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Filtering by Tag: travel

This Land

Ben Ashby

Story & Photography by Melissa McArdle | FOLK: Best Of

This story originally appeared in the Winter 2012 issue of FOLK

This is a story, a true story about our land, our hills, our rivers, our America.  It seems in today’s world, we do not connect enough with the glorious land that our country is so blessed to call home.  Often times, we all just need a little reminder to kick-start the deep love that sits nestled within our hearts for this bountiful land beneath our feet, providing food for our tables, and resources for our survival: this land we proudly salute as the United States of America.  

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So imagine this, a cabin built by the hands of two settlers in the late 1930’s.  A place which never found a marker upon a map, no address, no utilities, just a place to call home a few weeks out of the year, a place far from society, and any modern conveniences that were or ever would be available.    Located in Northern California near the border of Oregon, this log cabin has been passed down from one generation to the next.  A hobby of fishing turned into a legacy of preserving and remaining one with nature.  


This story came about because a friend procured the help of another friend in restoring a deck.  What seemed a simple request turned into a list of must-do’s before actually arriving at the cabin.  By foot, one must walk 6.5 miles over mountain passes and streams in order to reach the desired destination.  Horses or mules are used to carry up to 150 pounds of food and supplies.  Once there, one arrives at what some might consider nirvana: a place of solitude surrounded by pristine nature.  A land mostly untouched still offering its magnificent gifts of sustainability in the purest form.  

The milling of a 150-year-old Douglas Fir (which had fallen in a 2008 fire) into new deck planks is how the restoration began.  Two days of laborious work rebuilding a deck which overlooks crystal clear water filled with an abundance of fish.  Water so pure, one can fill their cup and drink right there on the spot.  Imagine the stars which blanket the sky from one horizon to the next, no artificial lights to outshine the magic of the night.  Sleeping bags offer the best night’s sleep on the newly restored deck with an extended roof-line to shield from the occasional downpour that passes through from time to time.  Sounds of tree frogs, a swooshing river below, and the freshest air offered only by a remote wilderness are the elements gathered to lull one into a deep slumber. 

It is places like this that need to be cherished and remain untouched.  In a time when many do not even know where their food or materials come from, it is reassuring to connect with stories, places and people who offer the link to what America used to be: a land that was cared for, nourished and maintained in every aspect, for there was a bond between man and land, a bond of respect for the resources provided and used. Nothing was wasted and every use was carefully planned and considered in regards to the end-result.  A cause and effect for past, present and future inhabitants is a thought process which should still be upheld by one and all.  


America is full of bountiful secrets, mountains, rivers, forests and valleys that are brimming with inspiration. These gems of nature are this country’s pride and joy, and as with any precious gift, it must be handled with the utmost respect and care.  Let’s follow the lead of past generations, and learn to live as one with the land, for the roots of America is a true story worth fighting for.  

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6 Cozy Cabin Getaways

Katie Westerfield

6 Cozy Cabin Getaways

Rest & Relaxation

Mentally, I’m here. And it’s a very lovely day dream. Homey escapes to help you recharge and reset - you know you need it. These six cabin getaways are exactly what you’ve been looking for. Enjoy the views.

 

A Black A-Frame

The Catskills

A Black AFrame Instagram - Photo by Ethan Abitz

A Black AFrame Instagram - Photo by Ethan Abitz

The Hunter Houses Instagram

The Hunter Houses Instagram

Trott Cottage

Muskoka, Ontario

Trott Cottage Instagram - Photo by Chris + Nicole

Trott Cottage Instagram - Photo by Chris + Nicole

The Vermont A-Frame

Manchester Center, Vermont

The Vermont AFrame Instagram - Photo by Chris Daniele

The Vermont AFrame Instagram - Photo by Chris Daniele

Whiskey Ridge Chalet

Big Bear Lake

Whiskey Ridge Chalet Instagram - Photo by Ryan Resatka

Whiskey Ridge Chalet Instagram - Photo by Ryan Resatka

Weekend Home Instagram - Photo by Chris Daniele

Weekend Home Instagram - Photo by Chris Daniele

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5 General Stores to Visit ASAP

Katie Westerfield

5 General Stores to Visit ASAP

Seriously. As soon as you can.

There’s just something about a general store that I can’t say no to. A homey marketplace that always takes me back to a simpler time. Each shop has a story to tell so make sure to check them out right here and book your trips accordingly.

Boston General Store

Brookline, Massachusetts

A personal favorite. If the exterior of this brick and mortar shop doesn’t draw you in, their functional and sustainable home goods will. Plus, you can find one of their cozy corners in our Autumn issue. You’ll love it, trust me.

Boston General Store Instagram

Boston General Store Instagram

Vermont Country Store

Weston, Vermont

As if you need another excuse to adventure Vermont. Visit for their history and stay for a treat at Mildred’s Dairy Bar. Just don’t forget the maple syrup.

Vermont Country Store Facebook

Vermont Country Store Facebook

The Brick Store

Bath, New Hampshire

“The Oldest Continuously Operated General Store in the United States”

Historic feels for Americas Oldest General store but make sure you come with an appetite. From deli to homemade fudge, you’re sure to find something you’ll love at The Brick Store.

The Brick Store Wikipedia

The Brick Store Wikipedia

Rabbit Hash General Store

Rabbit Hash, Kentucky

Rabbit Hash is the perfect image of old fashioned general store. Right by the Ohio River, this shop takes you straight back to a different era.

Rabbit Hash General Store | NKY Tribune

Rabbit Hash General Store | NKY Tribune

Good Hart General Store

Good Hart, Michigan

Located downtown, along the shores of Lake Michigan and honestly, this picture tells me all I need to know. Autumn? Americana? It’s a yes a for me.

Good Hart General Store Facebook

Good Hart General Store Facebook

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Bold Exploration - J.K. Winders

Katie Westerfield

Bold Exploration

Following J.K. Winders’ Adventures

“You’re willingly throwing yourself into personal unknown territory for the sake of discovery and illumination.” I love hearing his outlook on adventure and taking in all the things he has learned. Keep reading to see how J.K. Winders finds adventure in the risks.

Why do you adventure? Why do you explore? I like to think that adventures can put you in touch with the broader possibilities of what life can offer. On top of taking the chances to do some incredible things in awe-inspiring places, adventures show you that the set plan is not always the best way and that the worst times today can make for the best stories tomorrow.

I think the biggest misinterpretation I come across from people is that they seem to view exploration as simply wandering aimlessly hoping you stumble on something that made it all worthwhile. In reality, exploration is a journey, it’s a process of discovery, it’s the action of traveling in or through an unfamiliar area in order to learn about it. Out of exploration comes illumination, not just in a new field, but within oneself as well. I discover new capabilities and transcend limits through exploration. I can’t speak for everyone, but that’s why I explore. It makes me a little bolder, a little less fearful, and maybe, hopefully, a little bit better. I like to think that all-around betterment is birthed from exploration. As someone who grew up a little shy and timid, exploration has made me more sure of myself and more courageous. 

Where are you from? I was born near Atlanta, Georgia and lived there for the first eighteen years of my life. And no, unsweetened tea was not a part of my vocabulary. Since then I have lived in Los Angeles, California, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and now I am based out of and roaming full-time in my 25ft Thor Majestic R.V.

When you were growing up what or who did you want to be? The script for my life changed very frequently growing up. There was a time I wanted to be a missionary because I loved the travel and I loved Jesus and it just made sense to little five-year-old me. There were also periods where I wanted to be a train conductor, a filmmaker, an author, a painter, a chef, even a theme park designer. I had so many different interests growing up that gave so many directions to steer my life into.

Why take risks in life? I think we all know deep down that anything worth achieving requires some sort of risk. If you want to experience a beautiful sunrise from a mountain top, you have to be willing to first take a step in the dark. Exploration in and of itself is a risk. You’re willingly throwing yourself into personal unknown territory for the sake of discovery and illumination. Every trail that we’ve traversed was laid down by someone else exploring a part of the empty sandbox. I absolutely understand how crippling the idea of the great unknown can be. But I also know how valuable the growth and discovery that comes from facing it. The first time you jump over a hurdle is always the hardest. You either soar over it or trip and face-plant into the ground. Either way, the fear of the unknown is vanquished because of the action taken against it. 

