EXPLORING REALITY
Projects & Expeditions
For the last three years my life has revolved around a series of quests that have drastically impacted the way I see human capabilities, and of course my own. Here you can find my track record of projects and expeditions that I've accomplished with the help of thousands of strangers I've met along the way, enjoy!
directory
Unicycle Expedition
(Solo & Unsupported)
Begin Date • 6-28-21
End Date • 10-5-21
This project was a concept for nearly three years prior to any preparation, it took place from Appleton, Wisconsin and was accomplished 99 days later in Phoenix, Arizona. The entire expedition was 2,400 miles, 1,800 of which were freeways and highways along Route 66. By the time I reached New Mexico, I had 3 broken spokes and a flat tire. I spent a week repairing my equipment with my childhood friend, Charlie and his family. I took this expedition as a mission to raise funds and awareness for the Beacon House. I was 19 years old, and after the three and a half months, this expedition raised over $30,000 for the organization through individual and business donations. My hair had matted severely during this trip, and when I was finished I weaved my own dreadlocks with a crotchet needle.
Backpacking expedition
(Solo & Unsupported)
Begin Date • 11-11-21
End Date • 11-21-21
After riding a unicycle across the Unites States you can image I was pretty sore. I dismantled my custom rack bars I had built for my unicycle, making it a lighter item to travel with, effectively converting my gear storage into a hiking backpack. After a month of rest in Phoenix with my family, I headed towards California with only a unicycle and pack. During this expedition I allowed myself freedom to hitchhike, as I wanted to explore an avenue of traveling I have never done before. I received a total of 10 rides throughout the 900 miles I traveled. In Los Angeles, I met Kelly, whom I traveled with in her vehicle for four days.
Throughout these 10 days, I walked approximately 110 miles, survived dehydration, walked across two deserts, and finally met a man in a Taco Bell in the middle of Utah, who generously purchased my plane ticket back to Wisconsin in order to escape the eagerly approaching bone chilling cold weather that I was not equipped for at that time.
Begin Date • 6-20-22
End Date • 11-11-22
Mississippi River Expedition
Prior to this expedition I spent six months sewing my own leather tricorne from deer skin by hand. I decided this journey would be an art piece that spoke towards the monotony of modern fashion, and how we really embrace fashion as it's normalized by celebrity trends and business marketing. I intended and planned for a short two month journey from the headwaters of Lake Itasca, to the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana. As you can imagine, this expedition had many trials and tribulations, which inevitably turned two months into three, and then four, then five. After 2,400 miles and 144 blistering days alone on 'Big Muddy', I had completed this remarkable feat and made many friends along the way. After this long and noble journey, I had been graciously hosted for one week by David Smith and Lisa Guido. I was ready for a new chapter in life, so I sold my canoe, equipment and supplies, shaved my dreadlocks, and began planning for where I'd go next.
(Solo & Unsupported)
Bikepacking expedition
(Solo & Unsupported)
Begin Date • 11-17-22
End Date • 1-15-23
It took only a week to prepare for this, as I had everything I needed (and more than I could carry) after just finishing the Mississippi River. I loaded up a mountain bicycle that I had purchased on craigslist with a small duffel bag, and a few water bottles, then headed on my way. I made it as far as Gulfport, Mississippi when I met with David, a friend who's been following my travels online. He invited me to spend thanksgiving with him, to which I promptly accepted. On Thanksgiving day, we visited a friend of his in the country, where I found a small 4 month old Mukong Bobtail nearly frozen to death, dying of thirst with an upper respiratory infection, meowing for help under his stairway. This area is notorious for animal dumping, but beyond that we were too far from the city for it to have run away. My stay at Davids was extended as I searched online for any trace of where he may have came from. The nearest location was nearly 5 miles from where I found him; a cat hoarders barn with hundreds of feral cats running free, fighting for food. With this knowledge I took him under my wing, fed him raw goats milk for 6 days, which healed his respiratory infection, crafted a small chest bag and carried him with me for the next two months. I named him 'River', as I felt it was appropriate. During this expedition I biked through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and part of Florida over the course of 65 days.
I was joined by my brother, Breck for 32 of those days, and in total, cycling over 700 miles. My brother flew out spontaneously after I invited him on a section of this journey. His departure was in Tallahassee, Florida. I went on to travel south towards a couple who were selling a vintage Sawyer Loon canoe, where I was graciously hosted for two weeks to reacquire necessary equipment as all I owned now was a bicycle, small duffel bag and a 6 month old kitten. Thank you to Deb and Ian, for your patience, assistance and support as I prepared for the final leg of this journey. During my two weeks preparing, I was assisted by Robert Arrington from Deer Meat For Dinner. I met many friends through this opportunity, including Bob Ernstes, a close friend to this day who drove me from the east coast of Florida, to the Atlantic ocean and back, where I spent one week dehydrating food, acquiring equipment, and fishing with Robert and his family.
