My Story

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For most of my life, I have worked in restaurants as a Chef and owner(and chief bottle washer). But despite my passion for food and the culinary arts, I have always felt a deep-seated desire to travel, to see the world beyond the confines of the kitchen. And yet, the demands of the restaurant industry made it difficult to satisfy this wanderlust. I longed to explore new lands, to experience new cultures, but my job left me with little time for such pursuits.

However, being the boss did have some perks. I was able to take a few trips, including visits to Thailand, India, the Caribbean, England, and the East Coast. These journeys were a revelation to me, opening up new horizons and expanding my understanding of the world. And yet, they were never enough. The more I traveled, the more I hungered for adventure, for new experiences.

Then, two years ago, everything changed. What I thought was Covid turned out to be a heart attack - actually two - and in the process of dealing with that, I found out that I had cancer as well. At first, I was filled with anger and despair. Why me? I asked myself. I was too young to be dealing with such serious health issues.

But as I began to come to terms with my situation, I realized that I had been given a second chance. If I hadn't had a heart attack, the cancer might have gone undetected until it was too late. In a strange way, my illness had opened up new possibilities for me, forcing me to confront my mortality and to reevaluate what was truly important in life.

And so, I made a decision to change my ways. I started to eat healthier, to exercise more and to slow down on the alcohol consumption(the hardest part).  I began to appreciate the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with loved ones, watching sunrises, and actually listening to the birds in the morning. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to the world around me.  Either that or I'm just getting old. :)

Living in the Midwest, I am surrounded by forests, lakes, and an abundance of wildlife. It is a place of great natural beauty, and yet, many people take it for granted, failing to see the wonders that are right in front of them. I am determined to explore this world, to venture out of my comfort zone, to challenge myself, and to inspire others to do the same.

For me, being in nature is more than just a pastime. It is a form of therapy, a way of reconnecting with something primal and essential. In a world that is often chaotic and confusing, the simplicity of the natural world provides a sense of clarity and order. It reminds us of our place in the grand scheme of things, and of the interconnectedness of all living things.

I hope that this blog will serve as a guide for those who seek to experience the joys of the outdoors. I will share my own stories, offer tips and advice, and explore the many different ways in which we can connect with nature. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a novice camper, there is something for everyone here. I believe that spending time in nature is not just a pastime, but a way of life. It is a way to reconnect with ourselves and with the world around us. We live in an age of constant stimulation and distraction, and it can be all too easy to lose sight of what really matters. But out in nature, we are reminded of the simple pleasures in life – a warm breeze on our face, the sound of a babbling brook, the crunch of leaves underfoot. It is a place where we can disconnect from the chaos of modern society and reconnect with the rhythms of the natural world. My hope is that through this blog, I can inspire others to venture outside, to explore new places, and to find solace in the beauty of the outdoors."

Happy Camping My Friends!

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