Growing up, my favorite place was always outside, whether it was fishing and exploring the sandbars and backwaters of the Mississippi River, in woods exploring, on a backpacking trip with the Boy Scouts, at our family cottage, or on a camping trip.
The older I have become, the more I realize looking back how therapeutic and how much of an escape and outlet the outdoors are for me. It's become my place of peace where troubles and stress seem to fade away. I also enjoy the mental and physical challenge it provides. I've grown to appreciate, embrace, and lean into it.
A little more about me. I'm now 43 years old and in the best physical and mental condition I have ever been. I was born and raised in is the city of La Crosse, Wisconsin, nestled between the shadow of the bluffs to the east and the mighty Mississippi River to the west. I now live in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, which I have called home for over 22 years now.
I am a very active person that enjoys being outdoors (obviously). My outdoor adventures include mountain biking, kayaking, backpacking, hiking, hunting, fishing, being on my boat, spending time at our family cottage, and spending time on and around Lake Superior, especially hunting agates. I recently picked up a longboard skateboard and am diving into learning to surf Lake Superior.
On top of my normal job, I am a paid on call Fire Lieutenant and EMR and help teach firefighter classes at the local technical college. I have two children of my own and am recently engaged to my amazing and beautiful fiancée, Norissa, who will appear from time to time on the blog and contribute with some of her photography.
My outdoor adventure blog is more than just a collection of journeys—it’s a space for healing, self-discovery, and connection with nature. I believe that the outdoors has a unique power to restore the mind, body, and spirit. Through my experiences, I aim to inspire others to step outside, embrace the beauty of the world around them, and find their own sense of peace and clarity.
This blog is a reflection of my own therapeutic
journey and creative outlet - using nature as a place to process emotions, reduce stress, and
cultivate mindfulness. Whether it’s hiking through the mountains, kayaking on
still waters, or trying a new activity, every adventure
offers an opportunity to reset and reconnect.
Through storytelling, photography, and personal insights, I hope to encourage others to explore the outdoors, not just for the thrill, but for the profound healing it can bring. My vision is to create a community that values adventure as a pathway to well-being, where we can all share our experiences and support each other in our journeys—both in nature and in life.
I hope you enjoy this blog about my adventures and I can provide some inspiration for you to get out there and get after it! This is a state of mind and experience Beyond The Adventure!
-Aaron
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| The Silfra Fissure between the North American and Eurasian plates in Iceland |