On what it means to live between motion and stillness… the tension between craving the open sea and longing for home.
There’s something sacred about returning to a place that was once your entire world, even if only for a season.
Turns out I’m in my late 20s and no one warned me?? Anyways, I am camping and figuring it out.
If you're new here, welcome to my version of a Christmas card. Unlike Christmas cards, there’s no pressure for perfect family photos, significant other announcements, or the expectation to reconnect with people you haven’t seen in five years. So instead, I choose to do a Groundhog Day card—because, honestly, my chaotic life matches the absurdity of this annual tradition in Punxsutawney.
Someone once told me that everyone has their Bell Helmets’ story. For some, it’s their first helmet as a kid, what their dad used to race in, or the helmet that saved their life. For me, Bell was the company that took a chance on me and I am so thankful they did.
I hope you are up there, unable to get to the punchline of your own jokes because you are laughing so hard that tears are streaming down your face. I hope you are surrounded by clear skies and Labrador retrievers. I will continue your search for powder days, alpine lakes and the occasional nude beach.
That was the viral question my brother and his girlfriend asked me before I headed out on a solo hike this morning in Glacier. I quickly and confidently answered “well I have bear spray… so bear.” That is when I realized that I thought a grizzly was more predictable, than the male species. And although I still stand by that statement… I ended up running into a man, Mark Matheny, and his dog, Ginger, on that hike. Mark ironically is a grizzly bear attack survivor and the founder of one of the most well known bear spray brands, UDAP. I am serious… look him up or go to his website, bearspray.com.
Presenting my second Groundhog’s Day card, because Christmas cards are overrated. Last year got busy due to Phil's call for 6 more weeks of winter. I respected his decision, spending my time skiing in Utah. It felt only fair after his tireless and accurate predictions of powder days. So, here's a 2-for-1 deal, recapping the last two years in this one post.
So, whatever sport looks like to you, make time for it, because if it’s worth doing, do it well. And sports are worth doing.
2025 was my Phil year: showing up without all the answers, laughing at the chaos, learning through trial and error, and proving that preparation is helpful but not required. Shadow or no shadow, early spring or six more weeks of winter, comfort or chaos…
The rule is simple: Leave the burrow. Make the call. Go.