I’ll never forget my skepticism when Jackson said, “Tulsa’s pretty cool.” I was still in school in Jonesboro. He had driven from Springfield to check out the Tulsa area so this conversation took place over the phone. “Oh?” I asked, not buying it. Later that year I had moved to Springfield and Gearhead decided to…
While managing Gearhead Outfitters in Springfield, Missouri, we had the opportunity to meet and work with some pretty cool people. During one interview with a potential hire we learned she had done trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail the very year Jackson hiked. I still find this a delightful coincidence. Aside from her work with…
Over the past month or so we’ve had several customers come in Gearhead Outfitters that are headed to walk the Camino. I always try to pull Jackson in on these conversations when possible, because I can ramble on about the different shoes, packs, etc. we have but will never be able to relate to the…
I’m turning twenty four this month and, wow, that’s strange to write… Again, I’m thinking “Wait, How’d I Get Here??” Anyway, my brother is coming all the way from Virginia to visit and celebrate with us, and I am PUMPED. I can’t wait to show him around this cool city I’ve been calling home for…
It’s hard making friends at this stage in life. We’re young-ish, meaning we sometimes have a hard time deciding whether to go out on the town or curl up on the couch with ice cream and a bottle of wine… the latter usually wins out. Some of our friends are having kids and some are…
I was sitting in the backroom at work last week, scarfing down my lunch when my co-worker Michael came to ask me if I had a minute. I spun around in my chair and raised an eyebrow while I tried finish chewing the bite I’d just taken. “Would you be interested in interviewing a police…
A lot of people talk about wanting to travel. You’ve heard your friends or family members say, “I love to travel. I want to see the world.” And then there’s people that actually travel. There are friends and family members that can actually tell you stories about their adventures. The difference between travelers and want-to-be…
A thru-hike of any trail presents many challenges that most are unaware of. The most exhausting, grueling, and wearisome aspect of this brand of adventure is the mental perseverance it takes to complete such a daunting task. Sure, hiking can be physically demanding but if you don’t have the head and the heart to endure…
Last weekend we took a little trip to Mountain View, Arkansas for a little R & R. Even outdoor retail is madness in the holidays and pretty much Thanksgiving through January is wildly busy . After working loads of hours, last year we took an extended vacation to travel west. However, this year we’re saving…
The recent flood of attention given to the National Parks in the media due to the government shutdown had me reminiscing on our time in Yosemite. This trip sparked in me a deeper longing for exploration that encouraged me to ask questions about my fears, desires, experiences, dreams and goals. I think sometimes we need…
