The Wild West

It's been a year since i've last written a blog post. It doesn't seem that long ago, and yet, it seems even longer. In the past year I traveled all over the US and CA. I then went to New Zealand for a few weeks. Shortly after these ventures, i chose to go back to work for some time. I'd like to think i'm good at money management and prioritizing. So, i knew if i wanted to do more escapades, i needed to be financially stable. I never cared what people thought, but i feel the need to tell you this out of pure inspiration: No one gave me money to go on these trips. By no means am i saying i am not beyond blessed with the family i have, but i have never asked for money to travel, nor was it given. I worked jobs and saved everything so i could do what i wanted. I truly believe if you give your all, you can accomplish what you put your mind to. Again, it is all about prioritizing. If little johnny wants a nice new car, but he keep buying 4 meals a day and buys new clothes, well i reckon he won't have money for a car. Not everything is that easy, i understand that I don't have children, but i do have obstacles of my own that deter me from traveling. I just want this to be known for the sole reason of you believing you can travel. All i did was plan, work a ton of hours, prioritize, then leave! The only reasons i do these posts is to hopefully inspire you and show you how beautiful this world is. Now, let's talk about my current adventure!

It was the morning of Sunday, July 22nd. It was a nice morning, i remember hugging my family goodbye and beginning the journey. It didn't sink in being on the road again. I think it took me about a week to readjust. So, what is my plan for this trip?! After working my warehouse job and slowly becoming an angry vicious person, i knew i needed another trip. Within two weeks, i quit my job, bought another car, reinstalled my bed, said goodbye to everyone, and hit the road. It was very fast pace, but this time around, i have a little more of a schedule i must keep to. On august 25th, i will be shooting a wedding, so i decided i wanted to be home august 20-22nd in order to prepare. Without too much planning, i hit the road. The reason for this trip though? To get back to being me. Not that you need a reason for a trip, but after working, i realized the environment i was in was detrimental to my well being. I lost 15lbs, came home every night angry, yelled at people, etc. I knew the road would center me and bring Anthony back. But where to go to?? Well, from my last trip i realized the two places i felt i didn't capture/experience were New Mexico and Arizona. So, i decided i'd go back to these two states, but also go back to California. Despite how i feel about some Californians (super passive and beyond flakey), i did make some great friends. So, it begins in New Mexico. 

It took me three days before i arrived in New Mexico. I took the northern route to get there, going from NJ-DE-MD-PA-WV-OH-IN-IL-MO-KS-OK-NM. I knew i was on a schedule, so i didn't stop much to explore until i reached Kansas. Kansas has some pretty beautiful scenery and abandoned buildings. I reached New Mexico and immediately hit a thunderstorm. It was raining cats and dogs for hours. I was heading towards Taos, but a road was being blocked off! Apparently there was a forest fire, therefore the area was more prone to flash floods. They opened the road for "at your own risk" drivers. Seeing no other way around, i decided to proceed. Lo and behold, 10 cars followed behind me, and your jersey boy was leading the pack. I arrived in Taos safely and met up with my friend Jared. I spent a couple days that week with him. It was great to reconnect with a great friend i had made last trip. the next few days were full of traveling, hiking, shooting, and meeting new people. I did a fun shoot with three bellydancers, i took photos of local tribes, and i made new friends. On my last day in Northern New Mexico, I was blessed to meet and shoot with a woman named Sharon. Sharon is an actress, among many other things, and being a fan of her work, i messaged her asking if she may be interested in a shoot. She was up for it, so we met at a place to eat in the afternoon. This day consisted of stories, laughter, and so much more. She showed me all around Santa fe, and taught me so much about the native culture in the area, from the Pueblos to the Navajo. We went to a street where i almost spent all of my money on jewelry, she took me to old churches, and we took photos. I lugged my 4x5 camera all over the city! She then took me to the very popular "meow wolf". It was very interesting. it is pretty much an art space where many different artists create their own room. It's a lot more than that, but if you're that interested, you should go haha. She had an audition at 6pm, so we said our goodbyes and she left. Minutes later i received a 505 area code call. I answered and Sharon explained how she needed a friend to come with her to be apart of a documentary. Well, what was i going to do, go eat by myself and go to sleep? Heck no! i drove back downtown and met up with her and the film team. I had no clue what was going on at first, but i began to see. This film crew was making a documentary on ghosts in Santa fe. Sharon and myself were just extras apart of a ghost tour through the city. We walked around the streets and were given an awesome guided tour. I learned so much about the history of the city. The night was finished off with drinks and even more deep conversation with Sharon. Very blessed to have made a new friend and for the experience. Very excited to see what amazing work she does in the future. 