Favorite place you've visited? Picking a favorite place I’ve visited almost feels like picking a favorite child. But the place that I always search for reasons and opportunities to go back to is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Growing up in Georgia, we had the Smoky Mountains which I thought were about as majestic as they came. But then when I saw the Grand Teton range, I couldn’t fathom that mountains like that could exist in this world. It’s also a place where I’ve found peace and inspiration to be perfectly abundant and never too difficult to obtain. 

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What place do you most desperately want to visit? There are so many places that are still on my list. But right now at this moment I’ll say Southeast Asia. I have yet to venture into Asia and would love to unlock the entire region. I’d love to take the time to do some backpacking through the more off-the-beaten-path parts of Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. But as I said, there are countless places that my journey has yet to take me to that I would love to experience.

What has changed about you because of your travels? I really believe that it’s impossible to harbor any thoughts or feelings of bigotry or intolerance when you venture outside of your cultural bubble. You learn that there are different ways of doing simple things, different values, from different wants and needs. It is a humbling experience to be the outsider in a foreign country. For instance, I’ll never make fun of or be mad at someone who doesn’t speak my language, because I have been that person abroad who’s the only one in the room that doesn’t speak the language. 

I’ve also discovered looking back on my travels is that none of my worries or fears that I stressed myself out over ever really happened. Other stuff definitely happened, but not the terrible, awful, unspeakable scenarios that I had fabricated in the deep dark spaces of my mind. Traveling does put you a little more receptacle to the things you can’t control. Delayed trains, closed roads, bad weather; all inconveniences that can add spice to the stories you’ll one day tell. And it terms fear overall, I know plenty of people that are still addicted to 24/7 news and it instills that anxiety that the world is full of evil and things to be afraid of. I no longer allow myself to fear something or someplace from afar. 

Who is the most dynamic and thought provoking person you've ever met? I’ve known countless people that have inspired me in very profound ways. But the one that comes to mind currently is one of my best friends from my days of living in Los Angeles. His name was Andre and he was an absolute character that taught me the value of living your life as a work of art. He dressed exclusively in clothes from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s, was incredibly industrious in so many areas from wine and spirits to calligraphy, and antiques to craftsmanship. I really was under the impression that he was all-knowing. If we were ever walking down the street together, the people passing by would be so enamored with his overall appearance. He taught me the lesson of how you present yourself is a story of itself, and if you carefully craft it, it has the potential to bring joy to others. He was the one who encouraged me to live your entire life as a story worth telling.

If you could travel with one person in history or in present who would it be and why? I would love to provide some really profound answer like Jack London or the Fitzergeralds or someone like that, but I keep thinking about my great Uncle Buddy who is maybe the most jovial person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing in my life. He’s someone that in his age loves experiencing things that he never would’ve thought he’d get the chance to experience. He’s a true adventurer in the sense that there is always something to smile at and laugh about. He’s just a happy, infectious soul that you love being around and I would love to travel the world with him. 

What would you say to someone who has never traveled before? I’ll give you a couple of rapid fire ones first; Always be in a mode of learning. Don’t draw too much attention to yourself. Always be aware of your surroundings. Life is too precious to waste it by wearing a fanny pack. The wrong train can sometimes take you to where you really need to be. Pump yourself with plenty of probiotics and vitamin C. 

I also tell people that if they’re going to someplace with a heavy tourist culture to see the tourist traps first and then just get lost. I’ve done the touristy stuff, it’s not that bad, but when you can collect some of those off-the-beaten-path experiences you’ve got gold. For instance, if you’re visiting Venice, swing by the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square, they’re worth seeing. But then pick a direction a start walking. If you’re lucky you’ll end up in the Campo Santa Margarita or some other place where the locals hang out where you indulge in the good pizza and apertivos. The best discoveries are made when you don’t know where exactly you are.

Don’t feel like you have to see and do everything. If you have that mindset, you’ll go through your trip completely exhausting yourself and most likely walk away disappointed  and unsatisfied. Whenever you visit someplace, go with the notion that you will be back one day.

Pack as light as you can, you probably won’t be very far away from someplace where you can pick up a bottle of shampoo if you leave yours behind. Don’t be afraid of ever being wrong or of appearing foolish. Most locals love taking the opportunity to teach outsiders about their culture and their way of doing things, so always try to be humble and teachable. And just be kind, you are the guest after all.

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Give us a story any kind of story from one of your trips that will he impactful to the reader. Speaking of Venice… I was passing through a few years ago, and it happened to be my birthday. Up until this point I had been scrambling around parts of Europe trying to see and do as much as I can. I had plans to take the day and get lost in the city. I stopped by a cafe to grab a coffee to take with me on my metropolitan adventure. Like a typical American, I stepped up to the counter and ordered with my money in hand ready to take my morning Joe with me on my merry way. “Okay, go sit I’ll bring it to you.” the barista said to me. I looked down at my money, and back up at her and asked, “Do I go ahead and pay now?” To which she responded, “No you can sit and enjoy it and pay after.” This was new for me, just sitting ands enjoying a cup of coffee. But I did just that, and I still think about that coffee and how slow and beautiful the world seemed in that moment. I actually felt like I was a part of the city for a change which is something I now strive to do with every place I visit.

What is the single greatest lesson you've learned from someone that is different than you? This one’s a little outlandish and cliched I’ll admit, but it’s the one that’s coming to mind.

On one of my first overseas expeditions, I was visiting a friend of a friend in Southern France. He was the kind of guy that I used to be so intimidated by; a tattooed, leather-clad, care-free motorcycle rider on top of being a tall, dark, handsome, suave Frenchman. I was passing through Nice for the night, he picked me up from the train station. Along with my behemoth backpack, I climbed onto the back of motorcycle and we raced off through the streets of the city. At this point I could’ve counted on one hand the number of times I’ve ridden on a motorcycle. I don’t think I blinked the whole time.

After a while he shouted back to me, “When we come into a curve, you got to lean into with me so we don’t wipe out.” That goes against my natural thinking. The is the thing that’s going to hurt so of course I’m leaning away from it. But the way he said it was so profound, mainly because I try to find deeper meanings in most mundane things. But I took that to heart; when you come to a change in the direction of the path, lean into it, commit to it, take advantage of it or it’ll take advantage of you. Embrace the twists and turns because they are a part of the journey.

When did you feel you were most out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that lesson? When I first arrived in Los Angeles, there were plenty of things that frightened me. I spent the first couple of months couch surfing before I was able to get on my feet. One of my biggest fears was that I would end up having to sleep in my car. There was a short period where I had to do just that. The first night I slept in my car, I found a quiet spot to park in the San Fernando Valley. I buried myself underneath my denim jacket and a dirty towel and settled as best I could into my cramped back seat. The next morning after a surprisingly decent sleep, I snagged a quick shower at the YMCA and I made my way to my favorite diner to indulge in a large, warm Lumberjack special breakfast. If I couldn’t sleep like a king, I sure was going to eat like one. I finally secured a living situation in the trawling city, but this was just a step I had to take to get there.

Since that first night in my car, I have crashed in my backseat countless times and even a few train stations and bus stops. It’s something I don’t even think twice about anymore. And now I live in an R.V. The biggest thing I learned looking back on that is that the desire for comfort can often times be your biggest deceiver and can hinder you from getting to the place in life in which you really need to be. My desire for comfort and stability was one of the biggest constraints for growth that loomed over me. I tell myself now that if I’m scared of doing something, do it scared. 

What would you say to your former self? I really do wish that I could go back and tell myself that there’s nothing wrong with being lost. I haven’t always been adventurous and used to detest the idea of facing extreme situations and uncomfortable circumstances. I liked structure and the times when I could actually plan something. But now I operate in the mindset that no great story has ever happened when someone knew exactly where they were going. But at the same time, I’m glad that I was able to go through a type of metamorphosis and learn these lessons in due time.

What gives you hope? Hope has never been something difficult for to find. The biggest thing that gives me hope, at least for myself, is the notion that there are endless options. The are countless places left to explore, countless things left to learn, people to meet. If you miss an opportunity to capture a story, there are plenty more waiting down the path. I’m in love with the concept of indefiniteness. It’ll be this way until one day when it’s not. I’ll do this until one day when I won’t. Indefiniteness is an integral part of the unknown. It gives me a sense of hope that something could last, but that even if it does end, it can be as beautiful as the beginning and can lead to something better. I love the idea of creating even when I’m an eighty, ninety, or a hundred-years- old, still venturing out, climbing mountains, seeking beauty and wonder. But I also am at peace knowing that some things aren’t supposed to last forever. If something good has come along for you in the past or present, something good can come along for you in the future.

