Unplugged in Montana: A Week of Nature, Biking, and Food Adventures

Foggy morning over the lake by camp in the Lolo National Forest

For week five of our cross-country journey, we found ourselves nestled in the heart of Montana's Lolo National Forest. Our home for the week was initially a stunning site by Lake Lindbergh, a lesser-known gem in Montana's expansive wilderness. Despite the picturesque views and the calming lull of the lake at night, our trusty Starlink struggled to establish a solid signal. So, with a sense of adventure, we packed up camp and relocated to a secluded spot past Seeley Lake on a small, hidden lake. This location had everything we needed: easy access to the lake, nearby trails to explore, a pit toilet, ample space for our Goal Zero solar panels to soak up the sun and charge our Goal Zero power Goal Zero power station and panels to soak up the sunshine, and, crucially, a clear shot for our Starlink to connect us with the world.

The week was filled with activities, from fishing and biking to early morning drives and catching up on much-needed rest. The Clark Fork River, a haven for fishing enthusiasts, was only a stone's throw away. I spent countless hours acquainting myself with this stretch of water, which, with its abundance of Green Drakes, was an absolute dream for any fly fisherman. On the other hand, my gravel bike offered a perfect way to explore the surrounding Lolo National Forest. During one such biking excursion, I found myself venturing down a forest service road, which quickly faded into a grassy trail. Despite the unexpected route, the detour offered a chance to appreciate the blooming wildflowers and soak in the views of the valley below.

While I relished the solitude of the natural world, Lauren had to take a detour from our woodland retreat for a work trip, flying out of Missoula. This marked the first time we had separated since embarking on our journey from Minnesota. The predawn drive to the airport was an unexpectedly beautiful experience. Montana's countryside unfolded around us, painted with the gentle hues of blue hour.

Upon my return to camp and a quick nap, Zooey and I decided to make the most of the day. We were surrounded by the tranquility of our lakeside refuge, the hum of insects, and the quiet lap of water against the shore. The green drake hatch was in full swing on the Clark Fork, so Zooey and I spent the day together, casting my line and enjoying the rhythm of fly fishing.

The bustling town of Missoula offered a welcome change of pace. We savored our "town day," starting with a visit to Black Coffee Roasters for some much-needed caffeine and a replacement coffee grinder. A delectable lunch at a local cafe set the perfect tone for the day. And being next to the Missoulian Angler, I couldn't resist the temptation to step into the fly shop. Equipped with their advice and a new fly box, I was ready to continue my angling adventures.

Our Lolo National Forest escapade also offered the chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. I had the pleasure of meeting and fishing with John, Sam, Jack, and the fine folks at Native Release. Even though it was an afternoon of small fish, the experience was enriched by the shared passion for nature and the camaraderie among us.

Cooking outdoors has its unique charm, and it's made even better with the right tools. That's why we've come to rely heavily on our Snowpeak Takibi grill, a centerpiece of our outdoor culinary adventures. (Exciting news – I've partnered with Snowpeak and now have an affiliate link. If you're inspired by our cooking escapades and decide to purchase from them, you'll be supporting our summer road trip of cooking and traveling!). This week, we crafted a couple of memorable meals, each one a celebration of open air and the joy of food. We indulged in surf and turf tacos one night and savored a classic grilled steak with charred asparagus another night, all cooked to perfection on our Snowpeak grill. Paired with an ice-cold Draught Works Hand Rolled Hazy IPA, each meal was a testament to the pleasure of simple, well-cooked food under the Montana sky."

Coffee, our faithful companion, was another highlight of the week. We were sipping on Black Coffee Roasters Sidma Ethiopian single origin roast, a perfect pairing for the early morning chill and the anticipation of the day ahead. Brewed on our Kalita Wave flat-bottom pour-over, each cup was a comforting ritual that grounded us in our nomadic life.

Zooey and I also embarked on an adventurous day trip to a fire lookout tower, my first. Despite the forest service website's information, we found the tower locked. Nevertheless, the hike, the panoramic views, and the companionship made the trip worthwhile.

