July 2025: I started out of Yosemite Valley and sixteen days later ended on top of Mt. Whitney, with a long hike out through Whitney Portal that reminded me the end of the trail is never the end. The John Muir Trail was everything I hoped for — quiet, peaceful, beautiful, and exactly the kind of solitude I didn’t know I needed. Cathedral Lakes, Lyell Canyon, McClure Meadows, Muir Hut, Forrester Pass, Mt. Whitney — not a dud in the bunch. Every turn looked like it was pull

July 2025: Every summer, our family migrates north to Lake Almanor for our annual Fourth of July ritual — two weeks of swimming, grilling, boating, and pretending we’re better at fishing than we actually are. The rec areas become our daytime playgrounds: swimming, tubing, and skiing until everyone’s sunburned and hangry. Evenings are for grilling, watching ospreys and bald eagles swoop over the water, and telling “the one that got away” stories that get more dramatic ever

June 2025: We kicked things off on Oahu’s North Shore — two days of mostly flat waves, sunshine, and wondering why we don’t live there permanently. On day three, we hopped over to Kaua‘i and set up base in Princeville for a full week of island chaos and bliss. The days were filled with pool time, beach time, jumping off Hanalei Pier, hiking to waterfalls (and sometimes jumping off of them), and kayaking through winding canals that looked straight out show Lost. Evenings we

May 2025: I started my 4 day, 3-night backpack trip on Catalina Island out of Avalon Harbor — where the coffee is strong, and so is the temptation to just stay there instead of hiking 38 miles (44 if you count my “optional detours,” which I definitely do). Night one was at Hermit Gulch, and from there I wound my way to Little Harbor and then Two Harbors (nights 2 and 3). I took day trips out to Parsons Landing — beautiful, windy enough to make you question your life choice

April 2025: This spring break was a milestone — my kids’ first time on the slopes. Day one started started slow as altitude sickness hit like a surprise test we hadn’t studied for. But by the next morning, my crew rallied like pros. We woke to fresh powder and that crisp mountain air that makes you believe you’re competing in the Olympics. After morning lessons, the boys took to snowboards, my daughter and wife strapped on skis, and I had the morning to myself — just me,

March 2025: I set off on an unforgettable backpacking trip to Mount San Jacinto with my Wilderness Basics Course mates. This journey was not just about trekking through mountains, but also about immersing ourselves in the stunning scenery, practicing essential outdoor skills, and connecting with nature in a meaningful way. With fresh snow carpeting the landscape, the experience was both challenging and exhilarating. Snowshoeing Through Fresh Snow Snowshoeing is a unique way

February 2025: In this post, I will share my plans for this career detour, what motivated me to take this leap, and how I aim to balance adventure with quality family time. Join me as I embark on my uncharted trail into the unknown. The Motivation Behind an Accidental Sabbatical Choosing to take a break after decades of dedicated work is a significant decision. Over the years, I have invested my energy into being a "loyal/reliable" employee, believing this was the key to