FAQs
How many United States National Parks have you been to?
As of 2020, I have been to 53 of the total 62 U.S. National Parks. And it was in 2013-2014, during a journey I refer to as The Walkabout, when I visit each of these amazing parks. The only parks I have not YET visited are: Gates of the Arctic, Kobuk Valley, Katmai, Lake Clark, Glacier Bay, American Samoa, Volcanoes, Haleakala, and the Virgin Islands.
What are your top five favorite parks?
This is a nearly impossible question for me to answer. It seems that the answer is fluid and can change depending on my mood or what I'm thinking about at the time. So as of the posting of this, I'd say Denali, Olympic, Channel Islands, Shenandoah, and Yosemite. And let's throw in the Everglades because that was one insane adventure.
Which countries have you traveled to/photographed in?
During my National Park journey I obviously visit much of the United States. Overseas and across borders, I have also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, Republic of Congo, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Seychelles, Ethiopia, France, Belgium, Spain, Austria, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia
What is your photography kit comprised of?
For most of my photography career I have used Nikon. However, in preparation for my 2019 hike of the Pacific Crest Trail I wanted to cut weight, and ultimately switched over to Sony. During The Walkabout through the National Parks, I used a Nikon D5100 and D600.
Currently I used a Sony Alpha 7III with a Sony 16-35mm f/2.8, Sony 35-70 f/2.8 and a Sony 70-200 f/4.
What is the break down of your backpacking gear? And for what season?
Reach out to me directly for this answer as it is a complex list that changes across seasons and terrains.
How long did it take you to hike the Pacific Crest Trail? And what was your trail name?
Well it took me just over 100 days to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. My trail name was/is "Godfather." I earned the name because the day I began my Southbound journey from Canada to Mexico, my nephew was born and my brother named me his Godfather.
Upcoming Adventures?
Always updating but currently have nearly concrete plans to hike Kilimanjaro, the Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, the West Highland Way, Camino de Santiago de Compestella, Tour de Mont Blanc, and the Iceland North-South Trek. When? All before mid-Summer 2020. So if you reach out to me, THIS may be the reason it takes me a while to respond.
How did you afford to take time off work to go hike?
This question has an answer that I consider to be increasingly important as I witness our modern society begin to decay. We now live in a world that exposes us to these false realities through social media, fake news, and toxic/undeserving entitlements. Many people think that these opportunities for travel are born out of luck or privilege or whatever today's buzz word is. The truth is, it comes down to hard work. I don't mean waking up early and arranging your breakfast in a way to get the perfect Instagram post and capitalizing on illusion. I mean hard work that contributes to making the world a better place. Contribute to society and you will be rewarded. Put others before yourself. While I'm noticing my response is getting a little off track, I'll wrap it up with a summary. The most simple answer to this question is that there is no SIMPLE way to afford this. Word hard and do meaningful work.
Do you offer discounts on your prints?
Well my trail name is Godfather, so....make me an offer I can't refuse...