Lyndsi + Geoff (and Oatis too) | Joshua Tree, CA

"I wish for the same thing I've hoped for since the beginning. I wish for a life so brave, so unpredictable, so full of unexpected joys and unforgettable love that no box could possibly contain all my memories.
Such a life won't be perfect. It'll be something better.
It'll be my own paradise."
-Patti Smith

 Lyndsi and I met a few months back at a bonfire on the beach hosted by a mutual friend. It was instant friendship as we fell into conversations of photography, traveling, family, and the outdoors (I am sure Geoff and I would have gotten on just as well but his attention was called to igniting the disheveled christmas tree that would soon become our heat source) None the less, its not every day you stumble upon a couple who's views so strongly align with your own. I knew they were keepers. 

Some time later, upon announcing our travel itinerary, Lyndsi and Geoff jumped on board to meet us in Joshua Tree. I should add that these two are the proud owners of an '84 VW Westfalia named Oatis. In their spare time they find themselves most often near the ocean or escaping to hidden corners of the country in their home-on-wheels. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to have them joining us along our journey. 

Our stay in Joshua tree was a desert dream. Long hours next to the campfire, a nearly full moon shining above, sharing beers and s'mores, filling the air with conversations of life and adventure. As dusk approached on our first evening I had the pleasure of photographing these two in their true element: road tripping with Oatis. It is intoxicating to spend time amongst people that carry such love and a yearning to experience a life lived to the fullest. They allow you to think of travel and life on the road with new possibility, reminding you that each of us are capable of cultivating a life we may only dream of living. 

As we parted ways, driving down a dusty desert road, I was left with an intense feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for Lyndsi and Geoff allowing me into the intimate corners of their world, but also for so willingly joining ours. 

The Cabin | a weekend of new memories

" If only there could be an invention that bottled up a memory, like scent. And it never faded, and it never got stale. And then when one wanted it, the bottle could be uncorked, and it would be like living the moment all over again." - Daphne du Maurier

I have found that I have a strong associate between scents and memories, though often not knowing the root of their connection. Only knowing that when I enter a room or walk past someone, something about the aroma will give me flashes of nostalgia, taking my awareness to another time, place, or person of a past moment. 

On this particular weekend in June, high in the Sierra's, with a house full of visitors from far off places, the days took on a strong resemblance to piece from my own childhood.  

The cabin, just as it should be, with people flowing in and out of its doors. The kids allowed to stretch their wings and play among the woods of their own accord. Various toys strewn about the home.  Lingering on the deck under the afternoon sun or the refreshing brisk air of the mornings in the mountains. The sheets of beds are all a mess and suitcases bursting with laundry. There are river walks amongst the towering pine trees to swimming holes and boat rides on warm days with the same horrendous orange life vest worn in my own youth; spending far too long approaching the water due to high stakes negotiations of who will be the first to go in. Gold flakes are collected from the waters edge. With still sandy feet, the girls can be found hammering away at rocks, on the hunt for geological treasures. Movies and sun-tired naps fill the afternoon. Wild flowers are collected from the meadow below. Meals of good food are plentiful and shared amongst all. 

I don't have the proper words to express the joy it was to re-live these days through the eyes of the children that filled this mountain home. There were feelings of nostalgia flowing regularly. But not in the longing for the past, but merely looking back on it fondly; feeling the magic of these mountains that infused my own childhood and witnessing it be whole-heartedly absorbed into the bones of a new generation was the ultimate gift.

Thank you, Posy and Kelly for visiting our corner of the world; For reminding me of the true essence of this home, hight in the Sierra's, surrounded by the kings of trees, rivers that trace its forest floor, and lakes at the ready for a hot summer's dip. It was a weekend of bliss. 

Until next time...