A Not-So-Quick Stop To Photograph California’s Emerald Bay
As a South Lake Tahoe “local” I don’t often come to Emerald Bay because it is always packed with people and finding parking feels impossible unless it is midnight or 2am (yes, that is an exaggeration, but that’s how I feel). However, today, I was headed out of town at the perfect timing and along my drive I saw that Emerald Bay was going to look special at sunset.
As always, the gallery of images is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
How did I know Emerald Bay was going to be worth photographing? There was an inversion layer building, but one that wasn’t too dense, so I could still see Fannette Island. Which meant, staying to watch sunset and photograph Emerald Bay was well worth waiting for a parking spot.
Parked at “the perfect pull out” of Emerald Bay on my way out of town. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
Much to my surprise, the “best parking spot” was totally empty! So, I whipped the van in place, grabbed my camera, and started playing around with a few different compositions.
Whenever the area is not packed, I like to scramble up the opposite side of the parking area to photograph my van and bay to give a perspective not often captured. When you do this, be careful not to knock down any rocks on passing cars or fall off the cliff. You would get seriously messed up!
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
As the evening unfolded, I flew my drone and watched the clouds ebb and flow as if they were an ocean tide sloshing on the shore. Poetic huh?! Maybe, but let’s get back to this for you all.
On evening that are cold with strong winds, flying a drone is challenging as the battery life is shortened. I think each flight I had was roughly 10-12 minutes, in comparison to the traditional 28 minutes under perfect conditions. So, I made quick work of what I could with the drone.
As the sun was setting, I couldn’t quite get everything I wanted from this single spot, so I wandered around to create a few more compositions.
Mostly, those meant using the van to create a “frame” around the island. All in all, I’m happy with how this unexpected stop pushed my creativity and gave me the opportunity to create something new in a spot that I have visiting maybe 100+ times.
P.S. at the bottom is a FAQ for anyone curious about Emerald Bay.
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
FAQ: Visiting Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe
1. Where is Emerald Bay located?
Emerald Bay is located on the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe in Emerald Bay State Park, along Highway 89 (California) between South Lake Tahoe and Tahoma. It’s one of the most photographed viewpoints in Lake Tahoe.
2. Why is Emerald Bay so famous?
Emerald Bay is famous for its deep turquoise water, dramatic granite cliffs, and Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe. The bay is also home to Vikingsholm Castle, a historic Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929.
3. Is there an entrance fee for Emerald Bay State Park?
Yes. Parking lots within Emerald Bay State Park typically charge a day-use fee, especially at the Eagle Falls Parking Area and nearby trailheads.
4. What is the best time of day to visit Emerald Bay?
Early morning is usually the best time to visit Emerald Bay. Sunrise offers soft light for photography and fewer crowds, while midday tends to be the busiest with limited parking.
5. What is the best time of year to visit Emerald Bay?
Late spring through fall is the most accessible time to visit Emerald Bay. Summer offers warm weather and full access to trails, while fall provides fewer crowds and beautiful color around Lake Tahoe.
6. Can you hike down to Emerald Bay?
Yes. One of the most popular hikes is the Vikingsholm Trail, which descends about one mile from the overlook down to the shoreline and Vikingsholm Castle.
7. How difficult is the hike to Vikingsholm?
The hike to Vikingsholm is relatively short but moderately steep. The trail drops about 400 feet in elevation, meaning the return hike back to the parking lot is uphill.
8. Can you visit Vikingsholm Castle?
Yes. Vikingsholm Castle is open for guided tours during the summer season, typically from late May through September.
9. Can you kayak to Emerald Bay?
Yes. Many visitors paddle to Emerald Bay from nearby beaches like Baldwin Beach or Camp Richardson Marina. Kayaking is a popular way to explore the bay and reach Fannette Island.
10. Can you visit Fannette Island?
Yes, but only by kayak or paddleboard. Fannette Island is the only island in Lake Tahoe and features the ruins of a small stone tea house built for the owner of Vikingsholm.
11. Is Emerald Bay good for photography?
Emerald Bay is considered one of the most iconic photography locations in Lake Tahoe. The Emerald Bay Overlook provides a classic panoramic view of the bay, Fannette Island, and surrounding Sierra Nevada peaks.
12. Where is the best viewpoint of Emerald Bay?
The most famous viewpoint is the Emerald Bay Overlook along Highway 89. Several roadside pullouts offer slightly different perspectives of the bay.
13. Is parking difficult at Emerald Bay?
Parking can be very limited, especially during summer weekends. Arriving early in the morning or visiting during shoulder seasons can make finding parking much easier.
14. Can you swim in Emerald Bay?
Yes, swimming is allowed in Emerald Bay. The water is extremely cold year-round, even in summer, so most swimmers only stay in briefly.
15. Is Emerald Bay open in winter?
Yes, Emerald Bay is open year-round. However, winter storms can temporarily close Highway 89 (California), and trails may be snowy or icy.