I began south heading towards white sand np. I arrived and took a few photos. I suppose i was disappointed because there was a lot of greenery. But hey, that's my fault for doing this trip in the summer. Speaking of summer, Why did i do this in august?? it is currently 110 degrees in Tucson. Weirdly enough, i am okay with it, and kind of enjoy it. If you know me, you know i love my 20 degree weather, but Tucson and the desert just has a charm to it. Maybe it's just my yearning heart for the old west, maybe it is the people, maybe we will never know. As i entered into Tucson, i got in contact with Cyndi. I've known Cyndi and her daughter Jess since i was a little kid. I went to school with Jess before she left for Mexico. I wrote about them in my last trips blog, as i stayed with them last time. Again, being beyond kind, Cyndi let me stay in her place. Treating me more like family than a guest. She allowed me to keep my film (Thank God) out of the heat, and to not have to sleep in 100 degrees (or i should say lack of sleep). The last few days i have been wandering around the desert. I went to a few parks and talked to some locals. Despite being a pool of sweat, i truly enjoy the desert. Yesterday, i was finally able to hang out and shoot my friend Fiona. I met Fiona online over a year ago when i was in Tucson. Our schedules didn't quite line up, so we never met. Over the past year we've stayed in contact and were finally able to get together. It is a beautiful thing when you meet someone and they are just as genuine and real as you had hoped. It's weird meeting people online, because often they aren't who they are. Now, they may be the same person, but they might not be as genuine, or outgoing, etc. I try my best to be as real in person as i am online, never to lead anyone astray. Fiona was exactly as kind and genuine as she was online as she was in person. She took me to Sabino Canyon and we took a hike to the falls. Sadly...there were no falls. Why? Well, that's the desert for you. There were still shallow pools that we laid in. We talked for hours, about nonsense, about deep topics, it was truly lovely. We burnt our hands and feet on rocks trying to get in and out of water. I slipped and fell on my way in. It was quite the rave. I finally got sun burned for the first time this trip. If i got burned at all, i was happy it was then. I shot a few rolls of film of her and we went on our way. It's a blessing when you meet someone on the same wavelength as you and you're able to be creative. Blessed to have met you, and excited for the next time our paths cross. 

To close the day yesterday, Cyndi and i ordered Olive garden. Of course i asked for extra breadsticks when i picked it up! This journey is about half way through and it has been everything i had hoped. I've had rough points, lonely points, and great points. That is what the road is though. You struggle, but you learn from it all. And when things do go as planned, there is honestly nothing better. I've been blessed to shoot with two people now on this trip who have inspired me so much creatively. I am excited for more experiences, good and bad, and the people i will meet. I will be leaving Arizona soon and heading to California. I reckon this time around i will only do two, maybe three blog posts. And, as always, i only took maybe 20 digital photos this whole trip haha. Everything is once again shot on film. As i have mentioned though, i have been shooting 4x5. So i am super excited about being able to capture the land and people in that format. Blessed to be breathing and able to experience. I hope you all feel the urge to explore and be a better you; love you all. 

Analog In A Digital World

       At last, i am back home. After 23,545 miles, 27 states and provinces, and 98 days, i finally am back in new jersey. I must say, it's nice to be home, but way too humid! It is interesting being back, i feel like i need to hop in my car and keep going. I think it will set in soon that i'm home. I've met so many amazing people, that i think i will forever stay in contact with. I've seen so many great wonders and have constantly almost died. This trip has been pure joy! So many days all alone, so much time to think and shape the man i am. Trips like these aren't for everyone, but it will definitely harden you, and make you independent. 

      After going all over the US and Canada, and to countless national parks, i've noticed something. I have not met one person that has shot film! I met up with my friend Eric in san Francisco, but i already knew he shot film and we planned to get together. Besides him, i haven't seen anyone shooting film photography. It seems odd, right? So many national parks, so many people, and not one shoots film? It first dawned upon me when I was at Arches NP. I was taking a photo with my 35mm camera, and only a few feet to my right was a man also taking photos. He seemed to be around his mid 70's in age, and yet, he was shooting a modern digital camera. Again, just to clarify, i have nothing against digital, I shoot digital myself. I just thought it was funny that i was shooting a film camera from the early 1970's, and this man three times my age was shooting with a camera from my generation. I suppose some people thought to be relevant they had to switch to digital? Maybe they just truly enjoy digital over film? By the end of this, i realized there are a lot less people shooting film than i had thought. It has definitely come back over the years, but i can only hope that more people begin shooting with it again. I have come home with 42 rolls of film, an 8mm roll, and polaroids. 

       So, what have i learned from this trip? Well, here are just a few things that i can think of:

          - Don't go further than you are willing to come back.

         - always fill your car with gas, even when you don't need to.                                                  

        - Be open and trusting with people, but be cautious.                                                              

        - ALWAYS carry a knife.                                                                                                              

       - Handkerchiefs are better than tissues.                                                                                      

       - Use an atlas!                                                                                                                                

       - Don't be afraid to try new things!                                                                                              

      - be prepared, but be ready for plans to change.                                                                          

      - Be adventurous, be daring, have fun.                                                                                          

     - Always tell someone where you are and where you're going.                                                    

     - Take photos, but some things are better to just experience.                                                      

     - BE KIND, BE HUMBLE, BE EMPATHETIC. 

    What i hope from doing this blog is to inspire you. I was never going to write a blog, i am just a very personal person, but i had many wanting to hear about this journey. So, from all of my posts, i can only hope that you want to go and see this world. There is so much sacred land, and so much beauty. It is easy to be comfortable and complacent, but it is more rewarding to step outside your comfort zone and live. There is a big difference between going through life and living life. As my boy Jesus says, you can be a believer, but that doesn't mean you are a follower. You can be living, but it doesn't mean you've truly lived. I planned, i worked hard, i saved, and i was able to travel. I didn't have help from anyone. You don't have to start a go fund me, just work hard and believe you can get to your goal. Every day is a blessing to be alive, go live and experience this world. I have some photos below shot by a good friend, Eric Leffler. You can check out his work at www.ericjamesphoto.com . I also have some shots of when i was making my bed frame. If you have any questions about anything, please don't hesitate to send me a message. Love you all, thank you for following my journey.  

