds along the often fog covered Lochsa River. At the town of Lowell, we took a right and followed the Selway River until we reached the Fenn Ranger Station, which was filled with helpful people who helped us devise an itinerary for our short time in the Nez Perce National Forest.

On the advice of the rangers, we headed to the Split Creek Trailhead, which led us up a nicely maintained trail to a great overlook of Highway 12, where the fall colors started to expose themselves.

Having gotten our excericise for the day in, we headed back towards the Fenn Ranger Station where we found a perfect campground nearby. The camp was perfect for our weary bodies as it was right along the Selway River, which meant we didn’t have to walk far to photograph the sunrise the next morning.

Sitting beside the campfire that night, Karsten brought out his guitar and started jamming. Soon, seemingly, all the other guys started playing too. “Am I the only one here who sounds like a fighting cat when I sing?” I wondered. Yes, most likely. But in this moment, I was reminded why I love Idaho so much. There wasn’t another soul for miles, but yet, here we were. Laughing, cooking, drinking and enjoying the fire all while looking up at the night sky. This is what no-plan roadtrips were all about.

Day 3: Selway Falls & The Drive to Fernwood

Another morning, another broken promise of coffee delivery by Carey Rose. I awoke wondering when our technology would advance enough to change sunrise to 9am. But once I stopped day dreaming, I threw on my favorite Guns and Roses t-shirt and walked down to the river bank where I was greated with dramtic fog hanging over the forest trees as the early morning light lit up the scene. The sounds of the flowing Selway River and the chirps of the birds awaking for a brand new day reminded me that, even though tough to get up for, sunrise is indeed my favorite time of day.

After a killer breakfast by Chef Becker, we packed up the van and began to make the long drive north to the town of Fernwood. We had heard of a pretty cool woman who had a pretty rad project going on up there that we were excited to see, but more on that below. But before we left, we drove to Selway Falls, a small group of cascading waterfalls at the end of Selway Road. After getting lost (as five guys in a van would typically do), we found the falls and disembarked and walked down to the river. While not the biggest waterfalls in the world, the falls have a certain charm to be experienced among the quiet landscape. And also, they photograph very well.

And so began our rainy drive to Fernwood. Having lived off campfire dinners for the last couple of days, we were anxious to have someone else cook for us. When we arrived in Fernwood during the late afternoon, we found Cookie’s Chuck Wagon. I mean, come on. Can you really think of a better place to get a burger and a beer than a place called Cookie’s Chuck Wagon? Upon our walk in the door, an older local gentleman seemed surprised to see five dudes in his small town that hasn’t changed a bit in the last 50 years. His greeting? With a hearty laugh and a smile he said “Good day fellas…why are you boys not with any women?” Good question sir, good question.

The burger and cold beer did not disapoint. We fueled up our bodies and headed back into the van and up the mountain  into the heart of the St. Joe National Forest, where we found a cozy turn off on a bumpy dirt road to call home for the night. No campfire here, but for the first time since we left Boise, we got a sliver of 3G cell service, which, when working, allowed us to tell our loved ones we were not only alive and well, but having an adventourous good time.

Day 4: Kristie Wolfe and her Crystal Peak Lookout

Another morning, another empty promise of coffee delivery. But hey, we are walking up to a place with a stove! We had parked on the road below a place now known as Crystal Peak Lookout. This old fire lookout had been purchased by Boise-based entrepreneur Kristie Wolfe with the idea of repurposing the structure to be a completely unique AirBnb. And was it ever! We walked up the steep driveway and met Wolfe outside the tower. Immediatly, I was amazed by her energy, even at such an ungodly hour. “Did she already drink her coffee? Did she have some already made?” I wondered, most likely aloud, and most likely to the annoyance of my compadres.

I quickly come to learn that this isn’t Wolfe’s first foray into a tiny home project. In fact, this isn’t just her passion, it’s also her career. Wolfe is best known for her ‘Hobbit Hole’ themed rental in Eastern Washington and her ‘Dreamy Tropical Treehouse’ in Hawaii. So when Wolfe found this abandon fire tower in a remote Idaho forest, she knew she had something special.

