andybestthejourney

[andybestthejourney]

The Eye of the Beholder by Travis Nickle

I don’t know how many times a fish went apeshit when I hooked into it, as they tug and rip around my heart races and I envision some monster that would break my heart if it got off. I need to land it just to see if it’s what I hoped and thought it would be. Recently, I was fortunate enough to have witnessed a man’s vision unfold before his eyes. Unlike the monster fish I envision and hope to catch, his vision was far more rare and elusive. Unlike me and the fish though, this one wouldn’t get away. I got home from work at about 5:30 to see that the photo assassin had called a few times. I knew that there were a few particular images he had in mind and I was excited to watch his genius at work, so the return call would define the evening’s mission. We made a rough plan and set out. It was still well lit by the late afternoon sun, an absolute contrast from the evening ahead. An area he felt would shoot well for a sunset shot would serve as our evening area also. We had an hour to burn before sunset and hours before absolute darkness, so we ventured to the nearest town to gas up and grab some goodies. The drive to town and back set us up for a great sunset at the right time too. He got his sunset shots so now we had some time to burn before night would set in. The late night would require some assistance in order for me to stay awake, so I made some peanut butter chocolate chip cookies to aid in consciousness or nervousness, either way I needed some help in the awake department. The photo slayer however was on a different plane, he buzzed about preparing for the evening as if it were in the morning, but it was 10 at night. His excitement aided him in the fight against sleepiness so he didn’t require the cookie fix I did. The sky had finally darkened a bit, so we made our way to the chosen location. He again eye balled the place and surroundings so to be aware of what and where things were before the darkness consumed them. He was nearly vibrating with excitement as he checked various angles and seemed to somehow sense an incredible moment was at hand. He wasted no time in finding a variety of angles as the darkening sky slowly illuminated the stars above. He moved to a spot where we could see some strange highlights over the mountains, which as a know-it- all local I thought to be cirrus clouds reflecting light from the area, he thought differently. He was right. As the night developed so did the northern lights. I watched them with awe and glanced over at my friend to see his expression. His eyes were wide open due to the spectacle overhead, as he looked toward the sky he snapped shots. He looked into the sky like a father looks into his newborn’s eyes for the first time. He loved what he was seeing and it was written on his face. It was also captured on the camera. The light show was ending so we packed up to go. A relatively quiet ride home was in store since words couldn’t do justice to the experience, but photos could. The shots he had taken were amazing and my nickname for him became obvious to me - “The Ginja Ninja.” If you see him the ginger requires no explanation, but the ninja is because he will sneak up on a shot and kill it! I could feel as I sat beside him a sense of relief, he had captured an image he envisioned years before, traveling all over to capture glimpses of it. And now finally, it was in the eye of the beholder.

[andybestthejourney]

Mission: Get to Portland from Canada and back again. Sequoia and I set out from Southern Alberta to head back to Portland for my buddies wedding. Well, we weren't going to not have fun along the way. First stop Stanley Idaho for some sun and some water time. After a small flood in the camper, turn off your water pump before you drive just sayin, it was time for a place a bit more dry. The Alvord. Now most people would be running around enjoying the night but this is my life and after all that travel, stuff was dirty! So I spent the night cleaning and training the pup. It was still perfect. Then off to get some maintenance done on the camper. Apparently I put two years of use on it in one month. That's about right. From there I was homeless and had to work out of the office the next few days. Leveling up gear, emails, editing. Anything to make the next project more enjoyable knowing I'm caught up. The wedding. What a beautiful ceremony and awesome experience. Cheers Adam and Emily. I wish you all the best in your future. Can't wait to see you again soon. Now, back to Canada. It's time to film the biggest project of my career. I'm beyond ready.

[andybestthejourney]

One hell of a journey... So far. Well I can't begin to explain how liberating this experience has been. It's pretty freeing when you can swing by a gas station, grab a few essentials, top off water, fuel and boom! You're off. The world is yours. The hardest question is, where do I go first? I'm always asked, "How can I live this way?" Or "How did you do it?" And honestly my heart drove me in this direction. Everything that I am and have been pointed me in this direction. It's not a gift, but persistence. I've given it 100% every day and I have an eternity to go and that's what excites me. It has been 1 month, 5,000 miles, 2 countries, 5 states, 15,000 photos, 10 hours of video, 1 set of wires chewed up, 1 camper flood, and one hell of an experience. It's great to see the world. It's even more amazing to meet great people along the way. Most importantly I love what it's doing for my soul.

[andybestthejourney]

Experiencing the adventure to the fullest means living it full time! Well at least for us. It has been amazing trying to adapt to life on the road. From learning that you aren't on a permanent vacation and finding the discipline to get the necessary work done. I love living the moments and now trying to share a deeper story along the way. I've had the unique opportunity of exploring with my wife, connecting with new friends, and learning to evolve to our new lifestyle. The biggest for me is exercise. I've almost been a trainer and am a gym rat, so it's an addiction I can't shake. Nothing a camp bench, a few weights, and some perfect push-ups can't handle. Then it's living space. I've have to make some modifications to the camper so we can better access storage for quick access. I'm super OCD so it has to be clean, quick, and organized. :) Following.. Living. Fishing has become a new big part of my life that will now be with me forever. Stoked to have good friends to show me around and teach me the ways of the dying art. Now... For some road.

