Thanks Kyle! I’m coming out of a rough week that culminated in my father-in-law’s funeral yesterday. Lots of questions in my mind about what comes next, to be honest.
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Even though the fog may have hidden some of the vastness of the wilderness, there is something enchanting about hiking through the foggy forest. Also, I really like the trail portraits they add to the authenticity of the story. I’m looking forward to more.
Erik, great piece as always. It seemed that aside from day 3, all of your hike was foggy! I loved the photos that still managed to feel colorful, even against such a gray backdrop. That feeling of ending a hike sure is real. And also, I laughed at your random encounter with the British fellow carrying a bag "like some sort of savage." Costco has a funny habit of carrying random things too, and I say, why not put it in your pack...!?
On a more serious note - first, I'm glad you're taking time off to resettle. I love Substack, and I also feel the pressure of a publishing schedule from time to time. I think it's good to step back when that happens. This is our art, not our job.
Second and harder, I saw your comment above about your father-in-law. I'm sorry. My heart goes out to both you and your wife. (And your kids too, if they were close to their granddad) I hope you're as gentle with yourself as you can be, going into a new week.
That guy was pretty surreal in the fog, ambling along. Why wouldn’t he just put the food back in/on his pack, lol?!?
I’m realizing that I’m putting way too much pressure on myself over Substack. I mean, I like it and want to put my best effort into it, but I do need to take a breath. Sometimes it feels like a house of cards that might collapse, though. Thanks again for the perspective!
Haha my thoughts exactly! And yeah I get that. The nice thing about Substack (so far) is that it seems folks here are really willing to embrace that humanness; we don't need to perform and post every day to maintain readers, because it's relationship based, and not JUST content consumption.
I appreciate that Jesse! I'm self reflecting on what I'm actually trying to accomplish and where I want to go. I need a little break, but overall I have a sense that I'm only getting warmed up!
A really enjoyable read Erik with some lovely moody photographs. Your blog posts really bring your journeys to life and I enjoy following along on routes that I am never likely to walk.
I understand your need to take time off. I was feeling the same. Substack is a wonderful platform, full of interesting people with fascinating stories but keeping up with a weekly writing schedule and reading all the articles as well is very time consuming and the pressure can get too much. I hope the rest will be restorative.
On these longer trips I have started to try telling the story through the images, with a mix of shots that establish the location, some of the action, and details. And, of course the highlight landscape shots when I find them. I still have a long way to go, but it sounds like it's coming across! Thank you Gill!
Fantastic story and images Erik. I find that my trips into the wilderness are greatly enhanced by knowing I will likely write a post about the trip - like photography, it makes you look much more closely and reflect on what you see in a more intentional, articulate way. But it should always be fun - I will eagerly wait for the next adventure, whenever that may be.
So true! It's almost a mindful experience of self reflection while you're still in the moment. Thanks James, it will probably be some shorter trips until the fall when hopefully I can actually do the Bartram Trail!
Where does the trail start next? Love it.
Looking forward to your eventual answer!
Thanks Kyle! I’m coming out of a rough week that culminated in my father-in-law’s funeral yesterday. Lots of questions in my mind about what comes next, to be honest.
Sorry to hear of your passing brother. Keep asking those questions and leaning on your beautiful philosophy. Time will tell
Thank you for these wonderful images
I really appreciate that Charles!
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Even though the fog may have hidden some of the vastness of the wilderness, there is something enchanting about hiking through the foggy forest. Also, I really like the trail portraits they add to the authenticity of the story. I’m looking forward to more.
It was really interesting to experience fog like this. It's been a rare condition for most of my trips. Thanks Mike!
Erik, great piece as always. It seemed that aside from day 3, all of your hike was foggy! I loved the photos that still managed to feel colorful, even against such a gray backdrop. That feeling of ending a hike sure is real. And also, I laughed at your random encounter with the British fellow carrying a bag "like some sort of savage." Costco has a funny habit of carrying random things too, and I say, why not put it in your pack...!?
On a more serious note - first, I'm glad you're taking time off to resettle. I love Substack, and I also feel the pressure of a publishing schedule from time to time. I think it's good to step back when that happens. This is our art, not our job.
Second and harder, I saw your comment above about your father-in-law. I'm sorry. My heart goes out to both you and your wife. (And your kids too, if they were close to their granddad) I hope you're as gentle with yourself as you can be, going into a new week.
That guy was pretty surreal in the fog, ambling along. Why wouldn’t he just put the food back in/on his pack, lol?!?
I’m realizing that I’m putting way too much pressure on myself over Substack. I mean, I like it and want to put my best effort into it, but I do need to take a breath. Sometimes it feels like a house of cards that might collapse, though. Thanks again for the perspective!
Haha my thoughts exactly! And yeah I get that. The nice thing about Substack (so far) is that it seems folks here are really willing to embrace that humanness; we don't need to perform and post every day to maintain readers, because it's relationship based, and not JUST content consumption.
Excellent details, Erik. Love that photo of the tent.
I hear you about the publishing schedule...weekly is a grind. No complaints from me if you skip weeks 👍🏻.
I appreciate that Jesse! I'm self reflecting on what I'm actually trying to accomplish and where I want to go. I need a little break, but overall I have a sense that I'm only getting warmed up!
A really enjoyable read Erik with some lovely moody photographs. Your blog posts really bring your journeys to life and I enjoy following along on routes that I am never likely to walk.
I understand your need to take time off. I was feeling the same. Substack is a wonderful platform, full of interesting people with fascinating stories but keeping up with a weekly writing schedule and reading all the articles as well is very time consuming and the pressure can get too much. I hope the rest will be restorative.
On these longer trips I have started to try telling the story through the images, with a mix of shots that establish the location, some of the action, and details. And, of course the highlight landscape shots when I find them. I still have a long way to go, but it sounds like it's coming across! Thank you Gill!
Fantastic story and images Erik. I find that my trips into the wilderness are greatly enhanced by knowing I will likely write a post about the trip - like photography, it makes you look much more closely and reflect on what you see in a more intentional, articulate way. But it should always be fun - I will eagerly wait for the next adventure, whenever that may be.
So true! It's almost a mindful experience of self reflection while you're still in the moment. Thanks James, it will probably be some shorter trips until the fall when hopefully I can actually do the Bartram Trail!