Looking back, our week in the Missoula area felt like a home away from home. The landscape, the activities, and the people gave us a sense of belonging, making us muse about the possibility of calling this place home someday. And that, perhaps, is the most significant takeaway from this journey—finding home in the most unexpected places."

Week 3 - Glacier National Park: Delving Deeper Into Trails, Campfire Cuisine, and Everyday Life on Wheels

Unveiling the Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Glimpse into our Days in Glacier National Park

Our journey through Glacier National Park, from Fish Creek Campground to the serene shores of Lake McDonald, was marked by miles of unspoiled wilderness and intimate encounters with nature. We chose a site that was just a short walk to Lake McDonald, providing us easy access to both solitude and breathtaking views.

Two distinct hikes defined our days. The first led us to Avalanche Lake, a popular trail stretching 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 750 ft. The walk was accentuated by the rush of Avalanche Creek, gnarled western red cedar trees, and the majestic lake itself.

On another day, we traced the shoreline of St. Mary Lake on Piegan Pass to Virginia Falls passing St. Mary Falls. This trail was a longer haul at 6.3 miles and about 700 feet of elevation gain, but well worth every step. Wildflowers carpeted our path, framing the glacial blue lake and towering mountains in the background. The hike culminated at the Upper Virginia Falls where we took a moment to rest and refuel with lunch.

As the echoes of Upper Virginia Falls hummed in our ears, we retraced our steps back to camp, situated by the serene Lake McDonald. The call of its glacial waters was impossible to ignore. outfitted in my reliable Stio shorts, I jumped in for a refreshing dip after a long day of hiking. The frigid water elicited gasps and laughter, bouncing off the surrounding mountains and infusing the serene setting with our joy. It's in moments like these—feeling the lake's icy yet invigorating embrace—that connections are forged not just with nature, but also with the reliable gear that supports our journey. As a special treat for my readers, you can use the code 'JAMIE20' to get a 20% discount on your own Stio gear. These are the moments of serene connection that make this journey worth every step

Our time in Glacier wasn't just about the outdoors. Life in our A-liner Evolution (affectionately named Stella) was getting cozier by the day, and this was reflected in our culinary exploits. Our Snowpeak Takibi grill played host to sizzling chicken thighs and charred cabbage, complemented by grilled carrots sweetened with a hint of maple syrup. On another night, our Camp Chef Everest 2 burner stove transformed humble ingredients into a memorable bibimbap-inspired feast, a nod to our love for flavors from around the world.

A highlight of the week was a solitary drive at sunset, journeying into the heart of Glacier's interior. Without another soul in sight, the spectacle of nature at twilight was truly my own. These moments of quiet reflection brought me back to my first time in Glacier, under the tutelage of Alex Strohl. His influence sparked my transition into full-time freelance photography, a leap of faith that has shaped my path over the past year.

Glacier holds a special place in my heart, and returning to it is akin to tracing the footsteps of my own growth. It's been a year of learning, experiencing, and connecting with fellow creatives. But as always, the road beckons, and Stella is all set for the next chapter of our adventure – onwards to the Missoula area.

Week 2 - From Colorado’s Peaks to Concert Beats: Embracing the Unpredictable on the Road

High Spirits, High Mountains, and High Notes: A Rollercoaster Ride of Experiences and Emotions

The vast expanse of the Roosevelt National Forest greeted us on our second week. We challenged ourselves to scale the trails of Taylor Mountain and Big John Mountain, two paths filled with hidden wonders and demanding inclines. The trails were not perfectly marked, whispering hints of wildness and untouched beauty. From the lush undergrowth to breathtaking panoramas, every step felt like a discovery. Zooey, our faithful companion, made some four-legged friends along the way.

Just shy of the Big John Mountain summit, we were compelled to retreat - a testament to the swift and unpredictable temperament of the highlands weather. The clouds, heavy with anticipation, quickly spilled over into a storm. We escaped to Fort Collins and sought shelter at the familiar New Belgium Brewing, a spot Lauren and I had visited in the summer of 2014. As we relished our post-hike beers, we watched the rain cleanse the city from the comfort of the patio.