[andybestthejourney]

Life on the Road It's been quite the journey so far. It feels like a life-time when it hasn't even been a month yet. What's the overall consensus? Do I approved the choice thus far? Hell yes! Every day I can't wait to get up and get back out there. It's due in part by the landscape, but from the people I meet as well. I met a wise man while fishing that said, "As long as I'm honest to myself at the end of the day, I'll be able to sleep at night. That's all that matters to me." What amazing advice to live by! These are the moments I set out to enjoy when I made this plan originally. Super thankful to enjoy the rest of the journey. See you out there.

[andybestthejourney]

I'M BACK ON TUMBLR I've decided to get this platform up and running again. Specially because my wife and I have decided to take a new look on life and move into a camper. I'll be sharing stories and moments from the change and how we adapt to this new life. To kick it off, I've been on assignment in Southern Alberta for Travel Alberta. I've been asked to shoot a video for the Crowsnest Pass and Waterton area. It has been absolutely spectacular so far. Granted, my feet are pretty sore, but that's about to be fixed! It's time to upgrade to better boots and maybe consider lightening the pack. We are just about to leave the Crowsnest area and head down to Waterton, one of my favorite spots on this earth. Meanwhile my lovely wife is hanging in the camper, hiking, and studying new ways for us to evolve into better vagabonds. More to come soon! Feel free to ask any questions you might have or to add a comment about what you'd like to see me write about. Thanks so much!!

[andybestthejourney]

It's heating up! Check out "Intel presents: #PowerToCreate | Andy Best" and enter if you haven't yet! We've been getting some awesome submissions! Link in profile. Reminder! Enter for a chance to win two legendary computer systems, just like the machines I use, and a trip to NYC! Enjoy and have fun with it! @intel #intel

[andybestthejourney]

Sunrise at infamous Vestrahorn. The gorgeous silky smooth black sand of Iceland. It made all the colors pop. However, it was to bad the wind didn't leave it on the ground for us to enjoy. Rather, it whipped up and slashed us from all directions taking no prisoners. It claimed cameras and filled every pocket, boot, and eyeball. I wouldn't have it any other way. Miss you Iceland! #wearestillwild

[andybestthejourney]

Late night dreaming of the mysterious Wizard Island of Crater Lake. Nothing more magical than a light dusting of snow and some thick fog. Wonderful! #wearestillwild

[andybestthejourney]

It's easy to express so much excitement when you find yourself right where you want to be. @travelalberta #explorealberta

[andybestthejourney]

Discovering the beauty of lights, darks, and everything in between. Somewhere, Oregon. Day 2 of my B&W photo challenge (5 photos, 5 days, 5 nominations) nominated by @wasatchandy. My 2nd nomination goes to the supreme outdoor enthusiast, @jasonfitzgibbon. I've followed this guy for quite some time and his photos always evoke so much emotion through amazing composition and editing. His work is always next level. Not to mention he's a wildlife biologist jam packed with useful knowledge, so follow and learn a thing or two!

[andybestthejourney]

Good morning! I was nominated by my good friend, amazing human, and epic photographer from @goalzero, @wasatchandy for the B&W photo challenge (5 photos, 5 days, 5 nominations). Truly honored! You should definitely stop by his gallery and read his stories you'll understand what I mean quickly. This first photo means so much to me as it was the first time I laid eyes on Half Dome. I was moved beyond belief and the weather couldn't be more perfect. So my first nomination goes to someone that I've followed for years and have been truly inspired by. And after recently meeting him and learning he's a great person to boot, I'm proud to nominate my new friend @carlzoch. His work is legendary to me, and you really should follow his work and passion for life.

[andybestthejourney]

I'll search the world until there's nowhere else to go. #wearestillwild

[andybestthejourney]

It's wise to look back and reflect on the moments that help shape who you are today. Check out my @stellerstories, SUMMER - A Look Back. I take you through a few moments from this summer that changed me forever. Enjoy! Link in my profile. #wearestillwild

[andybestthejourney]

The land before time. I kept imagining what it would've been like to see dinosaurs zipping through this valley. I want to go back in time. If you could where would you go? For full photo crops stop by my Twitter! Link in my profile. #wearestillwild (at The Land Before Time..)

[andybestthejourney]

The final moments of one of the greatest trips of my life. I looked on with a frozen smile and numb hands from hanging out of the helicopter. Mt. Columbia, Columbia Glacier, and Columbia Lake stared back. I tried wrapping trying my head around the significance of the moment, then I stopped and just embraced it. Thanks! @travelalberta #explorealberta

[andybestthejourney]

It's amazing how the mixture of trees, rock, and light can make a person feel so good inside. Watching a warm evening glow reach into the farthest corners of the wilderness is my idea of good time. Hope you're all having a glorious weekend!