Upon purchasing the property, Wolfe discovered the old call logs from the watchers intact. Probobly our favorite was a call from over 50 years ago, where a woman was going into labor. Without a hospital for miles, the response from the lookout was etched into the call log like it was just another day in the office “Passenger having labor pains. Told the lady she must calm down and stop if she wants assitance”. I think even in this day in age, it would be hard to remain calm in such a desolate section of backcountry while going into labor.

The charming lookout was beyond photogenic, both inside and out. Wolfe hopes to have the listing on Air B&B soon, but in the harsh Idaho winters, the tower will only be accesible via snowmobile. But as soon as it is ready to live in, you can bet that I will be first in line.

Day 5: Snowy RZR Rides in McCall

After leaving Fernwood, we made our way back to Boise, but not before spending the night in McCall, a beautiful tourism driven town on the shores of the Payette Lake. The town is booming mostly year round, as the summer months bring boaters and hikers who enjoy catching some sun while wakesurfing and the winter months bring skiiers and snowboarders to ride the snow-filled mountains of Brundage Mountain Resort and Tamarack Resort. But no matter the time of year, I can always count on my buddy Cody Monroe from CM Backcountry Rentals to show me a wild good time. As we awoke from our awesome last minute house rental at Bear Creek Lodge, we were greeted with never ending snow fall. Just another autumn day in Idaho! Since the snow wasn’t too deep, Monroe suggested we take the Polaris RZRs out for a spin. We headed up the mountains, sliding out and yelping like school kids on a school canceled snow day. After photographing mainly static landscapes for the previous five days, I couldn’t think of a better way to end an incredible week with good friends. After four exciting, yet freezing hours, we headed back to Monroe’s shop before we made the long and tired drive home back to Boise.

Having to ‘work’ as a photographer, I often lose sight of what made me pick up a camera in the first place. I wanted a medium where I could bring people along for the ride on my adventures. But always having to think about the work aspect prevents me from seeing the trees through the forest, so to speak. But this trip reminded me of what I too often take for granted. Photography is STILL DAMN FUN. And here, in an Idaho full of crisp temperatures and autumn colors, the fun is not because of the images I am taking. It’s the crazy adventures and the connections with fellow creatives that makes photography damn fun. Road tripping with friends. Not having a plan or a care in the world for that matter. THAT is what is fun about photography.

So please, as we enter the holiday season, sit back, relax and really enjoy life’s moments. Those REAL moments that are never to be recreated. Be thankful for not only your creativity, but also be thankful for the friends who help you fuel that creativity by doing any absurd, spontaneous idea that you throw at them.

You only get one life. Try not to take it too seriously.

The post Living the Van Life: An Autumn Road Trip Through Idaho appeared first on Resource Travel.

Farrell knew that 1,000 frames per second could yield incredible slow motion, so he decided to start putting the $150,000 camera to the test. Over a period of 30 days, Farrell drove 20,000 miles, accumulating into what he called, ‘one of the most difficult projects I have ever attempted in my career.’

In the description on his Vimeo page, Farrell talks about the wild swings between the highs and lows he experienced during this project.

Chasing storms with a Phantom Flex4K is stressful even when things are going well. There were at least 10 days where I returned home with my tail between my legs and nothing to show after a ten hour chase and 500 miles. There were also a couple of days that I drove home with an ear to ear smile that lasted for hours.

But the difficulties weren’t just in the field. Farrell learned that lightning isn’t always as it seems, and even after the fact can be difficult to translate into a video.

Lightning is like a snowflake. Every bolt is different. I learned that lightning varies greatly in speed. There are some incredible looking bolts that I captured that didn’t make the cut because even at 1000fps they only lasted for one frame during playback. I also captured some lightning that appear computer generated it lasted so long on the screen.

With all of the trials and difficulties, it’s obvious that this project was a great success, as Farrell has captured the beauty of lightning in a way not many had before. We can only hope that his inspiration to show us the dramatic side of lightning lasts through the 2018 storm season.

See more from Farrell on his website, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

The post See What Lightning Looks Like in 1,000 fps Slow Motion appeared first on Resource Travel.

Advanture Company released a video last week featuring the 31-year-old California native in his element: on the road, traversing his next destination with his van in search of the perfect photo. But it’s not just the photo that makes Burkard’s job worth while, it’s the experience and the build-up before the photo. The video’s stunning imagery is topped with Burkard’s words that are a unique mix of youthful simplicity and incredible wisdom, making for an authentic dose of inspiration to all creators alike.