After the storm, the skies unfurled in an ethereal dance of pinks and purples. It was a spectacle that stained everything with a surreal, intense hue. It was as if the world was donning a soft filter, reminding us of the transcendent beauty that lies at the end of a storm.

On Monday, we embraced a slower pace, savoring our morning coffee with the last views of the ridge line. It was a much-needed pause, a gentle interlude in our otherwise packed journey.

Our next destination was Denver, a haven for rest, recovery, and most importantly, family. Lauren's sister, her husband, and their adorable son have been residents of Denver for over a decade. It felt comforting to step into their world, replete with familial warmth and laughter. The days spent together gave us a refreshing break from our travel routine, and time to relish the simple joys. Cooking together, exchanging stories, and watching the dogs tire each other out.

Denver was the stage for a momentous event we had been eagerly anticipating - seeing Lord Huron perform live at Red Rocks. Our first dance as a married couple was to their tune, 'End of the Earth.' It was a deeply moving experience, standing under the spotty sky, intermittently punctuated by raindrops and harmonious notes. The concert was a celebration of creativity and passion, a reminder of the contagious energy of artists who are in love with their craft.

Despite the allure of Denver and the warmth of family, our journey beckoned. With our hearts filled with fresh memories and anticipation, we packed up and set our sights north. Our destination? Glacier National Park. We were excited, knowing that the road, our home, our playground, awaited us with the promise of more unforgettable experiences and breathtaking vistas.

Stay tuned for more tales from the road in the next chapter of our Viewfinder Diaries!

Week 1: Kicking Off Our Road Trip Adventure - From Minneapolis to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest

A-liner Evolution and "Babe" our 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the mountains of Northern Colorado.

Hello, world! It's been a whirlwind of a week since we left the comforting familiarity of Minneapolis, MN, embarking on a journey that will change our lives forever. From our small, quaint beginnings of our home in Minneapolis to finally getting a taste of living on the road, we have already learned a lot!

Lauren overlooking a beautiful lake in Custer State Park with a hazy sky from the Canadian Wildfires.

We set off from home on the 20th of May, our hearts filled with both excitement and nervousness. As we packed the last of our belongings, hugged our friends and family goodbye, there was an undeniable sense of embarking on something extraordinary. Our first stop was the Sandy Point County Park in Lakefield, MN, a peaceful little sanctuary nestled by South Heron Lake. The quiet and serene atmosphere was a perfect start for our journey.

A seemingly endless gravel road through nomads land in Nebraska by the Oglala National Grassland.

After a restful first night, we made the ambitious trek to South Dakota's iconic Custer State Park. Driving our trusty 4runner SR5, lovingly named "Babe," with the Aliner Travel Trailer in tow was a challenge. However, a quick pit stop in Chamberlain, SD, allowed us to stretch our legs at Roam Free Park and fuel ourselves with a delicious lunch.

Arriving at Custer State Park felt surreal. A slight haze hung in the air from distant wildfires, yet it didn't deter the charm of our temporary home. We camped at the Stockade South campground, a stone's throw away from the mesmerizing lake. One of our standout moments from Custer was undoubtedly the Lover's Leap hike. The wildfire haze was starting to lift, revealing breathtaking views that made for fantastic photography. As an adventure lifestyle photographer, I relished the opportunity to capture such landscapes. Another highlight? My day spent fly fishing on French Creek, followed by a delectable dinner of fire-roasted salmon and vegetables.

The View from the top of Lover's Leap trail in Custer State Park. Tall pines off in the distance during golden hour with the slight haze of the Canadian Wildfire smoke.

The road beckoned again, and we found ourselves heading towards Cheyenne, WY. A scenic work stopover at J.H. Keith Cascade Falls Picnic Area in Hot Springs, SD, provided Lauren the peace to finish her workday amidst curious onlookers amused by our off-the-grid setup. Following a longer than anticipated drive through the unknown, we arrived at the Last Chance Camp in Cheyenne. Our stay was punctuated by an exhilarating hike at Curt Gowdy State Park, chased by storm clouds and hail. And of course, we couldn’t forget those mouthwatering tacos from Best Tacos y Burritos la Paz - easily some of the best I've ever had!

