The Growing Pains
 

I grew up on a farm in Franktown, Colorado, surrounded by acres of land and trees that became my sanctuary. As a kid, I spent most of my time alone, walking the property and observing the world around me. I never quite fit in with the usual groups, but I found my place in nature's quiet company. There is a silence in nature that you can find but only one other place  and that is your mind.

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Around age 10, my dad handed me his Pentax film camera, and everything changed. I used it nearly every day, teaching myself composition and learning to capture good shots. There were many failures at this time such as: underexposed, overexposed, and blurry shots. I was getting really good at it—until I was told to put it aside, go to college, and earn a living like everyone else.
 

So I did what I was supposed to do. I fell into the "American Dream" and pursued a degree in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management from the University of Wyoming. I landed a 9-5 desk job that slowly drained my soul. Every day felt like I was dying a little inside, and I didn't last long.
 

I went back to work on the family farm and took a second job at a livestock market, where I stayed for 10 years. If I thought the desk job was rough, I was in for a rude awakening. I nearly died multiple times from wild cattle, and the 90-hour weeks destroyed my mental health. Eventually after panic attacks and having been looked over multiple times, I realized something had to change. I couldn't keep breaking my body and spirit just to "earn my keep."
 

The Rising Tide
 

So let's move past the sad, lifeless part and talk about what came next.
 

I needed an outlet—something to pull me away from obligation and ease my restless mind. As a sagitarrius we have to have some sort of a creative outlet, we're not the all work and no play type. I bought a Nikon D3500 and started re-learning photography. Being out in the wilderness again reminded me of the silence I loved as a kid. It awakened something in me: a hunger to explore, to see the world, to really live again.
 

That's when the Grumpy Traveler was born. 

It hit me one day that I could make this something bigger than just me. why wouldn't I share this with people who have the same love for travel?

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My adventures have taken me to the lush landscapes of Ireland, the vibrant shores of Cozumel, and the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska. But there's something truly special about the stunning expanses of Wyoming, where I spend most of my days now.

As I plan to travel more and embrace life's wonders,I invite you to join me in celebrating the little moments and the beauty that surrounds us.

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Let's wander together and discover the magic of our world, together as humans. It's not going to be pretty and polished every time but were going to appreciate it either way.