Where to next? Naturally given the current state of the world, plans are changing almost everyday. I had plans for the month of May and June to do some exploring in the California Sierras that had to be scrapped. I even had a weekend retreat for creatives in Yosemite planned that unfortunately had to be postponed. But the changing plans are all a part of the journey.

Currently I have plans set to be in Glacier, Montana for the month of July, and to do some roaming around mountains and coastal regions of Washington and Oregon through the rest of the year. Next year, I’m hoping to make the long trek up through Canada and into Alaska for the summer.

Is flannel always in season? I’m never fully dressed without flannel being a part of my outfit.

See more of J.K. Winders at his website and be sure to follow his work on Instagram and Facebook.

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Pursuit of Adventure - Jeff Brenner

Ben Ashby

Pursuit of Adventure

Through the lens of Jeff Brenner

Definitely caught the travel bug after going through this interview. Until then I’ll just be living through Jeff’s photographs and story telling. There’s something special about the beauty he finds in travel and I think you’ll feel it, too.

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Why do you adventure? I adventure because we have so many amazing places around us. I was lucky enough to grow up only two hours away from Yosemite. It's always sad to me when I hear people in my town say that they've never been. I feel like it's such a missed opportunity to be so close to a place where people travel across the world to see. This is what initiated my pursuit of adventure. There's an insane amount of diverse places to see in the US.

Why take risks in life? I've always been a thrill seeker. I chased the adrenaline rush since I was a kid. The short answer is that playing it safe has never appealed to me. I'm not knocking those that do. To each their own. But even if I crash and burn (which has happened many times), I'd rather have the satisfaction of knowing I took a chance on something.  

When you were growing up what or who did you want to be? As a kid, I was really into archeology. I was convinced I'd be digging up fossils in my adult life. I'm not too sure when that changed, but I still have an infatuation with that stuff. I've got a few fossils displayed on my desk to provide inspiration whenever it's needed!

Favorite place you've visited? Hands down, my favorite place in the world is Yellowstone National Park. That entire place is absolutely wild. The landscapes are otherworldly and the wildlife is abundant. My wife and I joke that we have so many other places we want to see, but find ourselves going back to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons whenever we get the chance.

Place you most desperately want to visit? Alaska and Africa are tied. I gravitate to places with a lot of wildlife. We are planning on going to Alaska this summer, and hopefully Africa will follow soon after. That being said, we have an ever growing list of places we want to experience and photograph.

What is the single greatest moment of human humanity you've experienced while traveling? Truthfully, I can't think of any one major event that was life-changing during my travels. It's the little conversations I have with strangers along the way that has an effect on me. I think it's an amazing thing to find common ground with someone you don't know, while on the road. I feel like our daily lives can be so fast-paced, and we often give our attention to our technology. But I've found while traveling, people tend to disconnect and are genuinely interested in who you are and where you've been. It's a pretty beautiful thing.

Who is the most dynamic and thought provoking person you've ever met? My brother. He's only 18 months older than me, but we can be very different. He challenges me, without judgement, to be a better person and to be intentional in my relationships.

If you could travel with one person in history or in present who would it be and why? Easy. Teddy Roosevelt. Although John Muir and Ansel Adams are close behind. But the legacy Teddy Roosevelt left, in terms of conservation, has played a big role in modern day public land and wildlife protection. Plus, he was just a legendary person in general, and one of the most interesting people in US history.

Any travel tips? My biggest tip isn't a hack of any sort. It's merely a reminder to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. I don't like to overcomplicate things when my wife and I are on the road. Our agenda is loosely constructed and allows for a lot of backroad detours. As a photographer, it's easy to get caught up in making sure you nail your shot list, but it can cause you to lose out on actually experiencing those memorable moments.

Give us a story any kind of story from one of your trips that will the impactful to the reader. As a photographer, I often find myself getting too fixated on getting "the shot." It's easy to make sure you don't waste any good light for sunrise or sunset. During our last trip to the Tetons, I found myself so concerned with finding a good spot for sunset that I was actually getting frustrated, forgetting that I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the US. I ended up finding a good spot, grabbed a quick photo, and then just set my gear down. I sat down at the edge of a river, staring out at the mountain range and just watched. There was no talking, no Instagram story updates, and no more concern for getting that "banger". Social media culture plays a huge role in our need to get as many photos as we can, but we often forget to enjoy it for ourselves. I'll never forget that moment, and it's something I now include in my process during every shoot.

Based on your travels what is the single most needed improvement for humanity to be stronger? There needs to be a greater respect for nature, especially wildlife. People send me videos all the time of tourists invading the space of/ taunting animals. These often lead to attacks, but even if they don't, it's extremely important to respect the rules. Social media can be a great thing, but at the same time, it has created a culture where people ignore rules, deface landmarks, and abuse animals just for attention on Instagram. I believe we need to hold each other accountable, and use our voices on social media to encourage ourselves and others to be better.

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What would you say to someone who has never traveled before? I talk with a lot of people who have never traveled, and some of them have no desire to do so. To each their own, but for the ones that say, "I want to travel, but haven't gotten around to it", I just encourage them to set a date to go on even a nearby day trip and stick with it. I guarantee only a couple hours in Yosemite will be enough to light that spark and get them back out there.

What is the single greatest lesson you've learned from someone that is different than you? It's hard to pick a single lesson that I've learned from someone different from me. I find that I learn the most from others that have different upbringings, faiths, cultures, etc. I always appreciate when I can have an authentic and respectful conversation with a person that sees the world from a different perspective. 

When did you feel you were most out of your comfort zone. What did you learn from that lesson? I competed in track (pole vault and high jump) from elementary school and in college. My identity was essentially tethered to that and I had a lot of plans to have track remain a part of my life. After a pretty extreme back injury along with multiple knee injuries and surgeries, I was forced to throw in the towel. When that part of my life was over, I felt my life as a whole was outside my comfort zone. I had no clue what to do or what to pursue. I didn't realize it until later, but this set in motion the best things that have ever happened to me. I met my wife through the process and I rediscovered my love for photography. I learned many things during this time of my life, but the biggest lesson was to not let my identity be determined by something I do. My career and interests do not define the person I am.

What gives you hope? A lot of things give me hope. My faith and my wife constantly give me hope during those bleak times in life. Photography is a big one too. It gives me hope that the more fiercely I pursue this career path, the more experiences I can make with my wife during our travels.

Is flannel always in season? In California, you'll definitely pass out if you wear flannel in the summer, BUT I intentionally go to colder places in the summer so I can wear them. So yeah, it's most definitely always in season.

What are your hobbies and interests? Photography is at the forefront obviously, but I've always loved building things and working with my hands. I've built some pieces of furniture for our house and also do some knife making and vintage hatchet/axe restorations. Lastly, I love playing piano and guitar. Nothing like playing some Bon Iver and The Head and the Heart!

How do you get inspired when working at home? I've built my home office to look like a cabin and get really inspired by the feeling I get when I'm in there. The aroma of tobacco, wood, and leather gets the creativity firing on all cylinders.

You can shop Jeff’s prints or learn more at his website and follow his work on Instagram.

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Autumn in the Catskills {& Leaf Peeping Tips}

Ben Ashby

It is no secret that autumn is my favorite season. I should preface this piece by saying I love the beauty of each and every season. I love the warmth and the outdoors of summer. I love the rebirth of spring. I even love the calm quiet of winter. Autumn however is my favorite. The spirit of the season, a season of thanksgiving, a season of harvest, and a season of the landscapes being washed in color absolutely captivates me each year. The past two years I have gone to the Pacific Northwest for the autumn season. This year it was decided I would spend it with small trips to Maine, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and my favorite, the Catskill region of upstate New York.

This past weekend we returned to Hudson Woods to photograph the peak week of the autumn leaf peeping season. I have never had the luxury of capturing peak week for leaves. This year was an absolute treat and I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Hudson Woods for the ability to photograph their property.

I wanted to prepare a short guide of my tips for photographing leaves. We ended up having a day of full sun and a day of overcast skies and light rain. You will be able to tell the difference in the images.

