DJ Chill Will @thedjchillwill - Tumblr Blog

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I was going to just enjoy this falls without taking a photo, but then the light changed and a person in red emerged on the rock. To that person: thank you, merci! What message would you give the person in red? I would say, "You're NOT supposed to look down!" (at Jasper National Park)

Possibly the most difficult internal struggle here on social media is the juxtaposition between keeping wild places secret and helping people appreciate nature. The same is true of Canada's National Parks. They have areas that are untouched and unspoiled. Yet, at the same time, there are areas where they have cleared the native vegetation and razed the land so that gas stations and restaurants and hotels and exist. The balance between getting more people educated about the natural world and getting them exposure to it, versus keeping areas 100% natural and free of human influence is a difficult one. On this page, I try to share and inspire people to love our natural world and learn more about it. Something you might not know, "foss" means waterfall in Icelandic. The Icelandic people value water and make decisions that protect their clean, glacial water supply. Please share and tag me so others can get education about our natural and world and protecting it. 💙 (at Iceland)

We will not always have clear skies and balmy weather. We will have to go through darkness and storms. The only solace we have in those times is our disposition. Do we fear or embrace our situation? (at Jasper National Park)

It feels like summer! A little about me: one of my strengths (and weaknesses) is that I like to always keep moving or keep doing something. If there is daylight, I want to be hiking, biking, climbing, jumping, being active. At night I want to watch the stars; or, if they are blocked, do some work on the computer. When there's a beautiful sunset I am often shooting photos handheld and having a time lapse at the same time. I am not one to be sedentary; I am perpetually active. And if, for some reason, I am not being my active self, then I am sleeping. There is no in between. Anyone else that way? For instance: when I captured this photo, I had a timelapse going as well. Right after this photo, I swam in the waterfall pool, climbed up the rock, and flipped off. (at Fun Zone)

Nature is beautiful. Thanks for yesterday and today, completely different, but both new in a way. Loving this trip in Canada. On a personal note: got the cooking stove to work and am super excited to have warm meals on these long hikes. The stove is tiny, about 2.5-3 cm in diameter and finding a fuel source that is safe has been my priority. More later: got to make dinner and make camp. (at Canada)

Someone came to me the other day and said: you have x number of views on your page, you're a good photographer. No. No no no no no. No. No. Views do not determine whether or not you're a good photographer. Just as 'likes' do not determine a good photo. Some of the best photographers out there might have barely any views on social media. That has nothing to do with their use of light, composition, creativity and art. It never will.

My Kalesia gallery came down today. Truthfully, I think only one thing was purchased and it wasn't even one of the items hanging. But hey, it was pretty cool seeing art that I have passionately created hanging in a place I so often go to work and drink tea. And I appreciated all the people who came up to me and talked about the images and how they made them feel or sent me a message or email. That's what I care about most. That connection people have with a photograph and some words. Speaking of people, I owe a big thank you to @grimmsgarage for helping me fix my car and troubleshoot it from 3000 miles away. Your solution seems to have worked! It's a privilege to know an honest mechanic. I also owe a big thank you to @brightendeavours for helping me look up a myriad of things while I've been in canada without data. She even found me medical clinics! I want to thank my mom (not on Instagram) for helping me with the phone and caring enough to scare me into going to the doctor. I want to thank @kylerichardtodd and @stegre13 for hosting me and showing me an awesome time while in the states. And I want to thank all the people I've met in these past few weeks who have helped me in little ways and donated their time. If you're reading this. Thank you. I also want to thank all of you who are helping to build this page into a community of awesome, caring readers who take action for the betterment of our Earth. It's not about me, it's about we. Thanks for all the sharing of images and tagging of people and general awareness you've raised. People have power through positivity and community. Even though it may seem like we stand alone sometimes, there are those who stand beside us and support us in often unseen ways. (at Banff National Park)

There are some big waterfalls here in Canada and some well known ones too. I have yet to see any of the well known ones. Some of my favourites are the ones from melting glaciers. The water slowly cascades down sheer rock in a silvery path - rarely straying from the water that fell before it. I witnessed a glacial calving where part of a glacier fell down into the valley below. It was an awesome event to behold; and, simultaneously, it was frightening and sobering sight. This photo is not from Canada (at California)

Right now it's too hot to think about a hot spring. But last night when temperatures were about -2 C, (in the high 20s F), a hot spring like this would have felt just right. I envisioned a warm, mineral filled blanket of water instead of the semi-warm polyester bag I found myself in. I hope to find some hot springs here in Canada soon. The one seen here is in Iceland. This was by far the best hot spring I found in that beautiful country because of serendipity, newfound friends, and hidden surprises. I am thinking about downloading the new Instagram app and using it to post "stories" sometimes. Do you like the "stories", dislike the "stories?" Why? Thanks for your appreciation of yesterday's post. I can not/will not post everyday, but when I do, I try to make it meaningful. Please share and tag me in posts so others can get education about our natural world and how to protect it.

