Lessons of Desolation

Some trees have a quality about them which makes them stand out and have a personality. This one caught my eye and reminded me of the inspirational landscape photographer, Ansel Adams.⠀ ⠀ -Colt⠀ ⠀ #photography #blackandwhite #tree #landscape #nature #contrast #anseladams #wildernessculture #landscapephotography⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

Jessee is always on the lookout, glassing the distant cliffs in search of the elusive Desert Big Horn.⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #explore #wildlife #animals #hikingadventures #canoetrip #backcountry #takeahike #takemoreadventures⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

The river brought us here with it's tranquil and relaxing current. Confined within these canyon walls we become immersed within our surroundings, engulfed by the present moment. #freethewild #outside #river #tentlife #takemoreadventures #ourcamplife #adventurevisuals #modernoutdoors #theoutbound #wildernessculture #getoutstayout #optoutside #getoutside #thegreatoutdoors #canoetrip #camplife #canoe #canoeing #paddle #explore @chopwoodmercantile

Such is the way of life; sometimes you just have to stop paddling forward, let the current carry you, and take a moment to enjoy the splendor of your surroundings.⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ #freethewild #canoe #canoeing #expedition #adventure #paddle #water #river #rivertrip #explore #outside #exploremore #liveyourpassion⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

This current venture we have embarked on is a search for life lessons. I never thought one of the most valuable lessons to be learned thus far would revolve around food. It's funny how a simple miscalculation can be a thought-altering, life changing experience. I didn't bring enough food for our 13 day river trip, and we both suffered the burden of that costly mistake. I now know how it is to be truly hungry, to glimpse through the doorway of starvation, to school my thoughts while directing and strengthening my will, to sacrifice myself so that the one I love doesn't suffer as much due to an innocent mistake on my part. ⠀ ⠀ It taught me quite a bit. The strength of mind and thought is a powerful beast, and it was an invaluable lesson to be had that I wouldn't exchange for anything. Secondhand knowledge doesn't replace first hand experience.⠀ ⠀ -Jessee⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #camping #cooking #expedition #outdoors #outside #hiking #canoeing #water #river #starvation #wander #food ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

Many important lessons have been learned through wandering and enjoying our surroundings. Landscapes such as these give us the opportunity to feel small and infantile in such a large and vast world, letting self-centeredness and human centric urges float away with the winds.⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #publiclands #wilderness #outside #outdoors #wildplaces #hike #hikingadventures #camping #camp #wander #wanderlust⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

I have the desire to broaden my scope of skills in life and water navigation was a foreign skill to me. Last year I put myself through raft guide & swift water training. I even guided for a month on a Class III river to hone my newly acquired skill set. As I sit in this canoe, a completely different beast than a raft, I am thankful for that decision. It has led me on a quest to submerse myself in new things in life, always maintaining a healthy respect for the unknown. We are only a few days into a multi week canoe trip; something I have wanted to do my entire life, and what we have seen and learned from the water can only be attained by being part of it. Adventure awaits- you just have to step out of your comfort zone. ⠀ ⠀ -Colt⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #canoe #canoeing #outside #travel #adventure #paddle #hike #hiking #paddling #expedition #outdoors @chopwoodmercantile

Drip. Drip. Drip… Filtering water at the same rate of a leaking faucet makes us very grateful for the ability to turn on a spigot and have instant water back at home. Moments such as these most certainly allows one to really appreciate modern amenities as well as remembering to not waste a single drop!!⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #water #conserve #camping #outdoors #nomad #outsideisfree⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

I have never before in my life considered myself a water person. Water has a magnitude of power and beauty that I am always humbled by. Traveling upon the calm, swirling ripples, flowing ever forward by boat, paddle rhythmically dipping in and out of the water, feels so much more natural than I ever would have expected. ⠀ ⠀ At night, blanketed under twinkling skies, tucked away in my sleeping bag, the sound of the river sings me to sleep, matching the faint, residual lapping sensation coursing through my body. It is an eloquent reminder that the constitution of our earthly forms is mainly water, and it seems only fitting that my body responds to the call of it's Mother element, syncing with the sensations of the flowing river, calling from just beyond the tent.⠀ ⠀ -Jessee⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #water #canoe #canoeing #paddle #river #camping #outdoorwoman #wanderlust #womeninthewild⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

Where we grew up, the thought of hiking barefoot in a creek never crossed our minds. We were in fear of getting barbed by a lost fishing hook or cut by a discarded glass bottle. Thankfully natural, unmolested places still exist, and today we blissfully walked barefoot for miles upon miles in a sun warmed creek surrounded by beautiful towering sandstone walls.⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ #freethewild #keepitnatural #freedom #freedomtoroam #wander #wanderthewild #wilderness #hike #hiking adventures #staywild⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

Snuggled within our portable backcountry home, we await the warmth of the morning sun.⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #sleepoutside #explore #outside #tentlife #camping⠀ ⠀ @chopwoodmercantile

We explore desolate canyons, places where the only other tracks are of those seeking solitude.⠀ ⠀ Supported by: @chopwoodmercantile⠀ ⠀ #cougar #tracking #animaltracks #explore #adventure #animals #wildlife #hike

Each crack and crevice hidden within this rockscape dwells a mystery to be explored.⠀ ⠀ Supported by: @chopwoodmercantile⠀ ⠀ #freethewild #explore #desert #adventure #outside #liveyourpassion #hike #hiking

Our first night on the river is greeted with a painted desert landscape. #freethewild #outside #keepitnatural @chopwoodmercantile

A basic principle of this expedition is about stepping outside of our comfort zones and experiencing new things. Leaping into the unknown stimulates an overwhelming feeling of excitement combined with a healthy twinge of fear. Many people have traveled this river before, but for us it is our very first river trip, as well as our first time navigating a canoe. For the next several weeks we will be on our own, embracing the unknown and conquering whatever challenges that present themselves throughout this water bound journey; it's the only way to come out feeling alive. #freethewild #adventure #sleepoutside #canoe @chopwoodmercantile

Simply satisfying, cooking a camp meal with an phenomenal vista outstretched before you! #vanlife #homeiswhereyouparkit @chopwoodmercantile

Enjoying a priceless view and a bit of solitude. When you live in a van, your home is where you park it!! #vanlife #homeiswhereyouparkit #liveyourpassion #publiclandsinpublichands