FIELD NOTES FROM OUR CO-FOUNDER

Go Here Now

Last August I was fortunate to spend a week in Alaskan wilderness, hiking from high-country lakes down to one of the last truly wild and untouched parts of Planet Earth. In the middle of a summer that wasn't a summer at all, it was the deep exhale in nature that I needed.

Day 1 THE DROP

A quick bush flight from Anchorage, weaving in between the spectacularly jagged mountains in a float plane. We’re treated to a smooth lake landing, with a wall of mountains rising up around us. Time to pitch tents and gather around the camp kitchen—meals here are some of the best backcountry food I’ve ever had.

Days 2 & 3 THE HIGH COUNTRY

Up and over scree fields, past glaciers and fast-flowing rivers, up and up and up into the clouds. It’s hard going, my limbs are tired and my feet sore. Yet time in raw nature is the best medicine. I know how lucky I am to pitch my tent under a million stars in a vast remoteness.

Days 4 & 5 HELLO MR. BEAR

Down into wind-swept valleys under the deepest of blue skies. Bear tracks on the riverbank, and our first encounters with wild grizzly bears roaming the tundra, fishing for salmon, only mildly curious about us fully mesmerized humans. Two nights in Alaska bear country is a gift I won’t soon forget.

Day 6 THE SCOOP

Float planes swoop down and scoop us up, heading to the final reward of lakeside cabins with hot showers and a home cooked meal. The lodge’s rustic vibe and hearty Alaskan far seem like exotic luxuries, and watching the sunset dazzle Lake Clark is something I’ll always carry with me.

Day 7 HOMEWARD BOUND

A last morning and farewells to this amazing place and to the amazing group I’ve shared it with. We pushed ourselves hard and earned each mile. I’m grateful for every single moment. The end of our adventure has come too soon. We’re all asking ourselves, maybe there’s an open seat on the next float plane into the backcountry.