High Tide: A Journal Entry from Alaska | Video

Back when there were more hours of sunshine here in coastal Alaska, I would wander down to the beach after work or on my days off. Coming from Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve after the summer, this current little town of about 5,000 felt really BIG to me. There was noise everywhere! Tons of vehicles driving down the road. People packed in groceries stores. Voices, car horns, and so many other sounds anywhere I turned. Granted there’s only two traffic lights (we just got a new one last week!) and only two grocery stores to find yourself squished into. Yes, nowhere near as busy as Phoenix or Flagstaff. Still, compared to my quiet summer in a town of 300, this place feels a little overwhelming at times.

The beach was the perfect spot to get away. It’s still a popular destination for neighbors and their dogs, but if you walk far sufficient distance you’ll end up with just the ample amount of solitude. On this particular day back in October, I stepped out on to the shore, only to realize I couldn’t get nearly far enough to find the seclusion I longed for. Nope! The tide had come up so high I could barely make it down the sandy beach in either direction. I eventually settled for a log to sit on as I watched all the other perplexed walkers try to figure out a way around the unusual amount of water. Eagles soared in the bright blue sky above me. Dogs raced passed me, turning back to investigate my backpack before tearing off again. A breeze rustled through the tall grass and tiny little seaweed. Maybe I didn’t get the alone time or stroll I longed for, but my soul was filled up with a different kind of peace.

Enjoy this short video, to catch a slice of my time in Alaska. And if it inspires you, share with me about a time mother nature kept your plans from going as you had hoped!

Tree Beanie | Locally Made in Flagstaff, Arizona

On a snowy afternoon, I ventured down a winding highway to catch up with my friend, Tasia, at her family’s cabin. Past the city limits of Flagstaff, Arizona, nestled near the San Francisco Peaks, their property turns into a winter wonderland once the snow season hits. Ponderosa pine trees loom above their cabins, bunkhouse, yurt, and barn, all of which you can actually rent on airbnb. Definitely give them a look if you’re wanting to spend some time in Northern Arizona. I stayed there for one of my first weeks in Flagstaff, when I still wasn’t sure I would officially move to town, and their guest cabin is very cozy! 

As you can imagine, with that much space there is a lot to roam. We ran around with her dogs, Theo and Keli, I got to take a peek at their vintage fire truck, and she showed me the new beanies she had just knitted. Tasia is actually the owner and craftswoman behind Tree Beanie, hand knitted headwear that is locally made in Flagstaff. Since she had just finished so many new beanies, we wanted to take some photos to show them off. If you’re in the area, then you can shop Tree Beanie at Babbitt’s Backcountry. Even if you’re outside of Flag you can still shop Tree Beanie at their Instagram. They make a fun and cozy Christmas gift!

It’s really wonderful to know the person behind the company you are supporting, so here’s a little more about Tasia:

• Why did you choose the name Tree Beanie? My beanies were originally called, "Tasia Beanies", but I didn't like having my name in my brand. So, I tried to think of what I would want my brand to look like. My tree of life tattoo on my shoulder came to mind. It seemed perfect! The tree represents my love for nature. In fact, my mom says that even as a kid I was always happier in the woods. It seemed like a good representation of me.

• What made you start your company? Honestly, I figured out how to make a beanie and I didn't want to stop making them, but I also didn't want to collect a bunch of beanies. At the time, I was working for Babbitt's and the owner is a good friend. He agreed to let me sell them. They have been successful for three seasons so far!

• How do you choose your yarn, the colors, and what patterns you want to create? I just pick colors and yarn that excite me. I love just walking around the yarn aisles until something sticks out to me. My patterns are actually pretty simple. They are usually just a variation of two stitches. I love the puff stitch because it always creates a cozy piece! Recently, I started making ear warmers because a friend requested I make one. Then, my husband Joel suggested I sew a fleece lining into them. The ear warmer has been a big hit this season. Currently, I'm making myself a neck warmer that stretches over my ears and mouth. I will release a photo soon for anyone interested.

• What values help guide your career and company? I'm just doing something I love. It is such a humbling experience to have customers excited about what I make. I hope I can continue to do that! I am also a big supporter of buying handmade products. Handmade products are one-of-a-kind!!! Plus you are supporting a person and not a big corporation!

