I grew up walking in the woods on pine needle laden game trails and atv routes, and over palmetto lined marshes. When in my 20’s I got into recreating on public lands, I reconnected to my roots in some fundemental ways, I suppose. It came naturally. The more miles I walked, the more I helplessly saw the planet for what it was, what it is, and what it could be again. Public lands are precious. Private lands are too. My love affair with the natural world has radically shaped and changed the way I move through our anthropogenic one, from the way I care for my domestic pets in order to protect wildlife, to carrying a trash bag so that I can pick up trash on trails, roadsides, etc. To driving slower, to donating to local wildlife programs in my state. Recreating on public lands reminds me how much we have to gain by reconnecting with our planet, and how much we have to lose when we behave in ways that cause damage. Gaia is a great teacher, and worth all effort to protect from human greed and ego. It’s impossible to live a life on this earth entirely flawless, and without leaving a carbon footprint. But those little things we do, and those attitudes we hold daily, can have significant effects on the world around us. We are connected to the planet and all wild beings even still. Next week I’ll be finally sharing some work I shot on a 50 mile solo trek out west. Thanks to Hyperlite Mountain gear’s camera pod, I was able to tote my Fuji TX1 safely and comfortably on my adventure. Stay tuned!
