June 09, 2020 I live in some of the most incredible spaces. I’m not sure how exactly I come to find them, but it feels as if some internal, soul-searching algorithm has discovered a pathway for me to come into the most exhilarating and unique experiences. I feel as if we’re given many paths to choose from. Landing upon one of travel and adventure came as a choice no different than any other path. When I tell folks what I’m doing, I hear the same response time and time again:

After having to flee from Hurricane Dorian, we returned to the Bahamas Sunday, September 29, 2019 Looking out over an aft deck filled with construction and roofing materials, I watched as the rooftops of mainland Florida disappeared behind the sets of rolling blue waves. Since Dorian’s passing, an ever-persistent NE swell has battered Florida's eastern seaboard. Finally, the winds subsided, and by an act of grace, a lull actually occurred within the selected dates of our miss

Detailing a lengthy and exhausting two days of hikes and swamp tromps. Sunday, September 08, 2019 As one of the first twenty cars to enter into the state park, I took the immediate right towards an empty parking lot that was directly across from the entrance gate. I watched as the vehicles continued to flood in, bicycles adorned. From the parking spot I could see the trailhead with the burnt orange "FT" insignia for the Florida Trail Association's marked paths. They maintain

Chronicling the ferocious path of Hurricane Dorian Tuesday September 03, 2019 I look outside to the edges of a monster as it slowly passes by. Knowing the full brunt of its fury is still presently overtop the northern edge of the Bahamas, I remain in a state of awe and usual amount of wonder due to the forces of nature. I watch through my porch as the feeder bands make their routine arrivals, continuing to sweep across the state of Florida every thirty minutes or so. More tha

Covering a multitude of events, ranging from a third and final sawfish excursion to the first time teaching a shark conservation specialty course. March 06, 2019 THE SAWFISH DIVE Ten dives and fifteen days after the last sawfish expedition, I am once again back aboard the dive boat preparing to lead a final trip out to see them. My requests had been heard and we would only be putting in a total of ten divers. The sea conditions were favorable, with less than 2ft on the foreca

More stories from the newfound trail sanctuary February 05, 2019 If you want to learn about yourself, start by exploring the world around you. -Paulo Coelho We like to hit the bum trail in the waning hours of daylight. It’s a total treat to veer off the main roads and be tucked away in our little newfound area of secret seclusion. You can hear the slow creep of traffic from the side roads and then the roaring hum of cars flowing down the highway opposite to that. It begins to

Cataloguing the tracks mandog made while visiting Lake George, Florida. November 16, 2018 First Hike | Morning Mycelium Hunt As we drove through the shaded oak hammocks towards our lodge, The Runaway Bay, I noticed two opposing trailheads marked by signs stating them to be the Lake George Conservation Area. I filed that piece of information in the back of my mind as we continued on towards our lake-side hideout. A man was seen blowing leaves off the deck and then, without not

A trek about on some wild and newfound trails. October 18, 2018 Coco and I went on a nice evening trail run. After discovering a secret, wooded game trail we decided it would be a fantastic change from the more exposed public trails. We’ve got it all to ourselves and can go racing along its paths full speed. We do have to be careful, as I’ve seen traces of human activity littered about in the woods. Some of it looks to be recent, but mostly its old, discarded rubbish. I think

An account of my first trip over to the Gulf side of the State. February 09, 2018 “The West of which I speak is but another name for the Wild; and what I have been preparing to say is, that in the Wildness is the preservation of the World.” ― Henry David Thoreau Pt 1 - Journey West In the six years I've been a Florida resident, this February would mark the first time I've ventured Westward to explore Gulf-side. My parents have established themselves a nice spot on the Souther

Returning to a once-visited Natural Area, a second poochie travels alongside. January 10, 2018 It was totally wild with black birds cackling and fluttering from tree to tree. Waking up from a nappy afternoon, Coco and I burst out the door to catch the remnants of a sunny, warm day. Heading into Cypress Creek natural area off of Indiantown road, we pulled into the lot to park. I quick scanned the signs to get a feel for how adamant the no pet policies were. I figured on the eq