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🌲Outdoor enthusiast & writer🖋️
🛠️Crafting & creating🪚
🐾Exploring with dogs & raising a wild child🧒
📖Free E-Book: Prep for Any Adventure⬇️

The first time you try something new, it’s easy

The first time you try something new, it’s easy to feel like everyone else got the instruction manual except you.
You look around and see people who know what they’re doing. They move with confidence. They understand the terminology. They seem to know exactly where to put their feet, what button to push, or which direction to go.
Meanwhile, you’re standing there wondering if everyone can tell you have no idea what you’re doing.
But here’s the thing: experience is relative.
The person you think is an expert was once the beginner. And while you might feel inexperienced compared to them, there’s almost certainly someone looking at you and thinking, “I wish I knew how to do that.”
Nobody starts at the top. For most of us, we start at zero.
A great way to start climbing from that beginning is to find people who know more than you and learn from them. Then, once you've got your feet under you, you've got an opportunity to turn around and help someone who’s a few steps behind you.
Remember, experience is relative. Some people are miles ahead of you, and you're miles ahead of others. If we work together, we can all get better together.
Like this kind of motivation in your life? Click that link in my bio to sign up for my mailing list to get this vibe in your inbox every Monday.
#AdventureMindset #MondayMotivation #PersonalGrowth #GetOutside #AdventureLife

I have a lot of days where I don't want to do anyt

I have a lot of days where I don't want to do anything. A zero day, if you will. And sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what I need.
Rest is important, and recovery matters. There’s little value in running yourself into the ground just to feel productive.
But other times, “I need a rest day,” really means, “I don’t feel like doing this.”
And that's an important distinction to make, because one day of doing nothing can easily stretch into a week. A week can turn into a month. Before you know it, you’re wondering where the momentum went.
It's happened too me far more than I care to admit...
That's why I try to avoid zero days. I'll rest. I'll recover. But I try to make progress every day, even if it's just a tiny bit.
Not every effort needs to be heroic, but every day is an opportunity to move the needle. It doesn’t have to be impressive, you just have to make it count.
#adventuremindset #personalgrowth #motivationmonday #selfimprovement

Some people think you need a $60,000 truck, a roof

Some people think you need a $60,000 truck, a rooftop tent, a lift kit, and enough recovery gear to outfit a small expedition to go adventuring. And yeah, if you want to do some rock crawling or overlanding, you're going to want the ride equipment for the job.
But to get to a trailhead? To go camping? To explore dusty roads?
I’m currently doing all that with a paid-off 2018 Kia Sorento.
Is it a truck? Nope.
Is it an overlander? Absolutely not.
Can it get me to trailheads, haul camping gear, carry bikes and paddleboards, sleep in the back, and explore plenty of Forest Service roads?
Yep.
Look, the best adventure vehicle is the one you've got. Recently, I took a look at what my crossover can and can't actually do, the inexpensive upgrades I’ve made, and why I’d rather spend money on adventures than another vehicle payment.
Because waiting for the perfect rig is a pretty good way to wait forever.
You don’t need the perfect vehicle. You need to know what you’ve got, understand its limitations, and then go use it.
Want to know more? Follow the link in my bio or visit IntrepidDaily.com to read on.
#AdventureVehicle #OutdoorAdventure #Hiking #AdventureReady #GetOutside

We tend to think courageous people are built diffe

We tend to think courageous people are built differently.
They're bold. Fearless. Willing to charge into uncertainty while the rest of us are standing safely on the sidelines.
But I don't think that's how courage works.
Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's learning that you can feel fear and still move forward.
You develop it the same way you develop any other skill. You practice.
You take the slightly uncomfortable step. You try something you're not sure you can do. You have the difficult conversation. You go somewhere unfamiliar. You fail, realize you're still standing, and try again.
Eventually, something changes.
The thing that once terrified you becomes merely uncomfortable. Then it becomes familiar. And eventually, you may find yourself doing something that your former self would have considered impossible.
You don't have to feel brave first.
What's one thing you're going to do this week that scares you just a little?
For more Rules for Intrepid Living, adventures, and practical ways to become more capable, join my newsletter through the link in my bio.
#IntrepidDaily #AdventureMindset #Courage #PersonalGrowth #motivationalpost

Every time we visit my sister and her family on th

Every time we visit my sister and her family on the farm in Illinois, I can't help but think they're doing it right. They work harder than pretty much everyone I know, but their house is full of good food, laughter, and love.
And it's hard to argue with the sunsets.
#farmliving #sunsets #illinois #thegoodlife

Most people don't fail because they're incapable.