The Great North

             it's been 95 days on the road, just over three months. When you're on the road, every day feels like a week, and every week feels like a month. Oh, how i've changed so much, how i've learned so much. I was never quite sure what this trip would bring, but much more than i ever expected. I find such peace in solitude, i learned so many things about myself and others, i found my heart again. It's funny how such an obscure way of living becomes second nature. Every night i strategically find a place to park so i can sleep without interruption. Then, i know where everything in my car must go to set up my bed properly. From there i brush my teeth in the middle of nowhere, then i hop in my car, take off my boots, and watch one of the films i put on my hard drive. Every morning, i wake up early, I dissemble my bed in such a precise way, the same every day. Then i eat a clif bar and begin driving. Every day is different though. Recently, i've been driving around 10-12 hours a day. Your body gets so used to it, as does your mind. Right now, i am sitting near a mountain right outside of banff. 

            After camping in the mountains of Vancouver island, i stayed for a few more days, did yoga with my new friend Marissa, then took the ferry over to Vancouver. If you know me, or you've been reading, you know i don't care much for cities. So, i didn't go to Vancouver, i drove around it and headed north. Despite finding out that day that the bates motel set was now knocked down, i still went to where it used to be. There was nothing there, but i still was able to see the hill upon which the house had stood. From there, many, many hours driving north. I never realized how big British Columbia was, but if you look on a map, i suppose it makes sense. It took me 4...or 5 days to get all the way through. What i a beautiful journey though! I saw my first forest fire, which was quite large...but i suppose most forest fires are. I picked sage in the desert once more...yes, they have desert in BC! I also saw a knockoff "bates motel" haha. As i got to northern BC, it began to rain. Oh, my love for the rain, how i have missed it! It hadn't rained for me since i was in New Mexico. That is two whole months without rain! I was going up the cassiar highway when it was down pouring. All the sudden i see a bear! Then, three more! Within that day i had seen four bear; i was so excited! The next day as i reached the yukon, i saw four more bear! If you ever wanted to see a bear, go to northern BC or the yukon. Not long after, i reached Alaska! After 78 days, 23 states/provinces, 15,500 miles, and 5 time zones, i made it! I went south to meet up with a friend on the Kenai peninsula. I drove all the way down to homer, then up to ninilchik. I stayed with wanda and her husband for two nights, then headed north. I slept in a big pull-off on the side of the highway one night, and the next morning, a sweet woman asked me if i would like to join her and her husband for tea. They, like me, were sleeping in their car and traveling. They were the sweetest, kindest people. They gave me breakfast, and we talked for hours about our journeys. I thought my trip was something...Emilie and John are from Switzerland, and have been on the road for a year! they went through Russia, through Asia, to Australia, New Zealand, south america, north america, all the way to Alaska! They blew my mind to say the least. After meeting them i am so much more inspired to travel to other places and to explore. They were also believers in God, which was beautiful! I definitely hope to see them again one day. I kept heading north, and of course, everything was too foggy around mt denali, so i wasn't able to see her. My plan was to go as far north a possible. The farthest northern point in america is Barrow, AK. The only way to get there though, is by plane. Being that flights are way out of my budget, i didn't even consider it. So, i decided to go up the dalton highway as far as i possibly could. Everyone in alaska told me not to take this highway. They said it is the worst road you'll ever go on, you'll die, your car will blow up! I'm not kidding, people were actually telling me these things. So, i decided it's probably best i don't do it. But, me being me, i stubbornly decided to do it anyways. I told myself as soon as the road gets bad, or i get a flat, i'll turn around! Well, neither of those things ever happened. People from Alaska don't understand what potholes are like in Jersey! Don't get me wrong, my car is as dirty as can be, sounds awful, and definitely needs repairs...but i'm okay, and i didn't wreck my car. This road is definitely not for most people. I've been out here, by myself, for 3 months. So, i know how to handle things if something goes wrong (for the most part i think). You definitely have to be prepared for this road! It is a 414 mile dirt road that can most definitely ruin your car and leave you stranded. About halfway up, i saw something go into the bushes. Me being me, i pulled over and went looking for it. It was either a linx or a wolf i thought. As i was looking into the bushes, i saw the yellow eyes staring at me. As it began to come out of the bushes, i realized it was no linx. It quickly darted at me out of the bushes. Now, from what everyone has told me, if you see a wolf, you better fight for your life or it will kill you. So, without much thought, i went for my knife and let out a yell (finally useful that i do hardcore vocals). As it heard this, it immediate retreated, to which i realized it was no wolf. It was indeed, a fox. Hey, you can never be too sure, and it was covered by a lot of bushes! So, my attack mode quickly changed back to photographer. I spent about 30 minutes with this fox, five feet away at times. Definitely one of my better models on this trip haha. I soon after reach deadhorse, which is the most north open to the public. Purdue bay is only open to tours, since it's on an oil site. Therefore, the only way to get to the arctic ocean is to pay for a $70 tour. I obviously was not going to pay $70 to see water. So, as i approached deadhorse, i became lost, and i just kept driving. All of the sudden, i see seagulls and a large body of water with fog. I realized it was the arctic ocean! Then i realized, i must of accidentally snuck in! I know what you're thinking, "wow, anthony is slick", and i promise you, this was by complete accident. I suppose they didn't call me "smooth" in the barbershop for nothing though haha. So i was blessed enough to see the arctic ocean, and as i left, they were overwhelmed that i had somehow gotten in. They took my id, wrote some information down, then sent me on my way! It was smooth sailing from there. I made my way back, and decided to try out a similar highway in the yukon, The dempster highway. I crossed the border back into canada, and let me say, it is one of the most beautiful sights. Miles and miles of rolling hills. I kept going north until i reached the Northwest Territories! I was so excited to cross this border! It was once again, so beautiful! With rock formations that made you think you were in Scotland. I kept going north, crossed on two ferries, and finally reached Inuvik! They are currently building a highway so you can go all the way to the arctic ocean, but for now, this is the highest you can go. The next day i went to an art festival there and saw so much beautiful native art. I met an amazing dene artist, Antoine. He was very kind and let me take a photo of him (on film). He told me that in his culture him are i are shae-uyeh. Which means that because we have the same name, we are considered family. I thought that was a beautiful thing! I left and headed to a beautiful small community, tsiigehtchic. I then headed back down the highway, where i saw 4 more forest fires. I finally got to the end and began heading south toward alberta. On the way there, once again, i saw more bear. The count is now up to 21 bear on this trip, 19 of them were seen in BC and Yukon. Yesterday i entered jasper park, and drove all the way south toward Calgary. It was so beautiful there, except like everywhere in the summer, very touristy. 

