Better Question: Why Not?

It's been three months since the semester started and another month will pass until it ends.  It is months like these where the redundancy of routine can feel overwhelming.  I'm currently taking 18 credits in school and working my job with people with disabilities.  The monotonous day to day activity can feel heavy, slow, and suffocating. While experiencing these feelings one day, I decided that I needed to get out and experience the world around me.  Not everyone shares my same desire to get outside and explore the world, and often ask me why I want to do what I want to do.  I often find myself giving the most simple answer I can think of, "Why not?"

A couple of weeks ago I took off for a much needed break that included relaxation, the sun, and the beach.

I got this shot while on the short trail heading to Solomon and Honeymoon Beaches.  This is overlooking Great Cruz Bay.  Sailboat anyone?

This is St. John, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it is a spec-tac-ular place to visit.  It is just a short  ferry ride away from the greater populated St. Thomas and is a must see island in my book!  I love traveling and it always feels good and exciting to check another location off the long list of dream destinations around the world.  St. John has about 5,000 permanent residents and, consequently, is much more quiet than most of the other islands.  That was one of the things I loved most about this place; it wasn't overcrowded and everyone had their own space to play.

We are always taking pictures! Alexa snapped this quick shot in Hurricane Hole with our GoPro Hero 2.

One day was spent exploring Hurricane Hole, one of the most sheltered bays on the island.  We set off with our snorkel gear and lunch packed away in our boat's hull.  The day was spent snorkeling, free diving, and enjoying beach time with food and good company.  The water was clear, the coral was vibrant, and it was a perfect day where I forgot all about school and work.  While skimming across the water's surface in our yellow kayak I felt light, strong, and rejuvenated.  I was excited to be outside doing what I love to do.  Whether I'm exploring places I've never seen or places I've seen hundreds of times, the reward is always great.  

Every time I go somewhere, see something, or find something new, I get motivated and immediately start thinking of more places to go and things to do.  Whether I'm climbing, hiking, surfing, wake boarding, camping, fishing, kayaking, swimming, running, biking, or slacklining, I love being outside.  I enjoy documenting my experiences with the hopes that I can encourage others to get out of the day to day routine and see for themselves what this world has to offer.  This was one adventure of many, and there are many more to come. Check back shortly for more updates, reviews, and news. Cheers.

Me, Where I'm At, What I'm Doing

Hey all, welcome to my blog.  My name is Shane and I am from Utah.  I am a senior at Utah State University, located in Northern Utah, studying marketing.  I love everything outdoors.  I continually find myself climbing, hiking, running, biking, surfing, camping, skiing, snowboarding, taking pictures, shooting videos, traveling, and writing.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends and I am always looking for a new adventure. So, what's the deal with this blog and why am I taking the time to write?  I will use this blog to document my travels, post photos and videos, and show YOU the things I find.  I will post product reviews for the gear that I use and try to help any and all who are planning escapes to the places that I have visited.

Utah State University is located in Logan, about 75 miles north of Salt Lake City, nestled at the base of Logan Canyon and surrounded by climbable/rideable mountains.  I've lived here my whole college career and know this place like the back of my hand.  Here are a list of hotspots to check out if you are ever in town:

Logan Canyon:
This canyon, leading east out of Logan, is like a massive playground.  There is something to do in the canyon for every type of outdoor activity.  This canyon has HUNDREDS of bolted routes to climb in the spring/summer/fall and they keep climbers happy for years.

A quick shot I took on a recent hike a couple miles up Logan Canyon.

The ROCKHAUS:
The winters here are very cold and very snowy, forcing us climbers to find shelter while we are in town.  The ROCKHAUS is the local climbing gym and a popular spot to hang out with other climbers on any given night.  It is a relatively small gym, but they've successfully figured out how to fit plenty of climbing in a small space.  The gym has just over 12,000 square feet of climbing surface, 21 top ropes (32 feet) with over 100 routes, 45 foot lead walls, and an upstairs bouldering area.  The staff is friendly and always welcoming newcomers to the climbing community.  Check out their website here: http://www.rockhausgym.com/

A section of the Lead Wall at the Rockhaus gym.

Beaver Mountain:
There is no escaping the winter here in Northern Utah, so the only way to deal with the chill is to embrace it.  Beaver Mountain is the closest ski resort to Logan and it is located about 25 miles up Logan Canyon.  This is a small ski resort with four lifts and small crowds.  It's not uncommon to see empty seats in class or cars carrying skis the day after a good storm, but no one can blame them... After all.. we do have the best snow on earth. Check their website out here: http://www.skithebeav.com/

We get a lot of the white stuff up here, as this shot from Beaver Mountain proves.

Green Canyon:
This place is awesome for riders looking for classic single-track.  This is a local hotspot for mountain biking and trail running.  Green Canyon is 14 blocks north of Logan Canyon and is a great place to go hang out with the crew.  The canyon is littered with great camping spots where we have enjoyed many quick overnighters or late night bonfires.  In winter, you're likely to see nature lovers taking advantage of the cross country skiing in Green Canyon.

View from Green Canyon looking back towards Logan.

These are just a couple things that Logan has to offer, and I'll show you more in coming weeks and months.  I have a couple of trips planned to great places around the world in the coming months and I can't wait to document what happens.  Until then, go outside and see what you can do!