When in Alaska, especially working seasonal jobs, you’ve got to do road trips with friends—and that’s exactly what we did. We made our way down to Seward, Alaska, about a six-hour drive from the interior where we worked, but every mile was worth it. The open road, the mountains, and the endless wilderness made the journey as much of an adventure as the destination itself.

We started the road trip on an absolutely beautiful day in Denali and had great weather all the way down.

We made good time to Anchorage, and when we hit Turnagain Arm, we had to stop at Beluga Point for the obligatory photos and selfies with my friends and coworkers Nikki and Jo from Florida.

Once we got into Seward, we had a kayak trip planned with Worldwide Outfitters. These guys were fantastic.

Here’s me and Luc, one of our best raft guides.. kicking off some paddling with a waterfall behind us—not a bad start.

After a while, we had to cross some open water. It was a little sketchy, but we were all competent paddlers and moved quickly.

Our guide led us to beach our boats for a short land excursion through a lush temperate forest.

He knew of a big waterfall tucked away in this incredible setting, and we stopped for a group photo with the falls as our backdrop.

The guide had his game on—he even made us hot chocolate to enjoy in the base of the waterfall.

We wrapped things up with some amazing shots of Exit Glacier.

Just think—these walls were packed entirely with ice not many decades ago.

Seeing the scale and change up close really puts the power and pace of Alaska’s natural forces into perspective.

Do you ever dance with the devil in the pale moonlight?

That’s exactly how it felt kicking off our midnight fun run. It’s not uncommon in Alaska for rafting trips to do a late-night run with their crews down their assigned river. For us, it was the canyon section of the Nenana, which has some pretty gnarly class 3 and class 4 Alaskan rapids. We launched the boats at 12:05 a.m., and the silvery twilight was absolutely beautiful, setting the perfect mood as the river carried us into the wild

I was having too much fun to take pictures going down the river, but we did camp on this sandbar, built a huge bonfire, and fired up a sauna.

If you look closely at the picture, you’ll see a red igloo fishing hut. Inside, we heated granite stones until they were glowing red, then dragged them into the hut. Pouring water over those stones created an incredible, silky sauna experience. And when your body got too hot, you took a quick plunge into the river…what we called a “Nenana plunge,” ha ha. There’s nothing like that mix of heat, cold, and laughter to make a night unforgettable.

It was now 3:15 a.m., and we were still having an incredible time, with the fire rolling and the river roaring all around us. What a night with great friends. I think I slept about 30 minutes that night—some of us had to work the next day, some didn’t—but I’ll never forget those silvery skies, the laughter that echoed across the canyon, and the glacial river splashing on your face as we ran the rapids. It was pure, unfiltered adventure…one of those nights that makes life worth living

Renaissance has returned. This is the second season at Raft Camp—yes, feels completely different. Last season was overwhelming—trying to take everything in was a challenge, and then there was the ankle. You might remember I broke it badly and ended up having surgery mid-season.

But this year, I came ready. Fully equipped, with the right attitude, determined not to let anything go wrong and to experience everything I missed out on last year. I kept a clearer head, drank less, stayed out of trouble, and focused on the prize.

Now, I’m here to take in every inch of beauty, every stretch of river and scenery, every delicate sound, and every piece of nature I possibly can.

Here’s a beautiful example of lupine, usually blooming in early June.

Moose were everywhere, and as far as Alaska wildlife goes, they are the most dangerous. I was actually charged by a moose my first season—it was one of the scariest wildlife encounters I’ve ever had. Moose are Alaska’s number one killers when it comes to wild animals.

On a lighter note, I managed to catch a picture of this amazing bush plane—look at that polished aluminum! I loved seeing these planes every day while living on the airstrip.

And of course, there was the smaller side of nature too…like this sandpiper flitting along the shore, or a mama moose cooling off on a hot June day. Every moment felt alive, every corner of Raft Camp offering something incredible to notice.

And then there was this Renaissance photo. I didn’t even really realize what made it a Renaissance picture until Marcus and Ian pointed it out. This was such a great rafting trip—a fun run with friends in small boats down the upper Nananana River. I snapped this shot while we were taking a break, and everyone loved it. It captured the moment perfectly…the calm of the river, the light, the laughter…everything about that trip just felt alive.

Here’s me on the sticks of a small cataraft. I love this little boat, and if I ever get my own raft, it’ll be something like this—light, nimble, perfect for small trips. The only problem is they’re expensive, and getting one up here is no small feat.