           These roads i've taken in the past few weeks have taught me a lot. There was practically nothing at the end of these roads, but it was all about the journey on the roads themselves. I think this is how my whole trip is. I expected Alaska to be something else if i'm being honest. It is very touristy and very populated though. Don't get me wrong, it has unforgiving terrain, and is quite beautiful! I just think i was expecting a winter alaska, not a 24 hours of daylight, 90 degree alaska. Find beauty in all things though, i promise it will make life more enjoyable. I am so blessed that i am even still alive, and that i am able to see what i am seeing. I worked for 5 months in a freezing warehouse, i saved every penny, i planned, and i left. I just want my journey to encourage others to get out there and explore. No, you don't have to travel 20,000 miles and be gone for a while, simply just go on a small adventure. Our hearts were made in the wild and long for the wild. I encourage you to go get your heart back. I'll be home in a few days and i can't wait to see my family and friends, but it is also going to be difficult to come back to normal civilization. I can't wait to see what happens as this journey winds down. I love you all. 

Charming Canada

             I've been thinking quite a bit about things the past few days. What will i do once i get home, what my goals are, what kind of man i want to be? The road really tests your mind and soul. It is one of the most extreme and isolating things to put yourself through, but so rewarding. Every person i met, every place i've seen, every experience, it all means something. It is interesting how much the road shapes you, in the most unfathomable way.

             I've been in Canada for a week now. I have no service, unless i have wifi. Which to me, is a beautiful thing. I don't like being on my phone, and this is the perfect way to just leave it in my car and go. From my last post in San Fransisco, I got a parking ticket after writing that blog post. I guess i got the real California experience. I once again met up with my photographer friend, Eric, and went exploring and shooting. Which i think i will share some of those photos in my next post. I then drove to Bodega and saw where "the Birds" was filmed. I met up with two friends after, that i had met a year prior in NJ. A girl named Kisa had contacted me about doing a photoshoot near the barbershop i worked at. We met up, and i met her and her friend, Ned. They are from the bay area, and we talked all night about so many subjects. They told me if i came through there on my journey to contact them. So, a year later, i contacted them. I met up with Kisa, and we had a great time doing a photoshoot and hanging out. From there i went and met up with Ned. Ned, or as most refer to him, Bottle Ned, is a pretty interesting guy. Interesting in the best sense of the word. Ever since he was young he had a fascination with bottles; old bottles in particular. Since then, he now has a beautiful collection of bottles from 1800's. he digs where old outhouses used to be, and finds beautiful artifacts. This alone is amazing to me. We spent a few days together, swimming in a reservoir, hiking through California mountains, and finding cool rocks. When digging one day, he found an 1800's tobacco pipe, in which he gifted to me. He didn't even know my love for tobacco pipes. So thankful for this gift, and the many other gifts from others. I then headed up the coast of Oregon. OR is quite beautiful. It was such lush greens and beautiful shores. I then headed up to Washington. I only stayed there for a short period of time. I went to mt. Rainer and did some beautiful hiking. I met a guy along the way, to which we accompanied each other for the rest of the hike. He let me give him a haircut in front of mt. Rainer, which was truly beautiful. i took a photo of Elias after i gave him a cut. From there, I went to Seattle for about an hour. Here is what i have learned, a city is a city. I don't like cities much and i probably never will. Especially going by yourself, you are overwhelmed with a sense of loneliness. There's definitely parts of the city that are cool, but for the most part, i'd rather be out in nature. I stopped at a film shop (by far the largest one i have ever been to) and restocked on film for canada and alaska. It blows my mind that i have gone through 30 rolls of film so far. I don't know if that seems like a lot or a little to you, but it is quite a bit to me haha. I left seattle and went to the absolutely beautiful Cape Flattery. I slept there, then the next morning went to port angeles, where the ferry was. I took the 9:30pm ferry to Victoria. Of course, when i got to canada, they had me pull over and searched my car. In having a quick conversation with me, they realized i wasn't a drugged up hippy and let me on my way. As i approached my car, the men that searched it exclaimed their fascination that i still shot film, which led to quite a long conversation. Canadians were off to a good start in my book. I arrived at my friend Luna's house at 12am, and was greeted by her, her boyfriend, and their roommate. Gavin, Luna, and Steve welcomed me with open arms. Luna is a photographer/model that i had befriended around three years ago. She had a photography gallery in victoria until the 25th of june, in which i promised i would come to months ago. So, i made my way to victoria and was able to see her amazing gallery. I am again so blessed to be able to meet such amazing people. Victoria definitely has a charm to it. If i had to compare it to somewhere back east, i would say almost like woodstown. I actually met a guy yesterday that saw my Jersey plates and said he was from wilmington. He thought victoria reminded him a lot of south jersey, besides there not being any cows and endless farmland. I spent a few days seeing the sights, giving Gavin and Steve haircuts, and having my first cuban cigar. If you know anything about me, you know i love my cigars. I'm not a heavy smoker, but i love cigars and having one in the right moment. Same goes with my tobacco pipe. Needless to say, it was a great experience. Steve had a house party my third day here, and i was able to see the local scene in victoria. This past weekend, Luna, Gavin, and I set off to Sombrio beach. We made a beach fire, in which we chopped and split wood from a huge piece of driftwood. Gavin and I worked together, then took turns, in what ended up being a full night of chopping wood for a few hot dogs. The next day we adventured around the area, then slept on the side of a mountain that night. We set up a glorious fire pit and had great food. The next day we found the lonely Douglas, in which we had been searching for the day before. We then went back to victoria, and celebrated canada day! Also, thank you Luna for taking photos on my digital camera...because i'm awful at remembering to take digital photos.