We should start by acknowledging that yes, “leaf peeping” is a real term…and describes the act of intentionally viewing the changing leaves of the autumn season.

Autumn here in the east begins in late September and truly continues on through mid November. The first signs will be the drying of the grasses and ground cover, and of course the vibrant colors of the goldenrod. The leaves will begin to change, subtle hints of yellow will appear. An occasional red tree will appear. Slowly over the next two months the landscapes will morph into a full painterly scene of rich golds, oranges, reds, and yellows. The final phase of fall will be soft yellows and deep burgundies of the last remaining trees. In my opinion this final phase is the best time to view Central Park. The other phases are best spent in the wilds of the New England region.

I personally prefer photographing on overcast days. I find the colors to pop much when the contrast between light and dark isn’t as strong. On sunny days it is too easy for the sky to become over exposed while trying to perfectly capture the color of the leaves.

The harshness of a bright sun will also cause the camera to draw more contrast to the negative and positive spaces in the wooded areas, especially if the trees are in uniform parallel lines. An overcast day will have a softening effect that will make wooded images much more pleasing to the eye.

The most important thing to remember is to always have the camera ready. Otherwise mundane moments become an interesting oasis of inspiration when the colors are at their peak. Don’t be afraid to pull of the road (where it is safe) and take tons of shots.

It is also important to be okay with editing. You can bring out the color in the editing process.

The season is fleeting. Enjoy it. Take as many photos as you’d like, but more importantly enjoy the journey.

Where do I Want to Adventure to Next? — Mayank Thammalla

Ben Ashby

Why do you adventure / Why do you explore? I grew up in a small coastal town in New Zealand, exposed to nature and this has influenced me to always explore more of the natural world.  I had started to appreciate the outdoors more once I began to take photos about 7 years ago, so photography and adventure go hand in hand for me. Photography to me is a very therapeutic process. To be able to take away a framed memory of a certain place or moment comes with a certain privilege.

Why take risks in life? I think big strides forward can never be taken in the comfort zones of life.

Where are you from? Born: Hyderabad, India. Home: Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Currently: London, UK.

What is your 9-5? Currently a Junior Architect working in London.

When you were growing up what or who did you want to be? I wanted to be astronomer. My grandmother bought me a telescope when I was 11 years old and I remember spending countless nights staring at the stars.

Favorite place you've visited? Very hard to answer because there are a few places that come to mind. Tongariro National Park in New Zealand is mind blowing. Iceland and the Faroe Islands were on the top of my bucket list and I finally visited a few months ago!

Place you most desperately want to visit? Northern Norway, Greenland and more of Iceland!

What is the single greatest moment of human humanity you've experienced while traveling? Traveling through India with my parents in 2014, my dad wanted us to experience some authentic modes of getting around Jaipur; one being the man powered rickshaw. I was very uncomfortable with the idea, even more so when the cyclist of our rickshaw changed in the last minute to an elderly gentleman who would have easily been around 65-70 years old. I shared the rickshaw with my mom who was also felling very uncomfortable. Throughout the 15-minute journey I was trying jump off and help him to push us along or to make him stop but I didn’t.  It still makes me teary thinking about it. My mom and I decided that this was wrong, but it was his only source of an income; she grabbed his hand and closed them with a few notes in it. He gave us the warmest and whole-hearted smile and hugged my mother.

What has changed about you because of your adventures/ travels? Slow down and be in the present – that moment will never come back! I used to tend to always let my mind wonder and think about yesterday or plan for tomorrow when not realizing that the best moment you have is right now (sounds cliché I know but it’s true). It wasn’t until I heard the whispers of the mountains or the deafening silence of the woods that really got my attention and created moments where I lost track of time…  Made me realize how beautiful and rare our time is on this planet. I feel, the more you pause and awake to the present, you will realize how great your life is.

Who is the most dynamic and thought-provoking person you've ever met? For me, not one person has been most dynamic or thought provoking. My family and my very small knit of friends are all dynamic in their own way who have all impacted and shaped my life.

If you could travel with one person in history or in present who would it be and why? My grandfathers. I never got to spend too much time with them and it would be amazing to hear all their stories and adventures while going on an epic hike!

Must haves for travel: Sketch book, camera, open mind.

Based on your travels what is the single most needed improvement for humanity to be stronger? Be patriotic towards Earth as a whole. Not just what is good towards your country.

What would you say to someone who has never travelled before? Give it a go, you won’t regret it!

What is the single greatest lesson you've learned from someone that is different than you? No one is you, and that is your greatest power.

When did you feel you were most out of your comfort zone? What did you learn from that lesson? Doing a TED Talk in 2017! I had absolutely no prior experience or confidence speaking in front of people, let along a large crowd. But with months of work and practice, anything can be achieved if you are well prepared!

What would you say to your former self? Be you… The world will adjust…

What gives you hope? I have always believed in the ‘good’ in people. There is ‘good’ in everyone, if they like it or not.

Where to next? Eastern Europe and Tromsø, Norway!

Is flannel always in season? Always (wearing one now)!

Learn more about Mayank’s travels and a glimpse at their life at her website and their Instagram account!


Do What You Dream

Guest User

The melodic words of Ingrid Michealson’s song “You and I” bounced around in my head as I read a long email from Christian Bendel. Truthfully, I felt silly about it. As I continued to read Christian’s candid recollection of his adventure through Provence, I broke down and got reacquainted with the song.

“Let’s get rich and buy our parent’s homes in the south of France,” Ingrid says whimsically. 

The rhythmic song dared me to dream, but Christian’s words pushed me further. The goal of the adventure was, in his words, “to do what he dreamed, instead of simply talking about it.”

Much like the song, Christian’s adventure was a love story, and his photo series captures their relationship intimately. Together, they traveled through canyons, cities, and around mountains. They cooked their meals on a fire, and slept in their car.

Christian said he aspires to do things differently. He explained that living this dream was not a straightforward path, but one that required spontaneity, and flexibility. He called this adventure, and his past ones, “Crossroads” for that reason.

Our Tips for Discovering Shark Fin Cove

Ben Ashby

 

Lets take a moment and propose the idea that you're on the Pacific coast looking for a scene spot south of San Fransisco. May we suggest Shark Fin Cove. It is a short drive down from San Fransisco in Davenport, CA. 

 

The town is a tiny village along the Pacific Coast Highway. We suggest stopping here for breakfast and then hopping the couple of miles down the road to take in scenic cliff views. The cove gets its name from the large shark fin shape rock that sits just off the sandy shore. 

 

 

 

Parking for this spot is a gravel lot along the highway. You'll want to wear hikeable shoes as the trek to the beach is down a make shift ditch/hill. Its about a five minute hike down the cliffside, but the dust and gravel make the hike a bit shaky. Once you're at the beach the hike is well worth it, but if you're unable to make it to the bottom the views from the top are equally amazing. 

The cove has a decent sized, and semi private beach. We always go for the photo moments along the rocks and caves. The tides are typically pretty loud and heavy. Be careful not to get your shoes wet. 

This is one of those spots to skip for sunrise or sunset. Do it in the middle of the day. The spot is unique for its fin shaped rock, not because of its sunset opps. 

 

 

OUR TIPS:

  • Wear hiking shoes; its a short but dusty hike
  • To best capture the full shark fin bring a wide angle lens
  • Best hours to visit are mid day
  • It is one of the few beachy spots between SF and Big Sur

Whenever you're at any of the beaches along the coast, be a good citizen and collect the garbage that washes ashore. The over polluted Pacific has sadly started washing a depressingly high volume of garbage. 

We shot this spot with a Canon 5D IV with a 24-70mm lens

(I got a little slap happy shooting this bag strap for Native Sons Goods, so please excuse it in every photo)

Finding the Happy || Our Guide to LA's Los Feliz

Ben Ashby

 

Finding the Happy

Our Guide to LA's Los Feliz

 

Heath Stiltner takes us on a colorful walk through his favorite Los Angeles neighborhood—Los Feliz—to share a few of his top places to visit and things to see. With a rich Spanish-Mexican heritage and artistic influence Los Feliz is his favorite place to visit in LA when he wants that cool California vibe with a sense of history.

 


As I pulled on my olive green overalls, the strong smell of my first coffee of the day filled the small studio cottage my friend had offered to let me stay in for the week. I’d been to the City of Angels before, but had never stayed so long in this neighborhood—Los Feliz. With its lively and diverse small-town atmosphere it was hard not to feel right at home here. 