The video portrays just how much the adventure behind his photos means to Burkard, starting with his first taste of inspiration, handed to him by Ansel Adams. In the decade Burkard has spent traveling all sides of the globe—he’s shot in 6 out of 7 continents—he still hasn’t lost that sense of genuine awe and fascination with the world, something that drives him to great lengths in capturing earth’s rawest beauty.

Burkard immerses himself in his practice, so much so that he sometimes lives out of a van while he travels, making photography a lifestyle rather than a mere profession or hobby. What started as a regular van he’d tracked down in the midwest has become the “ultimate travel photography vehicle.” Burkard turned the vehicle into a home and work space, complete with an abundance of storage units, a portal shower, a foldable bed, and a light bar atop the hood of the van. He says, “I had this sort of home on wheels…a figurative passport to take me to the places that I loved without having to leave a single thing behind.”

The most difficult thing for the photographer has been the separation from his wife and kids that often comes as a result of his near constant, rigorous travel. Burkard stresses how essential the sharing of his epic adventures with friends and family is in curating a truly fulfilling experience, and his van allows him to bring what he loves most along for the ride. A large part of inspiration behind this notion is Burkard’s childhood road trips he’d take in the summers with his grandfather—”Without even really knowing it,” Burkard says, “he had instilled in me these values about appreciating the natural world.” This admiration and respect for nature and exploring is something Burkard hopes to, in turn, instill in his children, and anyone else who will listen. If one thing is clear, it’s that though the photographer may profit off of his profession, its really his passion for artistic expression and determination in sharing the world’s inherent beauty that makes his lifestyle worth living.

Burkard leaves us with a final thought that encapsulates the wonderment of inspiration, something that only takes a spark to fuel a deep passion for creative exploration in any medium.

“It’s a huge world out there, worth exploring. I remember when I was a kid, it’s not always something you’re going to appreciate right away. But that’s ok, an idea has to start somewhere, right?”

The post Chris Burkard and His ‘Road to Inspiration’ appeared first on Resource Travel.

It is true that I have never been much of a “beach person”, always preferring cooler climates to the hot and humid. I can appreciate the calm of island life and thoroughly enjoy an early-morning walk along the beach, but the grandeur and majesty of millions of years of plate-tectonic activity are so alluring and inspiring to me. If I ever left Missouri, I believe I would travel Northwest.

On a whim I purchased heavily discounted flights to Denver during a Southwest Airlines flash sale. The trip was both to celebrate the end of a busy season of photographing weddings and to explore the Rocky Mountains – something I have never seen before. In fact, the only time I had ever been in the state of Colorado was during a layover en route to Los Angeles. And to my dismay – the mountains are far from Denver. I couldn’t have seen the mountains from the airport, anyway.

After excitedly booking our flight and securing an Airbnb in Colorado Springs, I anxiously awaited our trip to the Centennial State. Taking in recommendations from friends and scouring the internet for things to do, I found that there was simply too much to see over our three-day visit. I decided to stick with a few staples: Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and Manitou Springs.

We arrived early in Denver on a cool and misty fall morning. We wandered around the River North Art District (referred to as “RiNo”) and ended up at Crema Coffee House to hash out our day’s plans over some stellar lattes. After taking in the city views and enjoying our desperately-needed caffeine, we traveled West to Estes Park and to the base of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

Colorado is abundant with colorful hillsides.

As we approached Estes Park, my sense of wonderment started to kick in as the landscapes became more and more dynamic. We intended to explore RMNP but due to the persistent rain, opted to tour Estes Park and the entrance of RMNP instead. We saw several elk while there. It was beautiful.

The next morning we set out to explore the Garden of the Gods. Following a hearty breakfast and nice chat with our waitress at Over Easy we drove towards the park. As we approached the park entrance, I literally gasped.

These photos look nice, but they can never recreate the feeling that overwhelms you as you first lay eyes on this amazing place.

It was a personal goal to capture incredible sunrise and sunset photos while in Colorado Springs, but we were met with rainy, drizzly and foggy weather conditions. Initially defeated at the lack of sunshine, it did not take long to appreciate the interesting conditions the fog produced as it rolled across the landscape.