So far, i am in love with Canada. The people are very kind and welcoming, and i feel a sense of home. I am learning so much each day, some about the road, about me, or just knowledge. I have been hiking through the woods, making fires, doing squatch calls, and having so much fun. I have been extremely excited and ambitious for what lies ahead after this journey too. I may do some print give aways too, so stay tuned. Thank you all, as i always say, but truly, it is amazing to know that there are people reading what i write. And, in the midst of it all, i hope that this can encourage you to travel! I didn't leave with much money, and i haven't worked at all on the road. I've been on the road for over two months now, and each day is a new journey. I encourage you to just walk down the road, or drive down that road that you pass everyday going to work. You never know what beauty you may find. Next up is Vancouver, then heading up to Alaska! Have an amazing day. 

How Hot Is Death Valley? ...Hot!

   It feels really weird being on the coast. It still, even after 3 weeks, has not set in that i'm on the opposite coast. It's odd to be surrounded by so many people, when i am used to open highway and being by myself. When i left home, it was off season for everywhere i went. Half of yellowstone was closed because it was still under snow. Now, it is mid June. So, everything is open; everyone and their mother are out and about. I knew i would be in California during one of the busiest times, but it makes me not enjoy things as much. For example, Yosemite was not great for me. Why, you might ask? Because there was more traffic there than in LA! I am not exaggerating either. A friend told me yesterday though, don't write it off because of the time of year i went. Honestly, i think he is right. Yosemite was really pretty, it was just the factor of being too crowded and congested. In conclusion, looks like i need to go to national parks before summer.

     From my last post, i went to church with mitch and joe on sunday. It was actually a pretty good service, despite the name: "Reality LA". From there, a few of us went to eat and hung out. It was sincerely a great time. Later that day, Joe, Mitch, and I went to Venice beach. I'm not really a huge beach person, but i had to check out Venice. Also, the night before i watched one of my favourite films, "American History X", which takes place in Venice. We walked around and saw some cool things, such as the basketball courts and the skate park. Best part was definitely the group of people that were rollerskating to music and looking like they were from the 80's. I'm not quite sure how that sounds, but it was way too much fun to watch! Again, you'll just have to wait and see because i shot it on film haha. I also met up with another east coast model, Noelle. Being italian and from the east coast, of course we went to a pizzeria. It actually wasn't bad! On wednesday i went to see "the Godfather" in theaters with Joey. Oddly enough, even with my dad always watching the Godfather, I've never seen it fully through. That was definitely pretty fun. I said my goodbyes to mitch and joey and headed out thursday morning. I headed straight to death valley. Now, no one told me no one goes to death valley in the summer. I get there and am shocked that i'm pretty much the only person in the park. All i had to do was open my door and i figured it out pretty quickly. I think it was about 100 degrees the day i went...but the wind was gusting at almost 30mph! Let me tell you, it was hot! It was probably the windiest place i've been to yet too. I got there pretty late in the day, which led me to having to sleep in the park...definitely one of the hardest nights for me. It was way too hot, and even cracking the windows didn't help. You know something is wrong when you sleep right next to a "no overnight camping" sign and no one bothers you! I think if you can survive sleeping there, then you are allowed haha. The next day i began to head to Yosemite. I stopped at a few places on the way, such as the pinnacles. I got there around mid day and began to explore the park. It was pretty cool, and not too crowded. I exited the park that night, and went up a dirt road to the top of a mountain, where there was free camping. The next day, i went down the mountain to find a line miles down the road from the entrance. I knew then that this was going to be a rough day. It literally took me the whole day to travel about the park, which should only take a few hours. It was definitely beautiful, but way too congested. When i was at the peak of the park though, i watched a whole wedding ceremony, which was so beautiful! I went and slept in the same spot again, and in the morning checked out some sequoia trees. I realized they looked stupid unless a person is in front of it to give it a scale of size. nevertheless, they were still awesome to see. I left from there to head to San Francisco. I was going to meet up with Eric, a fellow photographer. I had been admiring his work for some time, and was blessed enough to be able to meet up. He shoots mostly film, like myself, so i really appreciate his work; it is second to none! We grabbed some dinner, then were off! He took me to a great view, where we could see the Golden Gate Bridge. We then went off to this beautiful mountain where there was beautiful golden grass and the view of the ocean. It was insanely windy. I was freezing; it must have been in the 30's with the wind! We took a ton of photos, then headed back down. It was awesome to shoot and meet Eric! From there, i had no clue where to sleep. So, i just drove to the bridge, and sure enough, i slept right next to the bridge. I woke up at 5:30am to try to capture some of the fog and sunrise. Of course, there was no fog though. It wasn't a big deal though, i still saw a beautiful sunrise over the bridge. From there, i came into the city and went right to the "full house" house haha. There was absolutely no parking, so i had to snipe a few shots as i drove by! Now, i am some typical photographer, sitting in Starbucks and typing this. Don't worry, i don't even drink coffee, i came for the wifi. 