 

Bright and modern Spanish bungalows lined the street gently rolling through the neighborhood like old dirt roads recently paved, everywhere there was a feeling of the cool LA vibe version of a frontier town. You just can’t help but smile in Los Feliz, so a name which translates to “the happy” seems fitting—though it gets its name from its Spanish-Mexican colonial land grantee, Jose Vicente Feliz. Los Feliz is home to one of my favorite LA breakfast haunts, Sunset Junction Cafe. While I love the bright diner atmosphere of Sunset Junction, the thing that always brings me back is the amazing staff. (I live in Kentucky, and when I revisited the spot almost two months later they remembered me.) If you’re looking for that cinematic place where you can go work on your script and have amazing Eggs Benedict, this is your place. Sorry, I can’t guarantee James Franco will be sitting across from you, as well.

 

Full of coffee and eggs I go back out to explore the neighborhood, finding myself a comic nerd haven in Secret Headquarters, stopping for an American-made clothing fix with Buck Mason, and visiting several sets of hidden staircases for which Los Angeles is famous. Micheltorena & Prospect stairs are two such staircases in the Los Feliz neighborhood, Micheltorena is the more colorful of the two having been painted with hearts and rainbow colored risers. Los Feliz is a neighborhoods ideal for long strolls to discover hidden gems like these, and can be an amazing place for photographers looking to catch that authentic ‘sunny California’ vibe. 

 

With Griffith Park to its north, the Los Angeles River to the east, and Hollywood and the Hills to its south and west, Los Feliz is the neighborhood to visit when you want to see all that LA has to offer. In only one day you can walk from Alfred Coffee on the edge of Silver Lake, have breakfast at Sunset Junction, shop and browse your way down Sunset Boulevard, hit the vintage shops of Hollywood Boulevard, get the best view the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park from the stunt Barnsdall Art Park property, and hike all the way over to Griffith Park itself. Los Feliz houses some of Los Angeles’ most famous architecture, and Barnsdall Art Park is no exception. Located at the crest of Olive Hill, Barnsdall Art Park is a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument that houses Hollyhock House designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and commissioned by oil heiress Aline Barnsdall as an arts & theater complex. If you want to touch a part of LA’s architectural history and get one of the city’s best view, I suggest visiting Barnsdall.

 

After spending much of my trip hiking the urban landscape, an escape to Griffith Park with my friend Keegan was a necessity. When you want a peaceful hike and an escape from the busy streets, Griffith Park is your haven. Donated to the City of Los Angeles by Griffith J. Griffith in 1896, the Park has some of the best sweeping views of downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and the Hollywood sign—as well as free tours of the observatory.

 

After a long day packed with adventure, one needs to reflect with good friends and food. Making my way back down to the valley below, I stop for dinner in my favorite little Italian restaurant, La Pergoletta. Tucked away just off Hillhurst Ave., this gem makes some of the best pasta I’ve ever had in LA—and I love carbs. Taking a seat at one of the red and white gingham covered cafe tables outside I begin to unravel my day. The many faces and places I’d met in just just a day, and how many more lie in waiting just down the street. After devouring a large bowl of lobster ravioli and more bread than I care to admit, I start my walk back to the small artist’s studio At my friend’s home that I have grown to call home in LA. The giant cacti on seem to grow in the moonlight as I walk down Hillhurst Ave. It’s hard to believe that one small neighborhood can hold so much magic and history, but it’s not hard to believe the neighborhood where, sitting in his uncle’s garage, Walt Disney drew his first sketch of the world-beloved Mickey Mouse. Los Feliz feels like the hometown of Los Angeles, and it’s a hometown where everyone is welcome.

 

 

Dinosaur Coffee, Los Angeles.

Dinosaur Coffee, Los Angeles

Hache LA, Los Angeles.

Alfred Coffee, Los Angeles.

Secret Headquarters, Los Angeles.

Secret Headquarters, Los Angeles.

Sunset Junction, Los Angeles.

Sunset Junction, Los Angeles.

Hollyhock House, Barnsdall Art Park, Los Angeles.

Buck Mason mobile, Los Angeles.

Los Feliz, Los Angeles.

 

— @heathstiltner

Gum Tree / Hermosa Beach

Guest User

GUM TREE

A LOOK INSIDE SOUTH BAY'S HIDDEN GEM + THE ORIGIN STORY

 


 

Nestled in between the calming beach and the busy streets of Pacific Coast Highway, Gum Tree is a hidden gem of a restaurant-shop hybrid that offers more than what is on the outside. Southern California and its long extension of the summer season continues to invite people to this quaint beach cottage.

We spoke with Lori Ford, the owner and boss lady of Gum Tree, to tell us more about the amazing ventures of creating a cafe-shop in South Bay.

 


 

 

We understand that you and your husband created Gum Tree together (so lovely!). What prompted the two of you to start a cafe + shop hybrid specializing in Australian goods?

We were living in New York City, my husband had an Aussie restaurant and bar there, I was working on product development for an accessories company, and our lifestyle was intense and wonderful and everything NY should be when you’re young, and then we got married and had a baby!  Everything changed of course, and we decided to come home to the South Bay and settle down.  The shop was a long time dream of mine, and my husband was supposed to get to take a break from the restaurant biz and help me achieve it.  But then we found the house!

 

How did you guys come across this location?

I grew up in Manhattan Beach, and always wanted this little house in Hermosa on Pier Ave.  The dream was a home store in an old house, with each room filled with things you’d have in that room, a cozy couch full of pillows in the living room, cookbooks and serving pieces in the dining room, etc.  We were still in New York hatching our moving plans when a girlfriend of mine called to let me know my dream house was up for sale.  I flew in to take a look the next day.  The space felt too big to be only a shop, but with the garden out front and the natural division of space, it lent itself perfectly to a little cafe/shop combo.  And since my husband had the restaurant know how, and I had the desire on the shop side, that’s what we decided to do.  May I just say that my husband is a saint for agreeing to my never ending stream of ideas.

 

 

 

What was the origin of the name Gum Tree? 

I was trying to come up with a name that worked for both a restaurant and shop, something that sounded natural, evoked a feeling of calm and community.  I hit a wall and asked my husband to give me some good old Aussie slang, and after at least a dozen ridiculous Aussie words, (wally, sheila, wanker) out popped Gum Tree and right away we knew.  I saw the logo in my head and the rest is history.  

 

How did you manage to keep Gum Tree so successful? 

A lot of hard work!  We both spent every day in there for the first couple of years at least.  We met everyone in town, got involved in our community, went to every networking event there ever was…  It’s our family business, there is no other hidden income, so we had to make it work.  Will is the driving force behind the cafe, and he’s always coming up with delicious and healthy new menu ideas.  I’m obsessive about always finding something new for the shops, and I think that keeps them fresh and our customers coming in to discover new things all the time.  We know that people have so many options, so we do our best to hire the friendliest staff, and create the most welcoming environment we can.  

 

Your favorite dish from Gum Tree!

I eat the avocado toast with chili flakes, a side of berries and an iced latte almost every morning.  But, I also love a good old fashioned meat pie once in a while!  Our lentil soup is made from scratch daily and is out of this world.

 

What was the biggest struggle that you guys have come across?

As a small business owner the work never stops, I feel like I could always be doing more to grow the business, keep it relevant, and bring in new customers.  On the positive side, it can be very rewarding, especially when you get feedback that people love what you do, it’s just the best feeling.  And we love to be part of the community, watch the local kids grow, really know our customers, that’s the best part.

 

What do you hope to accomplish with Gum Tree in the future?

 For us it’s not about opening X number of stores in the next 5 years, it’s finding the work/life balance.  We hope that Gum Tree continues to thrive so that we can support our family and raise happy healthy kids!  We want to be happy in our work life, we want to travel, learn, give our kids the very best opportunities, engage with our community.  So as long as we continue to love what we do, we have accomplished everything. 

 

 

Could you name some of your favorite brands and items that you carry in your shop? (If you could provide photos, that would be great!)

Oh gosh, I love everything we carry, that’s the criteria I use for buying every single thing.  Do I love it, is it pretty, is it useful, funny, great quality, does it make me happy, would I give it as a gift? I love buying cookbooks, and pillows, and jewelry!  The kids shop is so easy to buy for because there are just so many adorable things out there.  Some stand out brands we have carried forever are Bla Bla, Chan Luu, Zoe Chicco, House of Cindy, Hat Attack, Rifle Paper.  But I love to constantly change things up, and I love to discover new up and coming designers.

