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Someone I look up to (@forrestmankins) once said “Being 18-34 with a DSLD and internet connection is not exactly the recipe for sage, poetic wisdom. I think we can “inspire” more by being real.” and that’s stuck with me for a bit. Even though authenticity is overplayed, and almost always inauthentic in practice, I’ve tried to stick to the straight and narrow, and put my life into pictures, and share it with you. That’s what I think this is all about anyways, it’s documenting a journey, and a set of ideas, and my relationship with the outdoors and how we fit into all this. I believe that my purpose is honesty in what I share, even if it’s not always the best photo you’ve seen in the 2 seconds while scrolling past. It’s documenting a story, and for me that has always been at the forefront of what a photograph is. I go where I go and do what I do because I love doing it, and just happen to have a camera at my side. That can be polished at times, but sometimes it’s messy and not all symmetrical, and that should be okay. I document what I document because I think nature is important, and I want to inspire the love of it in you that’s been instilled in me. When I see a mountain range, or my friends taking in the sights, or even just the little moments of stoke that happen along the trail that makes my heart beat a little faster and that’s why I capture those moments. And if I may go against Forrest’s words for a sec, it’s about the people and those moments that fill your heart. I promise. That’s what’s really important.
While these mountains are a little smaller than the ones back home, they just shoot up out of the ground with unparalleled epicness and scale. They are rough, tough, and gnarly, and offer some of the most technical climbing in the world. Not this trip, but someday I want to come back and stand on top of some of these peaks I’ve looked at in wonder.
It’s incredible seeing these glaciers while they’re still around. Just like mountains they have mass and might that inspires awe in me every time. They are a piece of nature that seems alive, as they’re always moving, changing, and unfortunately melting at an alarming rate.
With bad weather bearing down on us fast, we took off on our most recent trip to make the most of the so-so weather days leading up to it. Wind storms and dark clouds have started to become routine, but we soaked up every little bit of sun when it was out. None of the places we went to were new spots, but it gave us a chance to see it in new light, and to appreciate it a little more. As with any trip, this one was filled with ups and downs. We relaxed in a little slice of heaven, a Refugio waaay our in the mountains. I hiked up to an incredible alpine lake and saw the shadow of Fitz Roy through the clouds, and could turn around and see Rio Electrico thousands of feet below on the valley floor. I lost my camera and jumped in the river after it, no luck on recovering it. Not too upset about the camera, but more about the photos on that memory card. But that’s just how life goes. Still just hangin out with a smile on my face. Life is pretty alright still.
It seems we barely spend any time in El Chalten these days. Just back from a trip yesterday and back off today. That’s all good, I came here for the mountains. And the ice cream, that’s pretty damn good down here too
Every single day we’re pushing to fit the most we possibly can into a day. That means taking advantage of early mornings and late nights; you could say we’re burning the candle on both ends out here. It’s been great having @biolite’s new Headlamp along to keep everything lit. This thing has it all - it’s rechargeable so you can stop filling the landfills with AA’s, and is super adjustable - you can turn it way down for kicking back with a book in the tent, or way up for illuminating the peak you’re trying to climb. Check em out if you want your next adventure to be lit! #ad
Still #wayfoggedupbruh, even on the opposite end of the world
One of the little gems around this place. @lukekonarzewski and I have been taking it easy over the past few days after getting sick with food poisoning. Our last trip really put us through the wringer, but we’re getting stoked to get going again soon.
Sunset at the foot of the Viedma Glacier. This place reminds me so much of my home in Alaska, it’s alike in so many regards. Got me just a tiny bit homesick