Passport, Plate & Pack

08/02/2026

My journey of National Parks 🏔️

On my last trip, I checked off 32nd National Park. That means I’m officially halfway through visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks—31 more to go.

To celebrate this milestone, I wanted to create something special. I came across A “Weekend in Big Sur California” by isovlogs_ and instantly fell in love with the storytelling—the editing, transitions, music... everything about it. It inspired me to tell the story of my own National Park journey.

While editing this reel, I dug through footage from years of road trips, hikes, early mornings, and unforgettable sunsets. Every clip brought back a memory, and every park reminded me why I keep coming back.

After visiting these parks, I’ve realized that no two National Parks are alike. Each has its own history, its own landscapes, and its own story waiting to be experienced.

So far, here are a few that have left the biggest impression on me:
🏆 Favorite: Yellowstone — So incredibly diverse. I could spend weeks there and still not see enough.
❄️ Most mesmerizing: Glacier
🏛️ Best glimpse into ancient civilizations: Mesa Verde
🤯 Biggest surprise: Grand Canyon and Zion (nothing prepares you for seeing them in person)
🍂 Unexpectedly beautiful: Acadia
⛰️ Most massive: Yosemite

Halfway through the list, and this journey has already given me memories I’ll never forget. Here’s to the next 31 parks, more adventures, and more stories waiting on the trail.

Which National Park should be my 33rd? Let me know in the comments below! 👇🌲

07/26/2026

With Ash-Ka-Nam Resort – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

07/25/2026

Astrophotography has been one of the steepest learning curves in my photography journey. Not because I didn’t understand ISO, shutter speed, or aperture—but because figuring out how those settings work together under a dark sky took me a long time.

There were countless nights of blurry stars, unwanted star trails, images that were too dark or too bright, and many moments where I came home wondering what I had done wrong. Slowly, I started understanding the science behind it all—Earth’s rotation, the importance of truly dark skies, choosing the right focal length, and finding the balance between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

This trip to Voyageurs National Park was where I finally put everything I’d learned into practice.

Just after midnight at Ash River Trail, I set up my camera and started shooting intervals. The temperature kept dropping, the mosquitoes were relentless, and I kept telling myself, “Just a little longer.” One hour later, with more mosquito bites than I could count and cold fingers, I finally packed up.

Am I satisfied with the result? Absolutely. Compared to where I started, this feels like a huge milestone. Is it perfect? Not even close. But that’s the beauty of astrophotography—every night under the stars teaches you something new.

The best part wasn’t coming home with a timelapse—it was realizing that all those failed attempts were leading to this one.

To everyone chasing the stars—what’s one shot or moment you struggled for but felt completely worth it in the end? Let me know in the comment section below ✨

🌌 Specs for the nerds:
📷 Sony Alpha 7 III
🔭 Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM @ 16mm
⚙️ f/2.8 | ISO 3200 | 15s
⏱️ 17s interval
📍 Ash River Trail, Voyageurs National Park, MN
🎞️ Lightroom Classic + Final Cut Pro (23.98 fps)

Gears used:
* Sony Alpha7 III - https://amzn.to/4wYcv2W
* Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II - https://amzn.to/4dy1ait
* K&F Concept 74 inch Camera Tripod - https://amzn.to/3QlXQ0Q

07/23/2026

Astrophotography has been one of the steepest learning curves in my photography journey. Not because I didn't understand ISO, shutter speed, or aperture—but because figuring out how those settings work together under a dark sky took me a long time.

There were countless nights of blurry stars, unwanted star trails, images that were too dark or too bright, and many moments where I came home wondering what I had done wrong. Slowly, I started understanding the science behind it all—Earth's rotation, the importance of truly dark skies, choosing the right focal length, and finding the balance between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

This trip to Voyageurs National Park was where I finally put everything I'd learned into practice.

Just after midnight at Ash River Trail, I set up my camera and started shooting intervals. The temperature kept dropping, the mosquitoes were relentless, and I kept telling myself, "Just a little longer." One hour later, with more mosquito bites than I could count and cold fingers, I finally packed up.

Am I satisfied with the result? Absolutely. Compared to where I started, this feels like a huge milestone. Is it perfect? Not even close. But that's the beauty of astrophotography—every night under the stars teaches you something new.

The best part wasn't coming home with a timelapse—it was realizing that all those failed attempts were leading to this one.

To everyone chasing the stars—what’s one shot or moment you struggled for but felt completely worth it in the end? Let me know in the comment section below ✨

🌌 Specs for the nerds:
📷 Sony Alpha 7 III
🔭 Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM @ 16mm
⚙️ f/2.8 | ISO 3200 | 15s
⏱️ 17s interval
📍 Ash River Trail, Voyageurs National Park, MN
🎞️ Lightroom Classic + Final Cut Pro (23.98 fps)

Gears used:
* Sony Alpha7 III - https://amzn.to/4wYcv2W
* Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II - https://amzn.to/4dy1ait
* K&F Concept 74 inch Camera Tripod - https://amzn.to/3QlXQ0Q



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTHJ_9X7Tq0

Astrophotography has been one of the steepest learning curves in my...

07/23/2026

With Explore La Crosse – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

07/21/2026

Best riverside views? | Riverside Park

Riverside Park in La Crosse, WI, is the perfect escape for anyone l...

07/21/2026

Best riverside views? | Riverside Park

07/19/2026

Most serene lake? | Voyageurs National Park

07/17/2026

With Gateway Arch – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