This trip has so many unexpected turns and so much beauty! I am so thankful for the people that support and are following my journey. I really hope that the least i can do is inspire you to go on the road and see this world. Also, on my way to SF, i stopped at a yard sale. I met the owner, Chuck, and i bought some cassettes and a tanktop for $3! As i was driving away, he stopped me and asked if i had a bible, in which i responded no. I don't have a bible on this trip. I would like to say i forgot it, but i think i was just struggling with some things and decided to leave it at home if i'm being honest with you. Chuck came back a minute later and gave me a bible. He said he was apart of Bikers of Christ and he was given this bible, and now he wanted to give it to me. He said i may need a bible in Alaska, and i reckon he's right. I took a photo of him (on film), and went on my way. I don't think he knows how much that touched me. I have been struggling for a while spiritually, and this trip just keeps reestablishing how real God is. I am so blessed once again to be doing this. Next on the list, i will be visiting a bay town where one of my favourite films was shot. Take a guess! Thank you all. 

Coast to Coast

      I reached the west coast. Two weeks ago i arrived on the shores of San Diego. I have to say, i was definitely nervous. I love driving on the open road, and being out in nature. I knew once i got to the west coast, that wasn't going to be the same. Of course, you have plenty of nature and parks, but I knew i would be in the city now. So, i arrived in San Diego and met up with my friend Landon. Let me backtrack a little though, back to Arizona.

      After meeting up with Ian in Las Vegas, i went down to Tucson, AZ. I met up with a childhood friend, Jessica, and her mother, Cyndi. They were kind enough to allow me to stay with them for a few days so i could venture around. I am so blessed to meet, and to know the people i do. I visited tombstone (which of course i only took film photos, so i have nothing to show), and a few other places. From there i went back up to Chandler, AZ, where Gary (my dad's friend from my last post) was staying. They again allowed me to stay at their place and relax. I met a woman from Alaska too! Her name is Wanda, and she said to give her a call once i get up there. It's amazing to see how things come together. The next day i left and started my journey to the coast. 

    I arrived in San Diego and met with my friend Landon. I met Landon a couple years back in NYC. This past year, he moved from NYC to San Diego, and is now tattooing there. He is such an inspirational man, and i am so thankful for him. I stayed in San Diego for a few days, then decided to head to LA. I couldn't wait to meet up with my friend Mitch. I also had a lot of models i wanted to shoot with in the city. On my way to the city, i stopped by Julian, and picked some sage. As i was picking, this man walked up to me and asked if i needed help. So, i let him pick sage with me, only to find out he was offering to help with my car, because he thought i was having car troubles. He told me he was walking from California back to his home in Montreal. I took a photo of him (again on film) and gave him some sage for the road. I arrived in Los Angeles not long after and met up with a model, Deanna. She was super sweet and allowed me to sleep on her floor. The next day i met up with Mitch. Mitch is from New jersey, like me. I met him probably five years ago in the music scene. I would always photograph his band, until a few years ago, when i joined. He moved out to LA for music school a year ago, and is now graduated and living in hollywood. I've been in LA for about two weeks now, and i've done so much! I've done a few photoshoots, i gave mitch a haircut, i climbed some huge rocks, i went to Joshua Tree, and so much more. I've hung out with a lovely philly girl who now lives out here, Annie. I also met up with an awesome vintage gal, Taylor. My best friend, Joey also flew out here and we have been exploring LA. 

The city isn't my favourite place, but it hasn't been bad. I did get an $80 ticket...for street sweeping...and i was in my car when it happened. It sucks, but all things happen for a reason. I am also sick for the first time on the road, which is pretty awful. It's just something you have to deal with and know it will pass. Also, i got my camera fixed in San Diego, so that's beautiful news! I am so happy to be hanging out with people and as busy i am on the coast. I will say, the west coast has a lot of rude people...but this is just what i have been experiencing. Also, i'm sorry it's taken so long to write this, i have just been extremely busy everyday! Plus, the three hour time difference. I will be leaving LA later this week, and am so excited to see what comes next! I am also sorry because i mostly take photos on my film camera, so there isn't too much to show. I'm trying to take photos for my blog as much as possible though! Thanks for all your support; Love you all. 

Good Ol' Sin City

I woke up this morning in a bed. No, not my bed in my car, a real bed! I awoke in the Excalibur hotel in Las Vegas, NV. Yesterday, i got a call from my old friend Ian, he told me he was in Las Vegas. So, i drove 4 hours west and met up with him! It is so great to see a familiar face. That has been happening a lot on this trip, not planning to go somewhere, then going. I love it though! that is all apart of the adventure and the unknown.

Remember that leather maker in New Mexico that i was working with? Well, i made this cool little video for him that i will put down below. Super thankful for Jared for letting me stay with him and all of his advice! definitely check out his leather goods. I left New Mexico on May 10th, en route to Utah! I stopped in Durango, Colorado on the way. First off, the barber and friend that i worked with for a year is named Durango, so of course i had to take a picture for him! Also, there was a vintage clothing shop there! If you know me, you know how much i love style. I truly enjoy dressing how i want to dress and the art of it. I've always been very interested in fashion, but not in the typical sense. For example, right now i am wearing my dad's button up shirt from the 70's, and navajo jewelry. A lot of my style, at the moment, is derived from the 1930s-50s working man/cowboy. A good pair of high rise trousers, a classic shirt, and a stetson. So, i went to this vintage store and was amazed! The two people working there were more than helpful and so kind! they had such a vast collection of vintage wear. From the 1930s, 60s, to 70s. I was in heaven! so, of course i bought a few items! If you are ever in Durango, Co, definitely stop by "Old Colorado Vintage"! 