My official “Sunrise” photo

Crafted millions of years ago, there are many interesting geological formations within the park, most notably “Balanced Rock” and “Kissing Camels“. Garden of the Gods was primarily inhabited by the Ute people, a tribe that supposedly lacked a historic migration – I can understand why. I think that if I had found myself here, I would not have a desire to leave, either. Uncovered stone hearths and Petroglyphs dating back nearly 3,000 years indicates the gardens were revered as a sacred place by its inhabitants and visiting tribes. Interestingly, Garden of the Gods (originally referred to as “Red Rock Corral” by visiting Europeans) was purchased by American-born railroad magnate Charles Elliott Perkins in 1879 and upon his death, was given to the City of Colorado Springs.

Later that day, we briefly hiked in Red Rock Canyon, where I was able to capture this image of the distant Garden of the Gods.

In the distance, the Garden of the Gods. One of the few moments of sunshine on our trip.

On our last day in Colorado Springs, we wanted to experience the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, a 3-hour (total) train tour to the summit of Pikes Peak. Located in the quaint and charming town of Manitou Springs, the Cog Railway Depot was founded in 1889 and officially opened in the late Summer of 1891. We boarded the Leadville Train Car to experience an exhilarating ride to the summit.

As we finally ascended above the layer of dense fog, we enjoyed several hours of mountain-top sunshine.

A mountain-top lake. Paradise!

Along the way we saw a few adorable marmots and bighorn sheep. As we reached the summit, the effects of the high altitude were readily apparent. I had difficulty concentrating and my head was aching. It was cold – just under thirty degrees. I truly regretted not having gloves, and after taking in the enormous views we retreated indoors to grab some coffee and their “special” donuts.

One of my favorite images from our trip was taken along the decent. The dense fog rolled over this mountain, leaving much to the imagination of what lies beneath…

I can honestly say that, despite the rainy weather, Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. I was consistently in awe of the surrounding landscape. It’s hard to imagine having a bad day; you would only need to look around you to be uplifted. This was the first of what will hopefully be many visits to this beautiful part of our country.

I may or may not have already be plotting ways to retire in Colorado.

Lindsay Blum is a St. Louis, Missouri based wedding and travel photographer who enjoys spending her free time sipping on lattes, observing the skies and adventuring outdoors to photograph Missouri’s wild and diverse beauty. Follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

This post originally appears on Lindsay Blum’s blog and was re-published with her permission.

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Linda grabbed a couple of his friends and they hit the road in a camper van that they actually painted along the way. The three-minute film follows the friends as they hike and ski in the falling snow, laughing and enjoying the incredible scenery that surrounds them. Until an unexpected event derails their adventure and the team gets a first hand look at Canadian hospitality.

It’s no wonder why the film made the Vimeo Staff Picks selections within a day of its release. It’s a fun friends adventure story that is beautiful filmed and edited. And helps make a great argument to skip that Mexico ticket and rent a van and head to the Canadian Rockies instead.

Follow Sebastian Linda on his website, Facebook and Vimeo.

Film Supported by Jack Wolfskin.

The post At Home Outdoors: A Road Trip Through The Snowy Canadian Rockies appeared first on Resource Travel.

And on a recent trip to Denali National Park in Alaska, I understood the meaning behind what he was saying.

We’re on our own. We reached Teklanika Camp, 30 miles in from the park’s entrance. On most other parks, there are village stores and markets where you can restock or grab any additional supplies. But not in Denali National Park. Once you’ve driven in past the 15-mile marker at Savage River, you don’t get to drive up and down the only road in the park at your leisure. You have to rely on the network of camper and visitor buses that travel further into the park. And there is no other stores or restaurant in the park. The word “wilderness” defines this park, and I haven’t been to any other park that lives up to that designation as much as Denali does.

The Koyukon Athabaskan tribes who have resided in these lands for hundreds of years called the 20,310-foot high mountain Dee-naa-lee, “The Great One.” But a gold prospector in 1896 named the mountain Mount McKinley after then newly elected President William McKinley. The name itself has been a source of contention for decades until President Obama directed the US Geological Survey to officially change the name back to Denali. The whole naming debacle is also symbolic of the struggle between nature and development in the park; and the painful recognition of this country’s appropriation of land from its original native residents.