 

 

If you find yourself in sunny Southern California, check out Gum Tree in Hermosa Beach! Or check out their Instagram (@gumtree_la) to take a peek at their California Lifestyle. 

The Farmhouse New Paltz

Ben Ashby

 

 

THE FARM HOUSE NEW PALTZ

A VISIT TO A QUAINT FARMHOUSE IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

 

We recently made a trip up the Hudson Valley to see a taste of autumn. During our visit we stopped by a delightful farmhouse rental property outside the college town of New Paltz. We sat down with the owners to learn a bit more about the town, the Hudson Valley, and this charming rural escape. 


Why did you settle in New Paltz? We went to college here, moved to Brooklyn and just kept dreaming of moving back.  We have the Wallkill River go through town.  There is a local adage that says, once you visit a North flowing river; you will always return.  

 

Why did you decide to open the farmhouse? We opened the Farmhouse because we wanted to make a space where people could come with their pets and relax.  When we did live in Brooklyn, we traveled a lot upstate.  We would always search for a place where we could cook and bring our dogs.  Now its a lot easier with Airbnb, but back then, there were no options.  So the Farmhouse and Cottage are spaces where you can rest, relax and bring the whole family, even the four-legged members.

 

 

Why did you pick this specific farmhouse? We picked this beauty from the 1890s because the energy spoke to us.  When you go inside the house it is sort of like having an energetic massage.  Most guests and visitors comment on this!  The house sort of hugs you.  And the floors.  The floors were made locally from nearby pine trees in the 1890s.  They have so much character and warmth, they are simply irresistible .  

 

Where are you originally from? It's a popular New Paltz song: "We are from Long Island".  Many people who move to this town are originally from Long Island, it is usually the University that brings them here, as it did us.

 

 

How long have you been in New Paltz? We have been upstate for two and 1/2 years now.

 

How long have you had the farmhouse? We are coming up to our one year anniversary with The Farmhouse this September.  We are now looking to expand our design projects.  We are interested in designing and constructing homes locally.  Our goal will be to make fully curated living spaces for people in and around New Paltz.  We love looking for pieces of furniture from local antique shops, Sweetpea in Stone Ridge NY and Ron Sharkey's Black Barn in High Falls are among some of our favorites.  You really can't go wrong visiting the two antique stores in Water Street Market in New Paltz.  We are excited about finding new gems like The Farmhouse, and reviving them so others can cherish them for many years to come.  So stay tuned to our Instagram for updates!

 

 

 

What are your favorite spots to visit in the area? For hiking we love The Railtrail and Minnewaska State Park.  For dining we adore Rosendale Cafe and Huckleberry.  For drinks, Jar'd is a must see in New Paltz and Brooklyn Cider House (New Paltz apples y'all!) honestly has the best cider around.  

 

Why is Fall so magical in the Hudson Valley? Okay, so good question.  Remember that one time really great you went apple picking with your family, epic Halloween, or that one really great Thanksgiving? If you roll all of those feelings into one and then put yourself in a leaf changing paradise; you'll get it.  There is really nothing like it.  Even though there are so many activities and festivals to go to, I would say the overall vibe cannot be escaped.  The Fall is nothing short of magical in the Hudson Valley!

 

A Visit to Pot n Kettle Cottages || Leipers Fork, TN

Ben Ashby

 

 

POT N KETTLE COTTAGES


LEIPER'S FORK, TN

 

Leiper's Fork, TN is a hidden gem of a tiny town just south of Nashville. The town of three hundred is a sleepy community that is filled with quaint southern history, grand farms owned by country music royalty and the most delightful downtown. I've been visiting Leiper's Fork and the Williamson County area for years, but I recently had the privilege of staying at the Leiper's Fork Inn, a rental property that is part of the Pot n Kettle Cottages brand. Before my stay I asked the owners to share a bit about their love of their properties, the community, and the South...

 

 

— potnkettlecottages.com || Over the coming weeks I'll be sharing more of my favorite Leiper's Fork shops, stops, and places to stay. 

 

 

 

 

Why we created the business is really more of a journey that we have traveled. We both originally being jewelers is where we realized we worked well together creatively. We decided to try applying that to renovating and restoring a Sears Kit home in Los Olivos, CA built in the 1890’s. We realized after the completion of our project that we loved it, we were also given a Beautification Award from the local Rotary Foundation. We then knew that others liked what we did as well, after moving to Tennessee, we saw a lot more opportunity to be able to find these beautiful old homes and breath new life into them while maintaining or restoring the history. We love the feeling an home has, it is almost like it has a soul. 

 

 

 

 

We decided after moving out of the Tin Roof Cottage that we wanted travelers to be able to experience the magic of Leiper’s Fork as we did. What better way than to give them a home to stay in and make them feel local. So began our journey, Tin Roof was our first property and it was doing well. I decided I really enjoyed working with travelers and welcoming them to stay in our magical village. So we then purchased Coda Cottage and Pickers Cottage, redid them and began Pot N’ Kettle Cottages. We recently this February acquired the Leiper’s Fork Inn, this home was most definitely our largest undertaking. It needed a lot more work and we did a good bit of it ourselves, which we both enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Why Leiper’s Fork, well Leiper’s Fork kind of choose us. Five years ago we realized we wanted to be closer to family and find a small town with wonderful community. We traveled all around and considered many different places. Eric being from Kosciusko, MS had traveled along the trace most of his life. He talked about Franklin, Tn and this amazing little village called Leiper’s Fork. Myself being from a small town in Idaho this struck a cord with my heart. We finally after a year of searching traveled to Leiper’s Fork for the 4th of July to be with some friends and see family. I immediately fell in love from the moment we drove into town. We pulled over and stopped in at Puckett’s, got the boys a Nee-Hi soda and watched them run around and catch lightening bugs. That was it, we were sold, this was home. We have enjoyed every moment since being a part of this community, the people are what make this town so magical. 

 

The design style behind the cottages is my take on Boho Chic interior design focused on guests comforts and needs. My husband and I like to create a unique but comfortable environment for our guests, we are not afraid to use color. A lot of people who have experienced our homes have often made the comment that they feel like they are “happy houses”, they make you feel good when you are in the space. We travel quite often and always rent homes to stay in, we are always taking things into account when we do this as it helps us to better understand the needs of the guests.

 

 

The design style behind the cottages is my take on Boho Chic interior design focused on guests comforts and needs. My husband and I like to create a unique but comfortable environment for our guests, we are not afraid to use color. A lot of people who have experienced our homes have often made the comment that they feel like they are “happy houses”, they make you feel good when you are in the space. We travel quite often and always rent homes to stay in, we are always taking things into account when we do this as it helps us to better understand the needs of the guests.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Mount Tamalpais

Ben Ashby

We'd seen the view in so many photos. A golden hill high above the fog and clouds. Paths cut through the dried grasses and fading into the clouds below. We knew we had to visit while we were in San Fransisco. Mount Tamalpais is just a very short drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The perfect sunset spot and a very easy hike. 

The following are images I shot at sunset near the peak of Mount Tamalpais with the Canon 5d Mark IV

"Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tamalpais State Park rises majestically from the heart of Marin County. Its deep canyons and sweeping hillsides are cloaked with cool redwood forests, oak woodlands, open grasslands, and sturdy chaparral. 

The breathtaking panorama from Mount Tamalpais’s 2,571-foot peak includes the Farallon Islands 25 miles out to sea, the Marin County hills, San Francisco Bay, the East Bay, and Mount Diablo. On rare occasions, the snow-covered Sierra Nevada can be seen 150 miles away.

The park offers superlative hikingpicnickingwildlife watching, and mountain and road bicycling." — ca.gov

Wales on Film

Ben Ashby

 

WALES ON FILM

A PHOTO ESSAY BY CHRIS BUXTON

 


 

Wales is the mountainous western cousin of England, a Celtic link to the past with over 1,180 km or 730 mi for us using the imperial system of coastline, and 50 islands decorating it. Boasting three national parks and the Heritage Coast, Wales is an untapped land of adventure. Chris Buxton, a lifestyle photographer based in Wales in the United Kingdom, uses 35mm film for most of his practice. He relies on film to achieve a feeling that digital cameras can't capture naturally.