Most people don't fail because they're incapable. They fail because the first few minutes of discomfort convince them to stop.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from my buddy's dad, a Navy SEAL. He simply said:
"Get comfortable being uncomfortable."
I've thought about those words through backpacking trips, marathon training, difficult conversations, career changes, and plenty of moments where quitting would've been easier.
And I've figured out that discomfort usually isn't the signal to stop. It's usually the signal that you're growing.
I unpack the full story, the lesson behind it, and a simple challenge for you today's Intrepid Daily newsletter.
If you'd like one practical rule every Monday to help you build a more adventurous life, you can join through the link in my bio.
What's one challenge you've avoided simply because it felt uncomfortable?
#AdventureMindset #GrowthMindset #LiveIntrepid #PersonalGrowth

Earlier this month I ran the Deadwood Mickelson Tr

Earlier this month I ran the Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon. I went in with a goal and a plan, and... both fell apart after the first few miles.
In the months leading up to the race, I'd been hit with training interruptions from injury and illness. Then race-day temperatures climbed to the high 90s.
At some point, earlier than I care to admit, I stopped thinking about pace, finish time, or the goals I started with. I just wanted to keep moving.
Nearly seven hours after I started, I crossed the finish line.
It wasn't the result I'd hoped for, but sometimes stuff just doesn't go your way. Sometimes you've got to figure out what doesn't work and go back to the drawing board. I think you've got to decide that setbacks don't get the final word.
So I'm lacing up again.
I've rolled my training into preparation for another marathon in October. Let's see what happens when preparation gets another chance to meet opportunity.
#MarathonTraining #RunHappy #BlackHills #OutdoorLife #staymotivated

They may not look like much, but these are primiti

They may not look like much, but these are primitive stone tools I made a couple of weeks ago at a flintknapping workshop at the Laughing Coyote Project. One is a primitive hand saw, the other is *almost* a primitive bi-face blade... and there's an elk antler that I bashed the heck out of my knee with while trying to split off a flake.
I like making things, but I was certainly not good at this. Still, I grasped the basic fundamentals thanks to excellent instruction from Donny Dust. Seriously, if you're interested in primitive skills and like to make things, I can't recommend checking out a workshop with him; he distilled as much of his 20+ years of experience into eight hours as he could, and gave us plenty of laughs along the way too.
I just can't say thanks enough to Donny for a great time and his patience and instruction. Also, much gratitude to the folks at the Laughing Coyote Project. Thanks for hosting on your beautiful property. I hope to make my way back to Longmont in the future to learn more.
Oh, and those great looking stone tools? Most certainly not mine. Those are Donny's beautiful work, but it's cool to see what's possible, isn't it?
@donnydust @laughingcoyoteproject
#flintknapping
#primitiveskills
#ancestralskills
#primitivetechnology
#stonetools

It's been so rainy here in Rapid City and it's mak

It's been so rainy here in Rapid City and it's making things green, at least for the time being! I'm happy about it, and it has made me think back to our Portland trip in April.
It was a quick trip and we barely scraped the surface of cool, weird, local, and fun stuff we could have done, but still, we had a blast.
#portland #portlandoregon #urbanhiking #visitportland #adventureon

Heading home from my weekend in Colorado, with Lon

Heading home from my weekend in Colorado, with Longs Peak, just visible behind Meeker Peak, still in my thoughts. These two watched over me, or kept their eye on me to make sure I didn't cause any trouble, during my visit to the Longmont area. Now, on my way through Wyoming to get home, I'm grateful I got to stay under their watchful eyes.
It's also very clear that I am going to have to get better at taking pictures of distant mountains. Any advice?
#longmontco #longspeak #visitcolorado #mountainscape #longmont

I recently had the chance to sit down, virtually s

I recently had the chance to sit down, virtually speaking, with Steve Hand, host of the Live Your Adventure Podcast. We share a lot of the same ideas about adventure, discomfort, growth, and building a bigger life, so it made for a really fun conversation.
We talked about embracing discomfort, starting from where you are right now, my book The New Adventurer’s Handbook, and why ordinary people are more capable than they think they are.
Mostly, though, it just felt like a conversation between two guys who genuinely enjoy getting out into the world and doing stuff.
You can check it out now on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts... Links in my bio.
#adventurepodcast
#liveyouradventure
#outdoorlife
#intrepidliving
#adventureculture
#podcastguest
#writersofinstagram
#embracediscomfort
#exploremore
#thenewadventurershandbook

I drove up into the hills this weekend with mist s

I drove up into the hills this weekend with mist swirling around the peaks and rain falling across the landscape. I was thrilled.
It’s been so dry here that a few days of moisture felt like a gift. Already the landscape seemed a little greener, a little fresher, a little more alive.
And who doesn’t love the smell of rain? Add the scent of duff and humus, and the almost-vanilla smell of wet ponderosa pine, and it felt a little like heaven.
The pups agreed. They tore through wet grass, rolled in puddles, and came home soaked and happy, especially after waiting to shake off until they were back in the car.
I think the rain did us all some good.
#blackhills
#blackhillsnationalforest
#southdakota
#ponderosapine
#mistymountains
#rainynature
#forestpath
#traildog
#naturetherapy
#exploremore

I'm kicking off a new series on the website called

I'm kicking off a new series on the website called Hike, Sight, and Slice. It brings together a nearby trail, a cool sight, and a local pizza anytime I travel. The goal isn't a trail guide or a food blog, but instead an exploration of local culture.
It's just one more way to connect to the spirit of place, using three things I love. Let's start with our recent visit to Portland.
Slap the link in my bio or visit IntrepidDaily.com to check it out.
#PortlandOregon #PDX #PNW #TravelOregon #ExplorePortland #UrbanHiking #WildwoodTrail #ForestPark
#OptOutside #MountHood #CityMeetsNature #PDXEats
#PizzaLovers #EatLocal #HikeSightSlice