• What's an accomplishment you are most proud of with Tree Beanie? Right now I'm proud that they are selling and people like wearing what I made. A few months ago my husband and I were in Safeway and I saw someone wearing one of my beanies! It was so cool to see!

• Who are you outside of Tree Beanie? Well, I'm married to a tall, goofy red head! I'm a dog owner of two furry babies. I love rock climbing and spending time in the woods. I also like wearing cozy plaid, wool socks, and my cowgirl boots! Some of my favorite things include, candles, hot chocolate in a big mug, journaling, yarn, the sound of wind in the trees, big monsoon thunder storms, and the first snow of the year!

I also have my very own Tree Beanie hat and it has kept me warm while cross country skiing in Arizona, camping in the Utah winter, taking a chilly morning walk to a hot spring in Canada, and riding boats in Alaska! The striped colors on my beanie remind me of warm desert colors while I am far away from the landscape I grew up in. When the wind is blowing cold and harsh I never feel warm enough without a nice knit hat.  Once I slip one on over my head I instantly feel snug and toasty. Plus, they tame my frizzy curls, keeping them down on my shoulders rather than whipping around my face. Way less tangles involved with a beanie! I wear them on my walks down the windy beach and on any cold morning spent outside. You can see how much I love wearing it below…

My 5 Favorite Places to #OptOutside in Arizona

Thanksgiving week is upon us, which means soon enough - Black Friday. A day of deals, early morning openings, stampedes, and terrifying accounts later heard on the news. A day that never felt right to me. I hated hearing about the Black Friday aftermath on the news. Especially after a day we’re encouraged to show gratitude. Thankfully (is this considered punny?), there are organizations that choose a different value for the day after Thanksgiving. Like REI.  

Since 2015, REI has encouraged folks to reconnect with the outdoors over the holiday weekend through their campaign, #OptOutside. Every year they close down their stores to business, paying their employees to instead enjoy some quality time out in the fresh air and inspiring customers to do the same. CEO Jerry Stritzke explains, "As a member-owned co-op, our definition of success goes beyond money. We believe that a life lived outdoors is a life well lived and we aspire to be stewards of our great outdoors." Getting a holiday weekend off isn’t a privilege we all have, but if it’s one you find yourself with this week, here’s my 5 favorite places in Arizona to #OptOutside.

Oak Creek in Sedona: Oak Creek makes for a beautiful hike or a perfect spot to relax near. Bring a towel, chair, or hammock along with some snacks and you can sit or lie by the creek for some “chill out” time. It’s fun to read, write, or draw and of course take a dip in the creek. There are multiple spots in Sedona where you can hang out by Oak Creek. My favorite spots usually involve a little bit of a hike, but anywhere usually puts me in a nice relaxed state of mind. If you’re looking for more of a hike check out West Fork Trail. If you want to get in the water, then look into Slide Rock State Park. Both need parking passes, so make sure you bring cash. Wanting some more options? Just do a quick Google Search! Keep in mind, no matter where you go there are some really important guidelines when recreating near sources of water. For one, if you have to go to the bathroom, be at least 200 feet away from water. The same goes for washing anything with soap, shampoo, or toothpaste, even if it’s biodegradable. When can all do our part to avoid affecting wildlife or taking away from other visitors’ experience when we prevent water pollution!

The Salt River in Mesa: Another great area for hiking or relaxing. But it doesn’t just stop there. You can paddleboard, kayak, or lazily float down the river. I’ve even seen people on a blow up mattress drifting along the Salt River, haha. Make sure you’re prepared for paddling or swimming in the area you’d like to go though! There are lots of picnic tables nearby too, so this would be a great spot for a picnic. Follow Leave No Trace ethics if you plan on packing along some food as well as the tips listed above. Take a peek at the Tonto National Forest website to find where you’d like to spend your time at the Salt River. Wherever you go, keep your eyes peeled for rope swings that you can use to swing yourself into the water! Note: The more recent times I’ve been to the Salt River I haven’t taken photos, but soaked up the scenery instead. So, enjoy these older photos where I somehow convinced my friends to model for me ;)

3. The Grand Canyon: This National Park has hiking, scenic views, and ranger led activities. Every time I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, I’ve chosen to walk around, completely ignoring any park activities. I have to admit that before working for the National Park Service, I never considered going to a ranger led walk or completing a Jr. Ranger book. Now, though, I do think these are really fun! Get a “passport” stamp, fill out a Jr. Ranger book to get your ranger badge, and go to presentations that the rangers are giving. You’ll probably learn new things and have a good time along the way. Anyone who thinks this is weird is probably just missing out like past Ali was!

