Joshua Tree or Bust

We haven't updated our website/blog in a while! Mostly because we've been doing all sorts of soul-filling traveling the past few months. Winter and spring are our big travel times of the year...  less crowds, less heat (Oatis hates the heat), and less on our plates with work. Its a time that fills our hearts and temporarily satiates our endless wanderlust tendencies. I came across a quote recently that describes life quite accurately at the moment:

"Everyday I discover more and more beautiful things. It's enough to drive one mad. I have such a desire to do everything, my head is bursting with it." - Claude Monet

We headed to Joshua Tree National Park this past weekend to met up with one of the most badass family's out there. Lauren and Ben live in Montana and are currently on a month long road trip with their 3-year-old son, Noah, and sweet pup, Arlo. They're planning on hitting some awesome spots/national parks across the western United States. All while tent-camping, I might add... no easy feat with a family of four! 

Lauren and I met a few months ago through a mutual friend. At first conversation... photography, traveling, family, the outdoors... I knew it was going to be an instant friendship. When we found out they were heading out on an epic family adventure, we knew we had to meet up somewhere along the way.

Joshua Tree it was! 

We stayed at Hidden Valley campground, smack-dab in the middle of the park. Over a crackling fire, we shared camping-tips and travel stories... and, of course, about 10 s'mores between us! Hidden Valley lies amongst lots of epic climbing, bouldering, and less-professional... hopping from rock to rock, our preferred method of getting around Joshua Tree! We explored and explored with little Noah leading the way. Seeing a place like Joshua Tree through the eyes of a 3-year-old is something special. Like a real-life Dr. Seuss book! You'll see Noah wearing a helmet in a few images... in-between the rock-hopping he was zooming around the campground on his little bike, sans-training wheels, like he owned the place!

Lauren is a super talented photographer and took some special photos of Geoff and I and our home on wheels (we can't wait to see them!). We also snapped a few them and our time together... and, of course, Geoff with his favorite skateboard! In the skating photos, Geoff is wearing a rad, new t-shirt by Waves to Wilderness. We've recently teamed up with this earth + humanity-conscious company to shoot some of their spring and summer lines. There will be lots more on this wonderful company in the coming weeks!