2023: 1 Step Forward, 2 Back
Another year in the books and what a year it was. I have to say, I was riding some major highs and some equally major lows through 2023. Above all, I came out in new positions that could prove incredible along with some lessons learned through the failures.
Stats:
# of miles added for Cher the Cherokee: 24,000?
Total: 165,000
# of new parks to the list: 6 (4 Canadian parks!)
Total: 35 North American National Parks
Favorite new sight: The Canadian Rockies - no question!
The Highs
Where to begin, because there was a ton. I started the year living in Portland, Oregon, really working to revitalize and more so get my media business off of the ground. That was a success, in many ways. I started the year with Travel Oregon (I KNOW RIGHT) and followed that with some incredible other new clients. This rolled me right into spring (more on winter soon), where spring was so sweetly welcomed in the Pacific Northwest. In my opinion, I took a major step in my photography when I got saw springtime in Olympic National Park. Here is also where I decided there is no better location/season combination than those two; and yes, I will die on that bridge!
Spring stayed busy as ever, with *multiple* trips to Southern California in sight of a superbloom and warmer weather/sunshine. The Pacific Northwest was where I saw natural life return most, with the work done throughout Washington State. I kicked off summer by once again going through The Golden State and then looping up through Utah to check off another bucket list hike. Angels Landing was such an incredible time solo hiking, where I of course made new friends.
Onto another beautiful summer guiding with Austin Adventures, guiding again in Yosemite and the San Juan Islands and a new opportunity in Yellowstone! I express my love for that team endlessly and will always cherish them, no doubt. Outside of guiding, I got my summer adventures in by visiting Mount Rainier during its summer bloom, and hitting the Canadian Rockies for the first time ever. The only word I’ll ever have is WOW - those who have visited know the feeling.
An incredible end to the year was to witness fall in places new and old. I saw the Grand Tetons being to change, finally saw Glacier National Park change colors, along with the incredible North Cascades. Not to mention and second(!) project with Visit Rainier for a chance at that gorgeous volcano. I finished the year working on Orcas Island, tucked away in the quiet season and it was as peaceful as ever.
The Lows
Because you can’t have the best parts without the worst, right? My time in Portland wasn’t always sunshine and daisies. My first winter in the Pacific Northwest was rather mentally brutal. I spent time at an incredible home in the northeast, living in very cozy lower unit…that had two windows…facing the driveway. I did my best to get out as much as possible by hiking, getting to the gym but the lack of sun for this Florida boy took a toll. It also crushed my productivity, as I lacked trust in the process of my brand new business, while doubting myself. My year certainly picked up as it went but job uncertainty of the seasonal life was a difficult thing to navigate in the summer. While I don’t regret my summer adventures, I failed to plan more down time and planning time for the seasons ahead. Not the mention the eco-depression that came along, as it naturally does these days. Visiting Canada gave me a first-hand look at the insane wildfire year they were having, and all of those displaced. It was a good look at the blessings I could count on a daily basis, with my family healthy and safe in Florida.
The Rising Sun of Tomorrow
Nonetheless, 12 months of growth is a plus any way you look at it. The successes brought smiles but the failures brought plenty of knowledge. And that could not have been done without the support of so many people that I've known for years, or the new connections made this past year. While I could go on about giving credit to my circle, I have only so much optimal writing space. I hope the opportunity are showing for you this upcoming year and that you knock them out of the park!
And, while I had my own ups and downs through 2023, it was another year of friends new and old on new adventures.
Acknowledgements of 2023