And then the last photo I’ll include from this trip is just a beautiful shot of Panorama Peak as we floated north on the upper Nenana. The view was breathtaking…everything about that moment felt like the perfect end to a perfect run.

We took our group photo early this season, and what a crew it was. This really was one of the best groups of staff we’ve had at Denali Raft Adventures—a team full of energy, skill, and good vibes. After so many amazing runs on the glacial Nenana River and days spent sharing laughs, stories, and stunning sunsets, that photo is a snapshot of a season I’ll remember for a long time.

A shout out to Demetrius—he’s on the bottom left—for taking all the dads out to a super nice dinner on Father’s Day. There’s me, Jimbo, Barry, and Jim, who is Demetrius’ dad and also the owner of the company. Moments like that made this season feel even more special…a mix of adventure, camaraderie, and just enjoying the people around you.

Here’s a cartoonish-looking sunset. Fires were blazing all around—which is pretty much the norm for late June in the interior of Alaska. The sky glowed like a painting, and the heat from the fires added this surreal, almost otherworldly feel to the evening. Moments like that remind you how wild and alive this place really is.

Like I said, I’m taking it all in…even the smoky moments. The haze from the fires mixed with the sunset light made everything feel alive and raw, a perfect reminder that being here is about experiencing it all, not just the easy or pretty parts.

I rolled out from raft camp… our little pocket of employee housing… and started making my way up the Parks Highway toward the entrance of Denali National Park. But right out of the gate… a major snag. Heavy construction on the highway stopped me in my tracks, and before I knew it, I was loading myself and my fully packed bike into the back of a pilot car. Not exactly how I pictured starting the trip… but hey, it made for a story.

Once past that short detour, though… I was on my way. I pedaled into the park surrounded by incredible scenery, the kind that immediately reminds you why you came all this way.

What made it even better… I had left in the evening, and with nearly nonstop daylight this time of year, there was no rush at all. Time just kind of… opened up..

I didn’t see a ton of wildlife on this adventure… but I did come across a couple of really cool birds. Here’s one of them… Mr. Willow Ptarmigan just hanging out, completely unbothered.

They’re funny like that… they really don’t seem to care if you’re nearby, and usually won’t even think about flying off unless you’re just a couple yards away. Makes for a pretty special, up-close moment out there.

Had to pull over for a quick photo stop at the beautiful Sanctuary River… one of those places that sucks you in. Definitely putting it on the list for a future backpacking trip.

Later on, I took a dinner break at the Teklanika River stop… and had the whole place to myself. Out there, after about mile 15 on the park road, it’s shuttle buses only… no private vehicles. The only other way through is by foot or bike… which made it feel even more special having the road all to myself.

Had a little moment out at the Teklanika River stop… sat down for dinner on the wooden deck, enjoying the quiet, when somehow my backpacking spoon slipped right through the slats and disappeared underneath. Gone… just like that.

Now every time I go back, I can’t help but think about it… my spoon still down there somewhere, tucked beneath the deck… like a tiny piece of me that never left.

Then around 11 p.m.… one of my favorite wildlife encounters of all time. I came across this incredible Golden Eagle. I’ve always wanted to see one… and yeah, I’ll admit, I’ve definitely mistaken vultures for golden eagles before… but this time, I’m pretty darn sure I got it right. We just stood there… staring at each other for a good half hour. One of those quiet, unforgettable moments.

It felt like I had the whole 6 Million acre National Park to my self..

After that, I made my way to Igloo Creek, where I had a permit to camp for the night… and it felt perfect. Beautiful, peaceful… exactly where I wanted to be. By the time I got camp set up, it was around midnight… and still plenty of daylight lingering in the sky.

I slept great, and the ride back the next day was absolutely stunning… crystal clear skies, everything glowing.

Not far from camp, I came across some fresh evidence of a bear dig… the ground torn up, earth scattered, a clear sign that something big had been working the area not too long ago.
It’s a subtle reminder out here… you’re not alone.

There’s something really special about Denali National Park… just that raw simplicity and rugged beauty that sticks with you long after you leave.

This area is what’s called an ecotone… a place where two worlds meet, where the tundra gradually blends into the boreal forest.

Most of these trees here are Black Spruce… hardy, resilient, and perfectly suited to this rugged, transitional landscape.

After an incredible winter in the desert southwest… I was more than ready to head back to Alaska. Truthfully, it’s been on my mind the whole time. This place has completely stolen my heart… I’ve fallen hard for it.