Florida Circumnavigation
It was quite a scramble preparing for the circumnavigation of Florida. I had given myself roughly two weeks to acquire everything I needed for my canoe, and with limited funds and an extra mouth to feed, I had to get creative. Much of my equipment was sponsored by generous companies and people such as Frogg Toggs, Ocean Eyes, Red Leaf Designs, and DMFD. When it came time to depart I headed due south towards the Florida Keys. At one point I had spent 5 days marooned on an island 20 miles offshore of Ft. Myers due to weather conditions. I feel as though my initial 3 weeks were preparation towards a nerve wracking obstacle; The 10,000 Islands of Florida, a devilish jungle maze comprized of cypress and mangrove trees that are periodically submerged beneath incoming tides with a 24 mile open water crossing at the end to top it off. It was a grueling 100 miles with incredibly limited camping, thieving racoons, and no civilization. On the first day I met Matt Lander and his friends on an island, where we gaffed and cooked a stingray, and shared stories of our adventures. I prepped for this section by taking 11 US gallons (88lbs) of water with me on my canoe. This was quite the challenge as it demobilized my transportation significantly. After arriving in Islamorada, my first glimpse of civilization in 9 days, I was hosted by Heiko, a professional fisherman and YouTuber living on the island. From Islamorada, I traveled north towards Miami. I met with DMFD once again in Jupiter, FL where he hosted my kitten and I in order to regain our strength and continue on our quest. I stayed with Bob Ernstes at his hunting ranch a couple weeks after, where we shared my first big game hunt; a wild boar. Towards the end of Florida I met with Katie, and was hosted for one week at her house with her two friends and sister. If I've ever been part of a girl crew, this was it, although I fit in well.
(Solo & Unsupported)
Begin Date • 1-28-23
End Date • 5-19-23
Katie, Kat, Mary and Jen were a lovely crew of people who were more than generous in their friendship and support. It was an exceptionally emotional time as the circumnavigation of Florida was just around the corner. I went on to complete this feat with flying colors, all the while supporting this small miscreant that had been sleeping at my feet for the past four months. Although I did not stop this expedition here, I had yet to face one of the most grueling challenges yet; the coast of Georgia, a vile marshland three times as large as the 10,000 islands with severely limited resources. My journey was as rewarding as it was arduous, but I succeeded in my mission and took out at Hilton Head, South Carolina. Where I was met by Matt Lander from the Florida Everglades, who drove 16 hours from Ohio to pick me up and bring me back to the north. I spent two weeks with him at his house in Ohio, and then saw my parents again for the first time in one year, where I delivered River, a gentle adolescent feline deserving of a good home and nutritious food for the next twenty years.
Headwaters expedition
(Duo & Unsupported)
Begin Date • 7-16-23
End Date • 8-14-23
After roughly a month of recovery from nearly a year spent traveling, I was ready to wet my whistle, well in this case, the hull of my canoe. An old friend, Kevin, a brave and adventurous soul whom I had met during my unicycle expedition, told me of his plans to kayak the Mississippi River. After some exchanges in stories and advice, this wild traveler drove across 4 states from his home in Colorado to Michigan, and then to Lake Itasca, Minnesota, the headwaters of the Mississippi River. I was essentially a guide for a friend throughout the 28 days I spent re-paddling the first 456 miles of the Mississippi River. As for Kevin, he paddled the entire river at 67 years old in 150 days. During the one month I spent on the river, I met with many of the river angels, hosts and hostesses that had assisted me the year before. Many thanks to the wonderful people who inhabit the shores of this Mighty River.
Without them, I would have been much more lost than I already was the first time I floated down the muddy stream of this glorious stretch of water. These people share a love for the river, and a love for growth, as they meet dozens of travelers attempting to paddle the Mississippi each year. I hadn't known it yet, but I wouldn't have been able to do these expeditions without them, and many others alike. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
coming soon...
Thank you for viewing my expeditions! These adventures have brought valuable resources to people in need, thanks to many of you who have supported them by sharing, hosting me during my travels or even financially. I am truly grateful for the assistance my projects have received throughout the years and for the value they have brought the world. To be a part of creating future adventures, click here.