Visit The Wild
Raised in a suburb of Detroit but always dreaming of mountains, I spent my childhood wishing the pavement would turn into trail. Eventually, it did, and then some.
With 100+ unique peaks climbed in Glacier National Park, a thru-hike of New Zealand’s 1,800 mile Te Araroa trail, and over 10,000 miles of long-distance bike touring, under my belt, I’ve chased adventure across the globe. Starting my seasonal career as a chef in Glacier National Park, I found it would take me further than I ever imagined. From a ski-in, ski-out restaurant in Steamboat Springs to the fjords of New Zealand and even to the ice of Antarctica, where I spent a winter wondering why anyone would willingly live in the dark. (Still no good answer.)
While in New Zealand, I shifted from full-time chefing to full-time guiding. While there I happily earned the nickname “Hoover” because I’d rather eat half a loaf of bread than carry it out. I love cooking just as much as I love eating, and I bring that passion with me into the backcountry. I’m also known for laughing when the weather takes a turn for the worse, because what else can you do?
When I’m not guiding, I’m traveling the world on a shoestring budget, biking through some remote corner, climbing something tall, trail running somewhere steep, or sipping strong coffee while keeping an eye out for fish.
Come prepared to eat well, laugh hard, and maybe get rained on. I think the best moments in the wild are the ones you never saw coming.
I truly believe that people are inherently good, and that one way to bring out their best is by helping them connect more closely with the earth.
Serve Safe
Wilderness First Responder
CPR
Level 4 ACA Packraft Instruction Certification
Holds a record for eating 6 triple cheese burgers is less than 10 minutes
Award for funniest kid in kindergarten
“Smiles, not miles” is something you might hear me say, but if I’m doing my job right, I shouldn’t have to say it too often.
My focus is on logistics and safety, so you can focus on the experience. I’ll take care of the miles; you handle the memories.
Short for “bushwhack zen”, is a mindset I lean into when things get tough. Like pushing through dense forest: stay calm, plan your moves, and you’ll get through. If you lose your cool, you burn more energy and slow down. Just remember, the wildlife lives out here 365 days a year, rain or shine. It takes practice, but it gets easier.
If you’ve never put crunchy peanut butter in Ramen Noodles, you’re really missing out on one of the worlds treasures.
What makes me happy? Telling or hearing a good story with new and old friends.