Flying in, I caught a glimpse of Denali out the airplane window… and wow. Seeing it from the air is something else entirely… just massive, unreal, and humbling all at once. At 20,310 feet, it’s the tallest peak in North America, and with over 18,000 feet of prominence… it’s considered the most prominent mountain in the world. That’s the vertical rise you actually see… and nothing prepares you for it.

Once we all arrived.. the whole crew linked up and headed straight out for some team building in Denali National Park. And just like that… total contrast from the desert.

The park was still covered in snow after a big winter while I’d been soaking up dry heat down south.

A shot of the crew gathered near the Savage River…

Demetrius just taking it all in…

A couple of Willow Ptarmigan hanging around too, right in that in-between phase… their feathers shifting from white to brown as the seasons start to turn.

It felt so good to be back at raft camp… surrounded by those tall spruce trees and breathing in that crisp, fresh Alaskan air. And right on cue… the bush planes were back, coming and going like clockwork… that familiar rhythm of the place settling right back in.

Evenings fell into their own routine just as easily… a bonfire out front of the cook shack, cardboard crackling in the flames while everyone gathered around… swapping stories, laughing, unwinding from the day.

It’s simple… but it’s everything. And those sunsets… they just don’t quit. Night after night, the sky puts on a show that never really ends.

Early season has its own personality… snow still blanketing the ground, but melting fast… like you can almost watch the landscape changing day by day.

This time around, I brought my custom hardtail mountain bike… something I didn’t have my first season… and I was stoked to finally have a little freedom to explore and get around on my own terms.

And how do you catch a raft guide…? With a cookie, of course.
Here’s my buddy Marcus a Teacher from Cali in the off season… kicked back and resting after a tough early season day on the water… earning every bit of that downtime.

So here’s a new post about when my son treated me to a trip to Meow Wolf Denver… and we just had an incredible time.

It’s one of those places where reality kind of bends a little… rooms that don’t make sense, stories hidden in every corner, and just pure creativity everywhere you look.

At one point, I even ran into a “psychic” who, somehow, seemed to read me… like she knew I was about to head out on another big adventure up in Alaska.

And sure enough… I’m getting ready to head back north for round two with Denali Raft Adventures. But before I go, it meant everything to spend some real, quality time with my awesome son, Seth… just being present, sharing laughs, and making one more great memory before the next chapter begins.

I’d highly recommend checking out any of the Meow Wolf locations… I’d love to see all of them if I ever get the chance. Each one is filled with stories, mystery, and absolutely mind-blowing art.

The entire place feels like one giant living, breathing piece of art… something you don’t just look at, but step inside and experience.

Before making it to Madera Canyon, I had a few stops and errands to take care of. I caught up with some friends in Mesa, Arizona along the way… always good to see familiar faces. I camped out in the cactus forest… an absolutely lush desert environment that completely blew me away.

I also rode some of my favorite trails down in Tucson… the Star Pass area, part of the Star Pass trail system, where the cacti stand tall and majestic against the sky. The Sonoran Desert near Tucson is just unbeatable… pure magic.

And of course, I couldn’t skip a night or two at the trash pit. It has its own kind of beauty… rugged, chaotic, and utterly captivating. I love it.
And with that, here we go… next stop… Madera Canyon

Madera Canyon sits in the Santa Rita Mountains just south of Tucson, and it’s one of those places that delivers every time. I found a great campsite on public land just outside Green Valley — free camping, legal for up to 14 days, and close enough to town that resupply was never an issue. The sunsets from camp were something else, with long views out over the valley that made it hard to go to bed.

My friends Gary and Kiki were out here with me for a good stretch of the trip, and we made the most of it. We hiked pretty much every day — working up ridgelines, dropping into creek drainages, and eventually knocking out a summit that still had snow on it. Great views, great company, and the kind of hiking where you feel it the next morning in the best possible way.

I also squeezed in a solo overnight, hammock camping right along the creek. No agenda, just the sound of water and the tree canopy overhead. Those simple nights are sometimes the best ones.

I got out on the mountain bike too, working through terrain studded with cool granite formations. The riding out here is underrated — varied, scenic, and just technical enough to keep things interesting.

The birding in Madera Canyon is world class. It’s one of the premier birding destinations in the entire country, drawing visitors from everywhere hoping to spot species found nowhere else in the United States.

On one of my final hikes I got lucky — an elegant trogon stepped out into the open, vivid and unmistakable. A great way to close out the trip

Good friends, good trails, good camping. Madera Canyon never disappoints.