 

 

 

Living in Wales, he'd never really travelled around the Welsh landscape and finally decided to explore it with his second set of eyes, his camera. "I was very shocked by how beautiful this country truly is," says Chris, "it has shown me that everyone needs to explore their own homes to see where they're truly from." Chris tries to capture the natural and inner beauty of the landscape of his homeland and put it on the maps of like-minded soul-searchers and explorers hoping to find a new destination and a new adventure.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A PNW Moment

Ben Ashby

 

Nothing beats the PNW. Sure, you see those 3 letters all over social media, but you really can't grasp the intrigue of this region unless your feet are in the dewy morning grass of Seattle. Waking up to breaking clouds and perfectly roasted coffee will you put you in a zen like state you've never felt before. Prior to a sunset fire on the beach, we worked our way out of the city and into the trees... In a Subaru of course :) Petite coffee shops, old railroads, and running creeks line the windy roads that lead you to a nature like you have never seen. So, grab a ticket, pack a bag, and take your friends to the PNW for the perfect weekend getaway.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADAM SWARTZ

 
 
 

Our Chicago Food Tour

Ben Ashby


A WEEKEND IN CHICAGO

TWO DAYS - FOUR MEALS - ONE CITY

 

A few weeks ago we headed up to Chicago for the weekend. The goal was to visit a few of our favorite restaurants. We managed to get four stops in over the two and a half days in Chicago. I've been trying to figure out what sort of food Chicago is known for...beyond hot dogs I'm not really sure what their signature foods are....but they have a thriving restaurant scene....

 

BERNIE'S LUNCH & SUPPER

Bernie's was a new one for me. Sure I'd seen its wall designs in many an Instagram photo...but I had yet to visit this trendy spot on N. Orleans Street. For our visit to Bernie's we asked for a sampling of the menu. Typically when we are visiting places for the first time I feel it is best that they select the dishes instead of us. I reckon it is an excuse to avoid the monotony I usually do on trips—way too many burgers. 

We started with two different salads, moved on to a delightful mussels dish that was the highlight of the evening, moved towards a prosciutto and toasty bread number, and ended with the most wonderfully creamy parfait. 

I do have some tips for visiting Bernie's...go as early as possible and get the good seats by the windows. This place is super trendy and super perfect for all those Instagram and Snapchat moments. We were surprised at how quickly the place filled.

We did a selection of small plates and appetizers at Bernie's and all shared. Their menu is broad and this felt like a good way to try it all.

— @Bernies_Chicago — @ChefRyanSand

 

 

FRONTIER

Frontier in Wicker Park is by far my favorite restaurant in all of Chicago. I make an annual trek to the frontier themed spot. Yes...I said frontier themed...as in high class Americana foods. They had me at the bacon flight and the reeled me in with their selection of wild boar, bison, and a variety of bacon options. 

For our brunch at Frontier we started with the beignets, which are one of the chef's signature foods. Designed around his grandmother's recipe and better than any you'll get in New Orleans. 

If you're going purely for the sweets skip the meat and go straight for the house-made pop tarts. They're massive and a part combination of tart, sweet, and flaky goodness. Frontier fills up fast so we always go early for brunch. Grab the big booth in the front for the perfect photo light. 

After the pop tart grab some bacon and and apple butter....an absolutely delightful combination. I have an obsession with french fries. Frontier doesn't disappoint. The sandwiches are all perfect for a hot summer's day. 

— @FrontierChicago — @ChefJup

 

 

G & O

G and O (Grand and Ogden) is actually the final place we visited on our trip. After three insanely large meals we decided we'd have to go small at G and O. G and O is a local diner style place with tons of outdoor seating. It appeared to be filled with groups of friends that were there to hang out on a Sunday morning.  

I had the spiced biscuits and gravy...which had to be the very best biscuits and gravy I've ever had north of the Mason Dixon Line. A perfectly sized portion of perfectly soft biscuits covered in perfectly spiced sausage gravy was the perfect end to a very nice food tour of Chicago. 

If you're looking for something more filling go for the oatmeal. The portion was huge. After four meals that all included bacon...it may be safe to say that Chicago should just be called the Bacon CIty. Each of the four places we visited serves their own version of thick cut bacon. It would be unfair to select which place did it best...instead you're just going to have to visit them all!

— @GrandandOgden

 

 

COCHON VOLANT

This was not our first rodeo at Cochon Volant. We knew to come prepared for a big meal. Last year we visited for brunch. This year it was decided we would go for dinner. That was a wise decision. 

I'm going to go ahead and call it now —Cochon Volant has the best steak in Chicago. Yes, yes I did bring 3/4 of the steak back to Kentucky with me and eat it in bed the next day. I have no shame. 

Cochon Volant is just south of the river in downtown Chicago. It is perfectly decorated with surfaces that glitter and glow. The accents are encrusted in brass and the room really is aesthetic perfection....but that isn't we were there. If the interiors are perfection...there isn't a word to describe the food. 

I love steak tartar. It is one of my favorite foods. I think steak in general is a favorite. We started with an appetizer of tartar. I could have made it my entire meal. Cochon Volant is known for their boards. We learned that last time at brunch with their pickle board. This time we went for a cheese board and a pickle board. These seemed like pleasant ways to cleanse the palette between courses. 

For our main courses I went with an dry aged steak, and as I already said it is enough of a reason to visit Chicago. It is served with french fries, but let's be honest...you're going to want to skip those and hold off for desert. Nick had two entrees. He started with a crab leg platter. A petite display of unbelievably fresh crab awaited him...and a shrimp cocktail. 

We closed out our food tour of Chicago with creme brûlée and chocolate mousse. I am not usually a mousse fan...but like everything else at Cochon Volant it is done to perfection.

— @CochonVolant_ — @ChefMattAyala

—@Jschatan — @JonasFalk_ #FlyingPigGram

Sure, I know what you're thinking...but only four restaurants...you have so much left of Chicago to cover. Oh yes, I agree, you are totally right..rest assured we are already planning many return trips. Chicago is one of the easiest of the major US cities to navigate. Chicago is also much more affordable than New York City. 

If you're a bacon lover...time to load up the car and head to Chicago. 

A Motorcycle & Route 66

Ben Ashby

They came from foreign lands, they came from distant cities. From Chicago, from New York City, from tiny Connecticut towns, they came from Miami, and they came from Los Angeles all searching for something more, searching for something different. The reality is we live in an overly digital, overly connected world. They came searching for a reprieve from the 24/7 political nightmare, from the 365 biased news overload. They came searching for places that had been untouched, places that meet the morning horizons with zero traces of man or modernity. They came for a motorcycle tour of Route 66 with Los Angeles based motorcycle touring company EagleRider

 

 

When I got the call asking if I’d go on a motorcycle tour down Route 66 with a touring company I had several concerns, questions, comments, etc etc. We’ll address those as we go, but for the sake of the beautiful narrative I have in my head lets continue with where I was headed. 

The kids on the trip showed up in their Ubers clad in the standard all black uniforms of the American cities. they brought with them every device short of beepers. Constantly connected to business emails, to Instagramers, to Twitterers, to txting, and weird side projects they were working on. The majority had never been on a motorcycle, and the majority had never been deep into the desert out west. After a brief mixer at the Eagle Rider headquarters they quickly found common ground. Three worked in the same tower off Columbus Circle. One would soon be the other’s boss. The phones slowly were used less and less and real tangible connections were made. The CEO of EagleRider greeted us and welcomed us to what would be our three day tour. He began it all by telling us a motorcycle tour of Route 66 is as American as apple pie. A rite-of-passage that every American must do. EagleRider was the perfect means to make this possible.

EagleRider was founded on the idea of providing motorcycle riders with motorcycle rentals in locations all over the world. You can rent them in a very similar fashion to renting a car at Enterprise or Hertz. EagleRider also offers guided tours of routes all over the world. From short ones like our three day tour of Route 66 from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, to a complete tour of Route 66. EagleRider has locations all over the world. 

 

After the CEO’s introduction we were fitted in our motorcycle jackets and outfitted in some appropriately themed gear. Indian is one of my favorite bike brands. I quickly went for anything I could find. We packed up and headed out…to basically the best BBQ in L.A…I’ll report back with the name. 