From Durango, i camped out in Monticello, UT. The next day i drove to Moab...which was not interesting at all, so i kept driving. I reached Arches National Park around mid day. Utah is so beautiful, with so many vibrant warm colours. I drove through and looked at the massive rocks. I've come to the conclusion that i don't care much for National Parks. I've been to five so far on this trip, and i definitely love yellowstone the most! Besides that though, i don't enjoy the crowds and how everything is built for you. The other day, riding to AZ, i went on an off road dirt path. I drove it for about 30 minutes, and found the most beautiful sights, and, i was all by myself! I love those moments so much more than standing next to 50 people at a park, taking the same photo as them. After Arches i headed south to Kanab, UT. I went to Kanab originally because there was a film camera shop there, and i needed a new film camera! So, i went and met an extremely sweet woman who showed me around. I was in love! there were so many beautiful, classic film cameras! We talked for a while...and lets just say it might not be the last time i go to Kanab! From there i went to a museum they had in the town. This is where i bought my beautiful stetson hat! They also took the sets from old classic western films and kept them in this town at the museum. They had sets from the lone ranger, outlaw josey wales, and so many more! It was such a cool town! from there i went down into Arizona! I love Arizona, there is so much to see! Going south i went off road to a Navajo jewelry vendor, and found myself a great turquoise ring! Cross the Hat and ring off my list! I went south to flagstaff, AZ, where my dad's friend was. Gary was in flagstaff for his nieces graduation. He invited me over to stay with him and his family at this beautiful log cabin. I'm super thankful for him taking me in for a day! I went to sedona and the red rocks the next day. From there i went north to the grand canyon. Now, i've been to all of these places before, so i knew what i was going to see. Nonetheless it is beautiful, but like i already said, i'm not a huge national park person. That is when Ian gave me a call, and i drove to Nevada. Next I'll be going to southern AZ, then San Diego!

I am extremely thankful for all of the people that are helping with with their kind words and financially! I am so blessed for all of the love out there. I can't wait to get home to make huge prints for people! I am so excited to keep going onward into this journey. I have no clue what will come next, but i am so blessed and excited! I love you all!  

Hide out in Wyoming

Let me be honest with you...this trip is one of the most difficult and rewarding things i've ever done. It seems amazing and glamorous, but only partially. On the road, you will experience the greatest highs, and the lowest lows...there's no in between. It takes such a toll of you mentally and physically. The road by yourself is extremely lonely, and at times, overwhelming. There is literally nothing like this. I can't go hang out with my best friends, i can't lay down and watch netflix, i can't just walk upstairs and go to sleep. This is all apart of the journey though. Also, It's hard because my main film camera decided to break. So it would cost $200 to buy another, which wasn't apart of my budget. But, everything happens for a reason. It has only been 18 days on the road and i have already learned so much! It is hard to fathom what the road will teach and do to you.

From my last post, i awoke the next day in thermopolis, Wyoming. Usually i go to breakfast, or just eat a clif bar in the morning. I got on the phone with my friend joey, and expressed to him my dire situation: i was out of clif bars. I went to every store in this town with no such luck. As i exited the dollar general, i saw a sign for a fur store. Me being the way i am, i love anything leather, fur, or handmade. So, despite being hungry, i entered the small shop. To my surprise, the whole store was filled with leather goods, fur hides, fur hats, coats, lotions, and so much more! i struck up a conversation with the guy that was working there and ended up shopping around for over an hour. I purchased a pair of leather gloves, along with a few other goods. We got into a conversation about the fur coats, in which he informed me of this stores amazing history. He told me how quentin tarantino had bought all of his fur coats for his film "The Hateful Eight" at this store! I was of course amazed, being that quentin tarantino is one of my favourite directors. He then asked if i'd like to try on a fur coat! So, despite it being the price of my car, i put it on and snapped an iphone photo (sorry for the quality). The service was amazing, as well as the products! If you are ever in Wyoming, definitely check out Merlin's Hide Out. You can also go check out their website! From there, i headed south to Cheyenne. I stopped at a boot store in hopes to find something special. That is something worth mentioning...i don't have many clothes or shoes, but i love my boots. I was disappointed to find far too expensive boots and modern cowboy hats. On this trip i am seeking a vintage western hat (clint eastwood/john wayne style), and a beautiful turquoise ring. We shall see what i come home with! From there i kept heading south. Now, my intentions were never to go as south as i am, but because of certain circumstances, i ended up in New Mexico. I went to Las vegas and Santa Fe. I went back and forth from NM to CO for a few days. I went to the Sand Dunes in lower Colorado and had such an amazing epiphany, which i may speak more about in another post if you guys are interested? On the way to Las Vegas, i passed some roadside stores next to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. I decided to stop, and met a native man. I ended trading with him; i gave him a haircut, and he gave me jewelry. I then bought a great leather belt, and went on my way. After being in a pretty depressing mood the following day, i went back to the bridge and gave the man who sold me my belt my business card. I decided i would just head straight to Utah and get my trip going again. I was in a pretty bad mood, from people, loneliness, and my main film camera is broken with no repair shops in sight. As i made my way north, the leather man (Jared) called me. He expressed a great love for my work and he hired me to do some video work for him! My spirit was once again uplifted. I came back to New Mexico yesterday, and filmed for his leather company today. I'm so blessed, and excited about this experience. He has been kind enough to let me stay at his amazing place in Taos. I will probably hit the road once more by Wednesday. It's awesome how things can happen and where you can end up. I am so blessed for all of these experiences, and all of your support! There may be obstacles along the way, but you learn, move on, and listen to the Eagles. Thanks to everyone reading and following my journey! 