This post needs no real explanation. I love dogs. I love Volkswagen Beetles. Nogales delivered both in abundance, and I had my camera ready.

Mexico kept the classic Beetle in production longer than anywhere else in the world, and that love for the car never really left. The streets of Nogales are proof — modified, painted, and proudly maintained, these Bugs are anything but forgotten. And woven right in between them, the street dogs of Nogales, doing what street dogs do best: owning every block they walk.

This one’s for them. All of them

There’s a specific kind of adrenaline that hits when you walk toward the border. For my recent dental trip to Nogales, that journey started at the gates

The crossing itself was surprisingly seamless. There’s no daunting security line or intense questioning; you simply walk through the gates and, just like that, you’re in Mexico.

It’s one of those rare moments where a single step truly feels like entering a different world.

Immediately, the atmosphere shifts. The streets are a living timeline, filled with cars from twenty or twenty-five years ago, and the architecture is unmistakably local.

Everything is bathed in bright, vibrant colors that seem to glow under the perfect Sonoran sun.

Mmmmm Street Food!

Of course, I was there for a reason… the dental care I received was truly excellent. The quality was top-tier—I wouldn’t hesitate to go back in a heartbeat.

But a trip to Nogales isn’t just about the clinic. Between appointments, I fell in love with the local street dogs (who seem to run the town!) and, naturally, I couldn’t leave without tracking down some authentic tacos.

Nogales offered a perfect blend of high-quality care and rich culture. If you’re considering making the trip for your own dental work, I can say from experience: the water’s fine (and the tacos are even better).

Why Ajo, you ask… well, it just happens to be one of my favorite places on the planet… right up there with Alaska. But this place sealed the deal for me when it comes to the Sonoran Desert… its majestic beauty, its quiet mystery, and a landscape packed full of incredible flora and fauna that feels alive in every direction.

You’ve gotta stop by the iconic church in downtown Ajo… Immaculate Conception Church really sets the vibe. It’s the kind of place that instantly slows you down… white stucco glowing in the desert sun, palm trees swaying, and that quiet, timeless energy that makes Ajo feel like more than just a stop… it feels like a place.

I immediately set up camp and take in the views… it’s amazing how much I’ve missed these beautiful cactus.

Each one has its own personality… like they’re all standing there with a story to tell if you’re willing to slow down and listen.

Here’s a shot of my iconic campsite… the full spread of gear set up. You’ll notice the little side room off my minivan camper… my own extra bit of space out here in the desert. But this spot… this right here… is what inspired the logo for journeyvision.

And of course… there’s the friends. All people I met last year… and every one of us thought Ajo was so good we had to come back.

We’ll start with Garrett… not a Colorado native, but that’s where he made his way from. A former lab engineer working in petroleum… he sold his townhome during the pandemic and essentially retired in his 40s… trading that world for the trail.

He’s a long distance hiker at heart… having completed the Continental Divide Trail… and, strangely enough, we were both out on the Colorado Trail back in 2015 and never crossed paths. It wasn’t until a random moment on social media that our paths finally did cross… one of those coincidences that doesn’t feel like a coincidence at all.

And here’s the whole crew together… a quick trip into town to run errands turned into one of those moments you wish you could bottle up.

There’s me on the left… and next to me is Gary, with his wife Kiki by his side. The two of them are triple crowned long distance hikers… having completed the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail… three of the longest and most demanding trails in the country.

Then there’s Barry… a retired postman who’s as chill and down to earth as they come. Loves to travel… loves a good landscape… just happy to be out here soaking it all in.

And finally, on the far right… Garrett… bringing it full circle

If you want to know the real secret to vanlife… it’s exercise. And the best kind of exercise comes through adventure… every day out here is a new opportunity for something fresh and challenging. There’s nothing like pushing yourself until you’re wiped out… then coming back to your little van to relax and a big meal. After a day like that, I don’t feel restless… I feel satisfied… content… grounded.

One of my favorite parts about coming down to Ajo is the endless gravel road riding. Not so much for technical singletrack, but just good old-fashioned gravel grinding… the kind that makes the miles melt away and your legs hum with that perfect kind of tired.

Along with the absolutely gorgeous sunrises and sunsets that seemed to happen every day, we also had regular nomad get-togethers. There were plenty of others out here doing the exact same thing… waiting out the cold winter months in a warm, beautiful place. It felt good to have that community around… made the desert feel alive, and I never once felt alone.