For our tour we were all strangers. We walked into the tour with only one thing in common…a love of words. We would each be responsible for writing our thoughts on the trip. Over dinner we discussed our angles and our plans. We discussed our backgrounds and who our audiences were. I quickly realized I got the lucky job…I have the audience with a love of adventure. 

As worlds connected and the millennials connected the guards and walls of urban dwelling and politics and whatever this weird round the clock negative news world we live in fell away. Moods became lighter and the excitement build for the journey that would begin as the sun rose over the southern California mountains the following morning. 

 

In the American west the sun rises over the dusty mountains the same as it has for hundreds of years. The march of time has turned coastal deserts of southern California from a vast sandy sea of succulents and cacti to a wild treeless wilderness of horse paths, tiny mining towns, outlaws, and tall tails, to an urban jungle of kids seeking an escape into wanderlust. As the sun rose helmets went on, bikes were mounted, engines were revved, and the tires carrying the millennials were hitting the sun-baked asphalt of Los Angeles. This mornings route would take us high into the mountains towards Palm Springs. The interstates began to fly by as we made our way towards the forgotten highways leading east. 

I’ve already driven from Kentucky to California twice this year in a rented Chevy Malibu. I’ve driven across the US and back in Cadillacs and Toyotas, but I’d never been on the open road on a bike. I’d never felt all the cliches, I’d never felt the wind in my hair. I’d never felt Bette Midler’s wind beneath my wings. The bike ensured a sense of freedom, a sense of abandon, a sense of independence. The wind swept past, the bumps and curves were felt, it was just you and this man made machine. It was you, without a hand to hold a phone, a hand to text, or an ability to talk to those around you. It was just you, your thoughts, the sun, and a reckless spirit of Americana. It was exactly what was needed. 

The cityscapes and the suburbs gave way to orange groves and cattle farms. The ascent up the mountain began. The air grew chilled. The ride slowed down as the curves became tighter and the pack of motorcycles became narrower. Our trip has one main guide and three additional guides that were joining us for the trip. The lead knew all the routes and the curves. He led us the entire trip with a flawless pace. Between the four guides on the tour they complete hundreds of tours a year leading Americans of all ages and tourist across nearly every state in the US. With all of us being from the world of media this was all new territory for us. Hardly any of us had ever been on a bike, much less ridden it through deserts or over mountains. EagleRider specializes in keeping an up to date fleet of bikes and having guides that not only know the roads but also know the details and histories of all the areas they’re visiting. 

 

 

We stopped for lunch high in the hills surrounded by pines and cabins. This new landscape seemed an extreme exchange of the landscape we had been immersed in just a few hours ago. The goal of this trip wasn’t to just ride a motorcycle down Route 66…it was about experiencing something different and about being in nature and out of the urban element. The mountains and the mountain themed restaurant were a reminder of that. We all vowed to experience everything as it came and to savor the moments. Basically I am just trying to say we had zero cellphone service as dramatically as possible. Conversations seemed authentic. It is an idea we will be exploring in depth this year—but it seems the idea of living in real life rather than living a digital facade is where we millennials are heading. If you’re looking for a festive way to start that journey—grad and EagleRider bike and head out. 

I am a sucker for Palm Springs. There is something about it being totally lost in time that really speaks to me. Maybe its the desert vibes or the mid century aesthetic, but I am obsessed with the place. The winds outside of town are a true experience for a motorcycle rider, but absolutely worth the thrill. EagleRider has the accommodations perfectly prepared. All luggage follows behind the group of bikes in a sprinter van and everything is unloaded at the hotel. Bikes were parked and we all went inside to freshen up. The digital world was once again available, but few indulged. Being disconnected had become a luxury not worth giving up. 

The next morning I broke away from the group to meet up with a photographer friend to photograph the Desert X house in Palm Springs. This meant I would be picked up by the Jeep that trailed behind the group. It also meant I would be skipping the nearly full day exercising into Joshua Tree National Park. 

 

 

We met back up with the group for BBQ in 29 Palms. The rest of our day would be driving through the extremely open roads of Arizona and California. During that afternoon with my Jeep driver I learned a few things about taking a motorcycle tour:

  1. You will be much hotter in black than you will wearing white. In the middle of the summer ditch being stylish for being comfortable.

  2. Stay hydrated. The wind will dry you out.

  3. Wear every bit of sun screen you can slather on. Don’t forget to coat those fingers and hands well and often

  4. If you want to take a tour but don’t have a motorcycle license grab a three wheeled Slingshot.

  5. Learn the hand signals.

  6. Know the limits of your bike. When it gets to a certain temp motorcycles (and helicopters) get too hot to operate.

  7. Put your phone away.

  8. Don’t try to show off. You are absolutely not as good of a driver as you say you are.

  9. When in doubt just ride in the Jeep.

  10. Always go for the gas station hot dogs. The risk is always worth it.

Our day concludes with a boat tour along the state line and a rest at a casino outside Las Vegas. They tell us we have a long day tomorrow, but refuse to say anything else. 

 

The hotel sits along the banks of the river in a deep valley. The sun rises slowly yet the heat quickly creeps in. We continue to skirt the Nevada state line. We take routes of Route 66 that seem like a Wiley Coyote cartoon. Roadrunner should be leading our group. Wild donkeys rest alongside the highway and one of the oldest ghost towns in the US sits over the horizon. Oatman, Arizona is a town of legends. A tiny mining town that has been the center of folklore for decades is a nearly preserved reminder of the former America and the newly embraced Chinese made consumption obsessed American tourist. Dew rags and t shirts coat the derelict wooden structures with a vile mix of tacky and trashy. This is the America was have set out to escape. Our bikes quickly become a comforting reminder that we will escape this nightmare as quickly as we entered it. 

Back on the road we are told that we must hurry towards our final surprise of the trip. We are all well bonded and unhappy with the idea that our trip will soon be over. We head across Hoover Dam and head towards the sins of Las Vegas, but first we stop at one of the regional airports where a fleet of helicopters await. 

For many of us this was our first helicopter experience. For all of us this was the perfect ending to our trip. We rose high above the landscape. The desert gave way to the jagged and indescribable beauty of the Grand Canyon. We soared over the walls and the Colorado river. We had final conversations over headsets and we lamented on the fact that the depths and wonders below would soon give way for a rude reality that our overly digital overly connected lived await. 

EagleRider is a company that was founded on the idea of giving people the freedom of the road and the ability to experience America. Eagle Rider has since provided countless people of all ages with the ability to escape this absurdly negative world. It affords its riders with the ability to head towards an America and a reality that is void of connection. It affords its riders the ability to find tangible connection with strangers, with the sun, with the road, with the time forgotten landscapes or America, and it allows its rides to find a connection with themselves that we millennials are in desperate need of. 

We, the seven millennials were all strangers from foreign lands seeking an experience, and escape, and a connection with each other. We left as seven new found friends with a shared experience and a shared appreciation for a life less modern. 

EAGLERIDER.COM

Yosemite | The Live Authentic Tour

Ben Ashby

 

A couple months ago @rseabve and I grabbed a new Cadillac CTS and headed from LA to NYC. Our goal along the way was to see as many National Parks as we could in three weeks. Today we begin sharing that journey with you! Our first stop was Yosemite National Park…

 

Once @rseabve and I arrived at Yosemite in the Cadillac CTS we were immediately hit with some of the best and most scenic views of any of the 59 national parks here in the U.S. This view is of Half Dome. Yosemite was the nations second nation park, but has been a protected area since Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant during his presidency and the OG hipster John Muir lobbied for the area outside of the valley to be added to the protected area as well. After the OG American badass Teddy Roosevelt created the National Parks Service in 1916 the Yosemite area was added shortly after Yellowstone became the first national park.

So the secret….this view is literally a pull off on the side of the highway. If you’re looking for a national park to visit, but don’t have the ability or desire to spend hours hiking for views…go to Yosemite. @rseabve and I only had a day to spend in Yosemite, and sadly none of that included time for hikes. 

 

The history of Yosemite begins 10,000 years ago when people first visited the valley. By 3000 years ago the Ahwahneechee tribe had settled in the valley. They would remain here until the American government would force them out in the mid 19th century. Their villages were burned, their people were slaughtered, and the first tourists arrived in 1855 as four New Yorkers came to the valley to document the nature for an exhibit in the city. Today you can stay in a variety of lodging at the park. @rseabve and I are especially fond of the tents!