4. The Superstition Mountains: If you like cacti, look into hikes in the Superstition Mountains! The springtime brings lots of gorgeous blooms in this area, but our current fall/winter season has some nice cool breezes to refresh you on your desert adventure. Whether you want a long or short hike, you’ll be able to find multiple options around here. All with lovely views. I have a short video about the hike at Hieroglyphics Trail, so take a look at that to get some ideas of the fun you can discover out at the Superstitions. Do some research to find the trailhead that will be best for you and remember to bring water! Even though the weather is nicer than usual, that desert sun will still leave you parched and you don’t want to get dehydrated out there.

5. San Tan Mountain Regional Park: Another great spot for desert lovers. You can hike at this park for a small entry fee. The price fluctuates depending on which entrance you use and how you choose to get there (car, bike, or by foot). I’ve been to all three access points and can say I love them all. My mom lives nearby, so I’ve spent a lot of time exercising and reflecting along these trails. I don’t always love having to pay for a place that feels like my backyard, but I have to remind myself it’s an important “donation” to help maintain an area so many of us love. If you’re not interested in the small admittance fee, then even parking and exploring a nearby area outside the park will lead to fun discoveries. My family and I would sometimes pile in the car and drive around to find a place to explore. We’ve come across cholla forests, bones and skulls, and beautiful views.

Arizona has so many various landscapes, that there’s just too many places to list here! Between all the public lands in the state, you could spend a lifetime uncovering all the unique corners of my Southwest home. These places suggested above are my favorite because they are nearby Flagstaff or Phoenix and don’t require a ton of advance planning. In Phoenix, I’d often hop into my car after work, drive to the Salt River, and take a little moment for myself. In Flagstaff, I could decide on a last minute whim to head south to Sedona or up north to the Grand Canyon. If you have some more time to plan, take a look at all the National Forests, Parks, Monuments, and public lands available to you in Arizona! Either way, take the opportunity to #OptOutside if you can. The theme for this year’s campaign is cleaning up. Wherever you go, consider bringing a bag and some gloves to clean up any trash you see along the way. Let me know your favorite places to spend outside or if you end up going to one of these suggestions.

Aerial Photography Tips in Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve

While working at Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve this summer, documenting research and cultural events, one of the amazing things I was able to do was a flightseeing tour! If it hadn’t been for my summer job, I don’t think I would have gotten this chance as soon as I did because the flights are a little pricey for me personally at this point in my life. Luckily, our team leader organized schedules for us to fly with an awesome National Park Service pilot over the mountains and glaciers of Wrangell St. Elias!

Our pilot was the amazing, Lynn Ellis, who grew up in the remote Nabesna area and has been flying pretty much his entire life. At the young age of 16 he learned to fly from his father and has been flying ever since.  As you can imagine, Lynn has a lot of intimate knowledge of the land. Growing up in the area has allowed him to create a unique relationship with the expansive landscape of Wrangell St. Elias, meaning a flight with Lynn as your pilot is quite the treat! To top it all off, one of my coworkers who came on the same flight as me grew up near the area and had known Lynn for a while. If it weren’t already special enough to be gliding over all the magnificent rock and ice, I was also extra fortunate to hear all the personal stories and connections these two had to the land. 

This was the first time I had flown over the park and the first time I was able to casually fly in a small plane, but I had previously flown in a small plane for work. They were very fast, business flights though! Those first couple experiences allowed me to be more prepared for this flight, so I’d thought I’d share some tips in case you too find yourself fortunate enough to be soaring over gorgeous scenery and want to capture your experience.

• Packing: Keep your gear minimal and in a small pack! My first time on a small plane was when I was flying from Yakutat to Dry Bay on a real quick, all business kind of flight. We had to shove everything underneath the plane, but of course I wanted my camera and my water bottle (I hate not having access to hydration, ha). I figured it was best to keep it to these two items and hold them in my lap. Turned out, juggling these both in my lap in the tiny front seat of our plane was a little trickier than I had thought! It would have been nicer to have a small bag or pack with me that I could set in my lap and either pull out my water or my camera when I needed. It can be hard to maneuver once your set up in the plane, so it’s nice to have everything right in your lap and contained so it’s not rolling around as the plane moves. On my flightseeing tour, this is what I did and it was a lot easier to coordinate my items.