I first remember walking on smooth, hard stones that manipulated my feet as I entered the cove. This memory is dark and a weak transmission, like turning the dial and hearing the faint voices of the Beatles fading in and out. The next memory though comes in surround sound and technicolor. I'm suspended by the sea. Its gentle waves cause me to rise and fall. I am at the sea's whim - an observer invisible to others. But yet, one other comes up. This being doesn't notice me oscillating to the beating heart of the sea. It heads straight to me like being called there by a higher power. Wait, it stops. It recognizes me. And in turn, my gaze patiently passes over its beautiful body. What a divine spectacle of life. What a lovely culmination of grace and protection. Yet, I could feel that it needed more protection than its body could afford. I don't know how long it swam beside me, nor does it matter. The whole time, I could feel its eyes trying to pass on a story to me and deliver a vital message. Here is my translation of that silent exchange: I am turtle. Many people adore me and many people attack me. Some believe that my ancestors carried islands across oceans that now are their homes. I swim thousands of miles to survive. My children will have to do the same. There are many obstacles for us and we accept those obstacles and challenges from nature and know that life is precious. Recently though, life is harder. Our struggle is one of large nets, of drowning. Our brothers and sisters are eating this substance that looks like jellyfish, yet once it enters their bodies, life will most certainly leave them. We are being attacked for our shells, even our meat. People claim to love us, yet chase us in our home waters and pay others to have evidence of our murder on their walls. You though, you love us. I can tell. You will not let others do that. You will help protect our species and while doing so, you will display the grace and strength inside you. You will help our species remain on this earth, for you realise that we have been here much longer than you. Please share and tag me so others can get education about our natural world and protecting it. 💙 (at Puerto Rico)

I first remember walking on smooth, hard stones that roughly massaged my feet as I entered the cove. The first memory was dark and a weak transmission, like turning the dial and hearing the faint voices of the Beatles fading in and out. The next memory though comes in surround sound and technicolor. I'm suspended by the sea. Its gentle waves cause me to rise and fall. It's a cycle and I am at the sea's whim - an observer invisible to others. But yet, one other comes up. This being doesn't notice me oscillating to the beating heart of the sea. It heads straight to me like being called there by a higher power. Wait, it stops. It recognizes me. And in turn, my gaze patiently passes over its beautiful body. What a beautiful spectacle of life. What a lovely culmination of grace and protection. Yet, I could feel that it needed more protection than its body could afford. It swam beside me for a length of time. I don't know how long, nor does it matter. The whole time, I could feel its eyes trying to pass on a story to me and deliver a vital message. Here is my translation of that silent exchange: I am turtle. Many people adore me and many people attack me. Some believe that my ancestors carried islands across oceans that now are their homes. I swim thousands of miles to survive. My children will have to do the same. There are many obstacles for us and those of us who have survived accept those obstacles and challenges from nature and know that life is precious. Recently though, life is harder. Our struggle is one of large nets, of drowning. Our brothers and sisters are eating this substance that looks like jellyfish, yet once it enters their bodies, life will most certainly leave them. We are being attached for our shells, even our meat. People claim to love us, yet chase us in our home waters and pay others to have evidence of our murder. You though, you love us. I can tell. You will not let others do that. You will help protect our species and while doing so, you will display the grace and strength inside you. You will help our species remain on this earth, for you realise that we have been here much longer than you. (at Puerto Rico)

Sometimes I like @instagram and sometimes I don't. I love what it is capable of. When people read, when people care, when people come together to make a stronger community, that's when Instagram is most powerful. I might be wrong, but I feel like that is lacking lately. Yes, I have high expectations. Life is short, let's develop community, read more, and show that we care. Love. Here's to independence and building community. (at Bryce Canyon National Park)

As seen in Canada. And heard. I see too many pictures of birds in people's hands on Instagram. Do not feed wildlife. It is not your pet. Enjoy from afar and let it live its life. It is adapted for survival in its ecosystem. (at Canada)

Happy Canada Day! My first Canada Day spent in Canada. This one is extra special. In our life we have defining moments. They don't have to be labeled as such by Facebook or your parents or any force. Often independent of our own wants, these moments define us. During this trip, one of my first defining moments was this sunrise. I had been awake over 24 hours and that was my second sunrise that "day." It was soft and beautiful and had a smooth energy to it that rejuvenated me. When this sunrise blossomed, it didn't just change the sky. It altered my perception of the road trip from dream to reality. That sunrise helped me feel it. And now today I have another defining moment that will change the entire trip for the better. Happy Canada Day. Thank you Canada and the people who call it home. #canada150 (at Banff National Perk)

#canada150

Part 7/7: Playauela There is stormy weather ahead. The fate of Playauela is uncertain. I feel like many people still don't know about its story, and the more that know, the stronger the resistance. I only wish I could have spent more time learning about Playauela and remaining a member of the inspiring camp they have set up there. Some final words from people interviewed: "Our last virgin spot in Aguadilla" - anonymous "Mother Earth is special" - Marielisa "[The Mayor is a] Traitor. [He is] Giving up everything." - anonymous Muchas personas conocer pero son otras luchas. - Shaun We are all engaging in fights around the world for our Earth and against greed. Stay strong and join in solidarity with our brothers and sisters. It is a hard road to go through alone. (at La Playuela)

Part 6/7: Playauela Sam is another member of the Playuela people in solidarity. He has lived in Aguadilla since 2008. He doesn't want another great mall, he wants ecology preserved. He has been surfing here since he was little. All of the members of the Playuela camp have kinship, have respect for the Earth, and want to keep their way of life. They share the beach with foreigners like myself for no charge and that brings in a lot of tourism and boosts the economy in Aguadilla.

Part 5/7: Playuela Marielisa (did not want her photo taken) is part of the encampment as well. She scours the entire beach and picks up trash in the morning every day at 7:30. This is why you will not see any trash on the beach (or very little). (at La Playuela)

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