Mountains, Mountains, Montana

It's tough traveling and sleeping in your car. No, not the factor that i am sleeping in my car, it's because of the parking! You wouldn't guess it, but it isn't the easiest thing to find a place to park your car for the night. Yes, I know, truck stops! That is what i have been doing most nights. What you don't realize is when you go to national parks, they don't have truck stops. So, i am left to venture around at odd hours looking for a place to park. At least i am extremely comfortable in my car bed. That i will get to in another post. Today, i would love to tell you about the grandeur of the west! since my last post, i went up to apostle islands in northern Wisconsin, then made my way to Duluth in Minnesota. I was able to see lake superior and walk along it. From there, i decided to go through Minnesota and venture to Fargo, North Dakota. Now, at this point it is snowing pretty bad. Yes, i said snowing. I think it must have been 20 degrees, but with the wind much lower. I love the cold...but this was cold! Eventually i reached Fargo...which was not at all what i expected. I wasn't expecting what i had seen in the film or show, but it was just a really small city. If i had to give you a comparison, i would say it was a smaller version of Fishtown, Philadelphia. I continued onward through North Dakota. I went through the scenic view on route 22, and continued on. I went into the BEAUTIFUL Montana, and traveled down toward Yellowstone National Park. I arrived in Gardiner, and decided to go into the park, despite it being 5pm. I saw all the splendor of the park...at least what was open of it. Yeah, that's something i failed to mention. I left to travel this early in the season to avoid tourists...but 85% of things are closed. Most places don't even open their stores until late spring. I found this out with museums, antique shops, trails, and now...Yellowstone. Like i said, i went into the park at 5pm...very bad idea. It was beautiful, but i went all the way to the end, which by then it had gotten dark. So, i had to travel over an hour and a half through bison, elk, and bear territory. Sounds fun, but i can assure you, it wasn't. The next day i saw all of the hot springs (what was open anyways), and left Yellowstone to jackson. Jackson is a straight up tourist town...which is not what i like. I had been there years ago, but this time around i definitely did not enjoy it. After an extremely long night trying to find a place to sleep, i awoke at 5am the next morning to capture the beauty of the Tetons. I went straight to Mormon row, where i think i took two rolls of film of the same subject. It was so beautiful! up until i reached yellowstone i had only taken maybe 5 photos. I was just not inspired. But once i reached west...i'm going through plenty of rolls! I think that is a super important thing to mention; this whole trip i'm mostly shooting film. The only digital photos i've shot are for this blog. There is something about it, where it's just you looking through the camera, no technology, just you and the mountains. I also bought quite a bit of film, so i'm excited about using that. Also, thank you to all of the amazing people that have reached out since my last post. That Includes the great people that message me daily making sure i didn't die and asking when my next post will be. I have so much more i could talk about, but for now I am in Thermopolis, WY, and i need to go find a place to sleep. 

The beginning of the journey

April 22, 2017. 

I woke up at 4:30am; my bags were all packed from the day before, I was all ready to go. Over 5 years thinking about doing this, and now i could finally go. I remember thinking freshman year of high school that i wanted to travel all over. So, without further ado, after working 5 months and saving every penny, i left. My journey begins. No expectations, no schedule, just an adventure. Wherever the roads takes me is where i will go. I've traveled quite a bit with my family during summer vacations, but i want to photograph the country; I want to experience every little thing these beautiful landscapes have to offer. My goal for this trip: capture the beauty of the land, people, and culture. I can't wait to meet as many people as possible in the months to come. The first day i drove for 16 hours. I told myself i would stop when i saw something i wanted to experience, or capture. I stopped in Ohio and Indiana for a little while, but soon began driving westward again. I finally reached Wisconsin my first night; I had passed all of the awful east coast tolls!! I parked in a truck stop, set up my bed, and slowly fell asleep. The next morning i headed to "Devil's Lake". I had seen photos of it online and decided to check it out. I hiked up to the peak and saw the beautiful photo below. Such beauty in only the first day of travel. I couldn't resist looking up and thanking God for this moment. I saw a man perfectly posed on the peak, so I asked if i could take his photo, in which he agreed. We began to talk, and he told me that he's up here looking for answers. I told him of my trek and it brought so much joy to him. He told me how just a couple of months ago he lost his wife and this hike has been helping his healing. We talked for about an hour, and went our ways. Everything happens for a reason, and I am so blessed I crossed paths with Alan. I think we both needed that moment of serenity and companionship. As i came down the mountain i saw a guy with a hat with the word "PARTY" on it. I thought how peculiar it was, and he began talking to me about a plant he found. We hit it off and made the journey back to our cars...the 2 hour walk. He invited me to come hang out with him, so i followed him 2 hours north to Wausau, Wisconsin. Don't worry, i never heard of it either. Him and his mother were so hospitable and sincere. They asked me to stay for dinner and stay the night. His friends David and Lexi came, and we watched movies all night. Today we went all over Wausau and adventured. Already, only three days into this trip, i have met so many beautiful souls. I am so thankful, and can't wait to see what comes next!                                                                        

Gregapalooza

This year on June 20th, many amazing bands came to this event, drawing out hundreds of people. Gregapalooza is an annual music festival hosted by Soundwave Inc., a nonprofit that aims to provide youth with the necessary means to learn the fundamentals of music.