We drove for about 3-hours from Anchorage to reach the park entrance and main visitor center. There is only one road in the park, it enters the valley from the Eastern side and runs through several mountain passes to its terminus in the Kantishna district (a former gold mining town). Private vehicles can traverse the road up to mile 15, beyond that you have to purchase a bus pass at the Riley Creek Campground store to go further into the park. You have the option of narrated and non-narrated buses, but really all of the bus drivers are very knowledgeable about the park and will tell you some history about the park along the way.

Before reaching our campground, we first stopped at the Sled Dog Kennels by the park headquarters area. This is the only working dog kennel in the entire US parks system. Rangers rely on these specially bred Alaskan Huskies to take them deep into the wilderness where no motorized vehicles are allowed. These dogs work in the winter to take out trash and debris, assist rescue missions, carry supplies to the ranger outposts, and even help carry scientific devices or sensors as part of the various studies being conducted within the park.

But the best part… is that they get to chill by their houses in the summer while visitors come by and give them all the belly rubs and scritches they could possibly want. The rangers in the kennel also conduct demonstrations and talks several times a day to visitors. These dogs have been an integral part of the park for the 100-years of its existence, and it is wonderful that we get to interact with them.

We camped at Teklanika Campground at mile 30, a nice quiet little campground by the Teklanika braided river where ancient glaciers used to flow through.  The campground was well maintained with only functional amenities.  There are fresh water, RV hookups, and a food storage hut in every loop.  Other than that, there is only an outhouse and utility sink.

With the sun setting around midnight in the summer (and rises by around 3:00 AM), I headed out to the river stream behind our campground.  By 10:30 PM, the sun was low but still plenty bright.  And the mosquitos were everywhere.  Just one of the few thmakethat makes photographing in this park challenging, but also very rewarding.

Teknalika River by the campground. Shot before the midnight sunset whilst being swarmed by mosquitos.

As with majority of visitors to Denali, we mainly enjoyed the park through the windows of the visitor busses. On our first day, we took the bus all the way into Kantishna–with a few rest stops in between. Imagine it as an American Safari–as photographer Jonathan Irish described it–there’s a good chance that the bus will stop several times along the way to let visitors see the wildlife abound in the park. From Dall sheep, caribous, mooses, grizzlies, and wolves. We were lucky enough to be able to see all of them during our stay there.

A lone Dall Sheep on a steep rocky mountain. The Dall Sheep is what inspired Charles Sheldon to push for the creation of the park.

But beyond the bus routes, the rest of the 6-million acres of land in the park are designated as wilderness. Which means, that there are no roads, no motorized vehicles, no established trails, no structures, and no campgrounds. You hike and explore at your own risk. Hikers should be experienced in navigating through the terrain and reading topographical maps to not get lost.

And in the early summer, mother grizzlies will be rearing their young as they come out of hibernation. An especially protective time for them as they protect their cubs. We saw at least three sets of grizzly families while we were there. You should never backpack here without proper bear protection equipment.

Contrary to what most might think, the park didn’t include Denali mountain when it was established. When Charles Sheldon advocated for the protection of these lands, he did so to protect the unique Dall Sheeps and the other animals from being hunted to extinction from big game hunters and poachers. But what a landscape these animals have chosen as their home.

Spot the sow (momma bear) and her frolicking cub viewed from the Polychrome Overlook

Riding the bus, the best view really start to come into view after Sable Pass. Buses will stop at the Polychrome Mountains overlook where you can get a sweeping view of the multi-colored range. The colors comes from the variety of exposed rocks and minerals that the mountains are composed of.

Panoramic shot of the Polychrome Mountains, 9 stitched vertical exposures

Light is always fleeting in this park and gives off dramatic contrasts in the landscape. There are stretches of clear sunny days, but mostly overcast and cloudy. The sun would peak in through the breaks in the clouds, but will only last minutes at any given location.

And as you approach the Thorofare Mountain pass, Denali starts to come into view… if you’re lucky enough that is.

On average, this tallest peak in the American continent (>20,300 ft) is only visible 20-30% of the time, as the mountain generates its own climate and unpredictable weather. We had a glimpse of the summit on our first ride into the park, but by the time we got to Eielson visitor center at mile 65 it was completely obscured by clouds. We never saw the mountain again for the rest of our trip.