Our last leg for the week brought us to the stunning Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest in Colorado. Perched atop a ridgeline, our campsite offered awe-inspiring views of the valley and distant mountain ranges. Despite sporadic afternoon storms, our spirits remained undeterred. With Denver on the horizon, we’re excited to visit family, catch a Lord Huron concert, and keep embracing the unknown.

Lauren and Zooey standing on the overlook while admiring the view of our campsite in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.

Stay tuned to follow us as we continue our journey, living out of our Aliner Travel Trailer, capturing breathtaking landscapes, and creating unforgettable memories. If you're intrigued by a nomadic lifestyle, photography, or just love a good old adventure, this blog is for you! Join us on our journey, from Minnesota and beyond. Until next time!

Our A-liner Evolution and “Babe” 4Runner SR5 tucked away in the woods in the Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest up in the Colorado Rockies.

The Tale of Two Brothers

When you grow up sleeping in bunk beds, you tend to stay up later than you should fantasizing and telling stories. This was the case for my younger brother Casey and me. This is where our friendship really started. Being from a large Catholic family in the Midwest, we spent most of our summer days playing outside. Our weekends consisted of loading up the family suburban with our two red Coleman canoes and the fleet of family bikes and camping at the nearest state parks. As our family got more involved with sports, school and jobs, the family camp outings started to be less frequent. But for Casey and me, they were just beginning.

While I would come home for breaks over college, it became a tradition for us to load up a canoe and head to one of our favorite rivers for a paddle. Sometimes those would be a quick one-hour paddle, but other times we’d take our time and just enjoy being on the water talking.

A popular topic of conversation for us was dream trips. Oftentimes we’d have these conversations while drifting down a foggy river drinking coffee in the canoe while watching the sunrise. The trip that often came up was wanting to paddle the Mississippi River from source to sea in a canoe that we’d build. The trip did happen, but not as we planned. Casey did the trip solo in a borrowed aluminum canoe, while I was home recovering from back surgery building a cedar-strip canoe. 

During my canoe-building process, I would frequent the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), which I had first visited while a young Boy Scout. It didn’t take long for me to feel like a kid in my heart being up there again. The smell of the pine trees, the sounds of the geese flying overhead, the cool lake water and, of course, the mosquitoes. It is easy to fall in love with the natural beauty of the Boundary Waters. After every visit I would already be planning my next trip and I’d call Casey while driving the scenic drive back and tell him we need to do a trip together. But life always had other plans and we never got our BWCA trip.

Casey and I tend to do many things together, even if we don’t ever plan on it. One of the biggest things was we both proposed to our longtime girlfriends last year. So with both of us having upcoming weddings later this year, we found it only fitting that we head up north for a long weekend with some dear friends before we tie our respective knots.

Being the last-minute planners that we are, we were throwing things together last minute to head up after work on a Friday afternoon. With our ragtag group of guys, we took off for the BWCA. And I could not have been more excited. We went up the Gunflint Trail through Grand Marais. We arrived late Friday night and were greeted by the fine folks at the Poplar Haus. These fine folks truly embody Minnesota nice. Here we shared some delightful cocktails and drinks before hitting the trail at first light Saturday morning. Even after being up much later and after a few more drinks than any of us planned, we were able to get to entry point 57 on Magnetic Lake to start the trip. From the first paddle stroke, I could tell this was going to be a trip to remember. 

We spent three wonderful nights working our way up the Granite River, through Saganaga Lake, over to Red Rock Lake, into Alpine Lake and finally we took out at Seagull Lake. What a perfect trip! We had a taste of it all — from small river sections to the big open water of Saganaga. The four of us were like boys in summer camp, staying out late the last night of the trip. The Seagull Lake site had everything we could have asked for to finish the trip in the best way possible. We did everything from cliff jumping, to catching lake trout, to watching the sunset on the Palisades, to playing euchre by headlight under the stars. 

It was hard to crawl back into the tent that night because I knew that meant we were going to head back to reality in the morning. But as we lay under the night sky watching for shooting stars, all I could think about was how excited I am to be able to start this next chapter of my life. How I can’t wait to bring my own kids up there some day and have them make the same kinds of memories I shared with my family.