You can’t count on a perfect view. Sometimes yo

You can’t count on a perfect view.
Sometimes you grind your way to the top… and it’s nothing but fog.
No payoff. No panorama. Just gray.
Most people would hate that.
I don’t. I still love it.
Because the view was never the point.
So what about you… do you love the climb, or just the view?
Exploring this on my IntrepidDaily.com, link in bio.
#HikingLife
#MountainLife
#ChooseTheJourney
#LifeOutside
#OutdoorMindset
#AdventureAwaits

I realized this weekend that my knife skills were

I realized this weekend that my knife skills were getting a little rusty.
Still, there are few tools I enjoy working with more than a good fixed blade. A solid knife is one of the most versatile tools you can carry, and it's easy to strap one on your belt when you head out into the woods.
A few things I’ve learned over the years:
If you don’t already know safe knife-handling skills, practice them somewhere controlled first. A wilderness trip is the wrong place to learn the hard way.
Even when you know what you’re doing, keep a first-aid kit handy. Spend enough time carving and eventually you’ll nick yourself.
Sharp knives are safer knives. Keep them maintained and they’ll take care of you.
The knife in this photo is a Morakniv Companion. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t cost a fortune. I linked a review I wrote a few years back in my bio if you’re curious.
There’s something freeing about sitting down with a knife and a piece of wood and making something with your hands.
Question for you: would you be interested if I wrote a short guide on how I sharpen my knives?
#BushcraftUSA
#SkillOverGear
#WoodCarving
#KnifeSkills
#OutdoorSkills
#LifeOutside

Anyone who has met Inkling could tell you that she

Anyone who has met Inkling could tell you that she's a challenging dog. She's been attacked by other dogs, has had four surgeries, and likes things calm and quiet. Anyone who has ever met Tom could tell you that calm and quiet aren't his specialty.
Sometimes Tom gets frustrated with Inkling. Sometimes, Inkling gets fed up with Tom. But when we're all out in the woods together, they find their common ground and even enjoy one another's company. Earlier today, they stood like this for almost a minute, watching something out in the distance.
When it comes down to it, they look out for one another. And if that isn't what family is all about, I don't know what is.
Anyone else find that a little time in the forest smooths things out for everyone?
#AdventureDad
#RaisingWild
#TrailDog
#LifeOutside
#BlackHills

Just a few moments of fun snuck in on the weekends

Just a few moments of fun snuck in on the weekends.
It may not be perfect, but it's pretty damn good.
#adventuredad
#everydayadventures
#lifeoutside
#raisingboys
#familyadventure

I started 2025 with the expectation that it was go

I started 2025 with the expectation that it was going to be a "questing year" spent chasing goals, trying new things, and shooting for the moon on doing hard things. And that's all well and good; I did a lot of stuff last year that I'm proud of.
But this year, I'm doing things a little differently. In 2026, I've decided I'm going to have more fun.
I'm still going to chase down some goals, try new things, spend a lot of time being introspective, grow as much as I can, and do hard stuff... but I'm going to have fun doing it. Because life is short, and I want to make the most of it.
#dadlifeoutside #raisingadventurers #fatherhoodunplugged #familyinthewoods #outdoorfamily
#littleexplorers #walkinthewoods #trailtime #intrepidliving
#intentionalliving #presentoverperfect #havefun #playoutside #learningtogether #familyadventures

I've been reflecting about the ten days I spent hi

I've been reflecting about the ten days I spent hiking the Centennial Trail... One thing I've realized is that if you spend enough time hiking by yourself and you start to think about just about everything.
You think about the future — your goals, your hopes and dreams, your fears, and you start trying to figure out how to make everything that seems like a great idea into a reality.
You also think about your past — the wins and losses, the people you've hurt, the ways you've screwed up... And damn if I haven't screwed up a lot and hurt a lot of people over the years, all because I couldn't see past myself. I have a lot of apologies living in my heart...
And finally, you think about the present — putting each step in front of the last. Moving forward, slowly but surely, until you've covered your miles for the day.
There's a beauty in being encapsulated in the present this way. When you're backpacking, the solution to almost every problem you've got is to keep walking.
...
Keep walking.
...
Keep walking...
...
How beautiful of an experience to know that no matter what you're facing, you can be near certain that the solution is to just keep walking.
#backpacking #thruhiking #blackhillsbadlands #centennialtrail

So I did a thing and wrote a book, which I'd avail

So I did a thing and wrote a book, which I'd available now on Amazon. The New Adventurer's Handbook walks through everything I've learned about planning, preparing, and executing an awesome adventure.
It was a bit of a journey to go from idea to execution, and I had a lot of help along the way, but I'm just stoked that I was able to put something like this out in the world.
#adventureplanning #guidebook #newauthor #adventurewriter

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