• Prepping: Prepare your camera ahead of time! Like I mentioned above, it can be pretty hard to maneuver inside small planes. The first flight I went on I didn’t want to move too much since I was in the front seat and could have easily bumped the pilot or buttons! Granted, pilots are professionals and are probably used to this, my way of operating during photography is always to minimize my affect on the experience. I like being a fly on the wall that captures reality as it unfolds and this idea tends to seep into my life even when not on a shoot. However, if your camera already has a full battery, cleared memory cards with lots of room, and a good lens on it, then you won’t have to worry about doing this in flight. Have it all set up before you even climb in that plane and you can fully focus on taking in the view instead.

• Lens: Choose a wide lens or a zoom lens! I’m really stubborn when it comes to using zoom lens. When shooting portraits it’s super easy to stick a 50mm on my camera and move around when I want a different view. Shooting dynamic landscape photos are a little different though (much to past me’s disappointment). A zoom lens can be wonderful when you are limited in movement, but want a variety of views. On my first flight I brought my trusted 50mm, which did get some beautiful shots. Yet, I found myself wanting the chance to move around. Sure, you will fly over a new and exciting view, but you’ll want a different perspective. For this tour I brought my 28mm to 85mm lens. It was great to get variety, which brings me to my next point…

• Switch it up: Video and photo, wide and close, vertical and horizontal, out the window and inside the plane. Get a bunch of different perspectives even if you are hovering above the same area. It’s been really fun for me to look at my photos as a set and see the different views I captured. I also really like creating films, so I made sure to get lots of video from this flight. I was able to use some of the footage in short videos I made for Wrangell St. Elias National Park & Preserve, that hopefully I will be able to share very soon.

• Finally, don’t lean against the plane! I kept finding myself trying to make this work, but any small plane is going to have a lot of vibration. Your video shots will be a lot smoother and your photos will be sharper if you just hold up your camera yourself. No need to rest against the plane.

There’s the advice I’ve collected from my few times in a small plane. I hope they can be useful to you! These images feel a lot different to me than ones from a drone. Shots sourced from both techniques are gorgeous, and of course it’s not always reasonable to fly up in a small plane, but personally, I love the feel. Maybe it’s the memories they bring back or the glassy view from inside the plane. What are your thoughts? Do these shots feel different to you compared to drone shots? Let me know!

Hieroglyphics Trail | Hiking in the Arizona Desert

Two winters ago, my brother, Tim, and I went on a hike in the Superstition Mountains. Hiking with Tim is always great because we both love taking photos for fun and usually keep the same pace with all our photo taking. This time I decided to take some video and challenge myself to create a project outside of my norm. It was really fun to put together, but when it came time to share it I froze! Was this on brand with my style? What would it show future collaborators about the value of my work? Blah blah blah. A bunch of boring, little thoughts that get in the way. The great thing about discovering a project from a while back is that you have a new perspective. This definitely shows my love for the outdoors, for challenging myself, and for working in an intimate setting.

Hieroglyphics Trail is a pretty easy, non technical hike and gives you a beautiful view of the desert once you’ve reached the top. Roundtrip it’s less than 3 miles, so it can be a shorter hike. Or if you are like Tim and me, then you can take your time snapping photos and exploring the top without worrying about making it back to the car in time. You gain almost 600 feet in elevation, which I barely remembering noticing in the low desert since I’d been living at 7,000 ft, but Tim teased me that he could feel more of a difference. The trail is also a great place for families and dogs (if kept on a leash). If you come during the right seasons there will be wildflowers along the way and even small pools and a waterfall at the end of the trail.

When you get to the top there are petroglyphs you can look at, take photos of, or even sketch, but of course don’t touch the petroglyphs! Bears Ears Education Center has some great suggestions on how to visit places with respect. It’s important to respect the land for future visitors and just as important to remember we might consider this public land for everyone, but often these are archeological sites of indigenous people and there are laws about cultural artifacts. These places aren’t just objects of history or science, but a connection to people.

If you get the chance, check out Hieroglyphics Trail or the surrounding Superstition Mountains. It’s a gorgeous desert area that will give you appreciation for dusty browns and faded greens. Check out my video below for some desert views!