A New Road Ahead

YOYO, The Wonder Rig at Muley Point Overlook, Utah

A little over a year ago, I added an “event” to my calendar—May 23, 2025. That was the day I had marked for retirement.

After decades of work, I decided it was time to do something bold—something that combined my love for the outdoors and landscape photography with a sense of real adventure. I began building a plan to turn that dream into a reality.

In February 2024, I picked up what I now call my adventure vehicle. It started as a blank canvas—just potential on wheels. Over time, I transformed it with all-terrain tires, a rooftop rack and tent, rock sliders, a powered fridge, MOLLE storage panels, and a drawer system for camping gear and dry goods. It’s more than a vehicle—it’s my mobile basecamp.

But last June (a year ago, yesterday), “circumstances” worked out, and I was able to retire a full year earlier than expected. Since then, I’ve spent the past year traveling and exploring. Sometimes close to home, sometimes deep into the amazing backcountry of Utah, New Mexico, and Colorado.

This week, I happened to glance at that original calendar entry—May 23, 2025—and it reminded me of how far I’ve come, and how much this year has held: beauty, solitude, surprises, and yes—challenges.

I’ve begun documenting the journey. Turns out, capturing these experiences is harder than I expected. After 30 years in design, photography, and video production, I figured it would be second nature. It’s been humbling—but it’s coming back to me.

What I’ve learned is this: you never really know what’s waiting for you around the bend. But if you make space for your dreams—and stay open to the unexpected—sometimes, something extraordinary comes your way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU0ODmSnMK4