Like the mountain for those who have tried to summit it, Denali National Park may seem intimidating–at least it was for me. It is a wild, rugged, natural, untamed landscape. But that’s the way it should be. There should still be some lands that is still left to nature to tend and animals to roam, protected from the ever growing development that is our civilization. Somewhere where quietness is the norm, away from the noises of our everyday lives. Where it is not always accessible for everyone and anyone, except for those who’s willing to struggle to get there. A desolate island of wild nature, where those who makes the effort to get there can have his or her own transformative experience.

We didn’t get to see all of the park, didn’t even come close to venturing out to the wild. We only got a glimpse from the comfort and safety of our tour busses, and most people won’t. But that’s okay. That is what makes Denali so wonderful.

Follow more of Ryan’s adventures on his website, Instagram and his travel journals on his blog.

This post originally appeared here and has been modified and shared with permission.

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Being on the road for that long gives a visual artist like Majeczky the opportunity to experiment. Inspired by the traveling couple behind the viral Instagram account and hashtag #FollowMeTo, Majeczky thought it would be fun to follow the same idea, but with his two huskies leading the couple. The original series is known for photos of Murad Osmann being led around the world, hand in hand, by his wife Natalia Zakharova.

I asked Majeczky about not only his tongue in cheek #PullMeTo series, but also about what it was like driving 12,000 miles with two very active huskies, and what the future holds for this couple and their dogs.

When did the inspiration from Murad Osmann’s #FollowMeTo series come to you? Were you already on the road, or did the idea come before you left?

The inspiration came while we were on the road. The #FollowMeTo thing has become so world renown that it’s almost a cliche’ now. However one day while driving I suggested that we mimic their pictures with our pups. Since Huskies can’t resist to pull as soon as you put them on a leash it seemed only natural to call it #PullMeTo.

What challenges did traveling 12,000 miles with two large dogs present?

Traveling with the dogs was not a huge hassle. The biggest challenge was with the national parks not allowing dogs on a majority of the hiking trails. This severely limited our ability to get to some of the most scenic places with them. So we made due with scenic vistas just off the road or close to our camp sites.

 

With your wife working now, do you envision being able to pack up the Eurovan with Nico and Taj and let them lead you on an epic 12,000 mile adventure ever again?

After our travels we purchased a beautiful home in Reno, Nevada. With the wife starting her career and me being busy in my own, I regretfully have to say we plan to sell the Eurovan this summer. We do have some long term goals to buy a larger Sprinter van and converting it ourselves into a camper set up. We love to travel but both agree now is the time to concentrate on our careers for a while before the next big adventure begins. In the mean time we plan to do more international travel since we checked off a good amount of the places we wanted to see in the States.

 

I would be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with that last answer. Majeczky’s film is one of my favorites wanderlust films that I have seen in years, and I was hoping to get a sequel this summer. But at least we know the couple isn’t ready to hang up their #VanLife cleats just yet, and plan to take the challenge on again in the future.

Follow Justin Majeczky on his website, Facebook, Instagram, and Vimeo.

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Immediately, I was enamored with the idea, so I reached out to Snape to hear about what the project meant to him. What was it that appealed to him about traveling the country by train?

My favorite thing about traveling by train in Switzerland was that you can relax and take in the views without having to drive anywhere. The enormous windows on the train give you a near-360 degree view of everything. You can eat, stretch your legs and sit down, take photos and just take in the stunning Swiss scenery.

But is the Swiss Railway a convenience?

During the Winter, a lot of the higher roads are closed and trains are the only way to get around efficiently. The Swiss train system is known for always being on schedule to the minute.

Being known for your awesome road trip adventures, I asked Snape if it was hard to give up control of his transportation.

I was initially hesitant about traveling the country by train because I love driving and being able to stop wherever I like but as soon as I was on the trains, you soon realize that its the best way to get around in Switzerland. I took the Glacier Express a few times throughout the week, it’s known as the slowest express train in the world. The views out of the windows are breath taking. My favorite part of the week was taking the Jungfrau and Rigi Railways, both take you to mountain tops and have some of the best scenery in the world.

Based on Snape’s incredible captures, it does look like Switzerland has some of the best scenery in the world…and Snape also shows us that the best way to view it is by train.

Follow Callum Snape’s adventures on his website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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