16. Are dogs allowed at Emerald Bay?
Dogs are allowed in some areas of Emerald Bay State Park but are generally not permitted on certain trails leading down to Vikingsholm or the beach.
17. How long should you spend at Emerald Bay?
Most visitors spend 1–3 hours at Emerald Bay depending on activities. A quick viewpoint stop takes about 15–30 minutes, while hiking down to Vikingsholm or kayaking can turn it into a half-day adventure.
18. Are there restrooms at Emerald Bay?
Yes, restrooms are available near the main parking areas and trailheads, including the Eagle Falls Parking Area.
19. What else is nearby to see?
Popular nearby stops include Eagle Falls, Eagle Lake, and scenic drives along Highway 89 (California).
20. Is Emerald Bay worth visiting?
Yes. Emerald Bay is widely considered the most beautiful location in Lake Tahoe and is a must-see stop whether you’re hiking, kayaking, photographing the landscape, or simply enjoying the view.
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Staring Into The Yellow Eyes of a Short Eared Owl
By no means do I consider myself a wildlife photographer, but, yesterday, I had the chance to "chase" this owl around for about an hour.
Zipping past the bird on a fence post, I said to Kristin, "hey look, an owl."
"Wait, where? I didn't see it." She responded in disappointment.
So, I flipped the van around and checked out the owl.
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Zipping past the bird on a fence post, I said to Kristin, "hey look, an owl."
"Wait, where? I didn't see it." She responded in disappointment.
So, I flipped the van around and checked out the owl.
Then, it dawned on me. I packed my Tarmon 150-500 lens and should put it to use. So, I swapped lenses and attempted to walk towards the owl to take some photos.
It flew away.
Watching the owl hunt, I was a bit disappointed I didn't get a shot, but alas, that happens.
Loading back into the van, I drove off.
Almost back to the highway, "do you want to go back and find the owl?" I asked Kristin.
"If that is you asking for permission to do so, yes, go ahead and turn around." She knows me :-) and with the permission I flipped the van around and drove back to find the owl.
Scaring it away not one, not twice, not thrice, I new I needed to change up the approach.
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
No more walking up to the bird, I needed to stay in the van.
If somebody else would have saw this, they would be laughing and call me an idiot, but it worked.
Hanging outside of the the driver window, I inched forward in the van. Snapping photos every chance I could get just in case it flew away.
Snap. Snap. Move. Snap. Snap. Move.
Until, finally, I got close enough to capture this image with the 150-500mm lens. Now, the waiting game for the owl to turn its head.
Then, snap, snap, snap.
I got it!
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
FAQ About Photographing Owls:
1. What is the best time of day to photograph owls?
Most owls are crepuscular or nocturnal, meaning they’re most active at dawn and dusk. During breeding season, you may also see daytime activity. Great horned owls and burrowing owls are often visible in early morning light, while barred owls may hunt just before sunset.
2. What time of year is best for photographing owls?
Late winter through early summer is ideal. During breeding season, owls are more vocal and active as they defend territory and feed young. Spring also offers better light and cleaner backgrounds before dense foliage fills in.
3. What lens do I need to photograph owls?
A telephoto lens between 400mm and 600mm is ideal. Owls are sensitive to disturbance, so longer focal lengths allow you to keep a respectful distance while still filling the frame. I use the Tamron 150-500mm, however a 70-200mm with a 2x converter would also serve you well.
4. What camera settings work best for owl photography?
Start with:
Shutter speed: 1/1000 or faster for flight
Aperture: f/4–f/6.3
ISO: Adjust for available light (don’t be afraid of higher ISO at dawn or dusk)
Continuous autofocus (AI Servo / AF-C)
Burst mode for action
5. How do I find owls to photograph?
Listen first. Many owls announce themselves before you see them. Research local species and habitat preferences. For example:
Great Horned Owl prefer wooded areas and open edges.
Burrowing Owl live in open grasslands and desert flats.
Barred Owl favor wetlands and dense forests.
6. How close can I get to an owl?
As a rule: if the owl changes behavior because of you, you’re too close. Use long lenses and let the owl remain relaxed. Ethical distance ensures natural behavior and protects nesting birds.
7. Is it ethical to use owl calls or playback?
Playback can stress owls, especially during breeding season. Many wildlife photographers avoid it entirely. If you use it, keep it minimal and stop immediately if the owl shows signs of agitation.
8. Can I use flash when photographing owls?
It’s strongly discouraged. Flash can disorient nocturnal birds and disrupt hunting behavior. Natural light or high-ISO performance is a better choice.
9. What shutter speed do I need for owls in flight?
Aim for 1/1600–1/2500 for sharp wing detail. Owls fly silently and smoothly, but wings still move fast, especially during takeoff or hunting dives.
10. How do I photograph owls at night?
Use:
A wide aperture (f/2.8–f/4)
High ISO
Silent shooting mode
A stable tripod or monopod
Focus on backlit silhouettes at dusk rather than full darkness whenever possible.
11. Why are my owl photos soft?
Common causes:
Too slow shutter speed
Missed focus on the eyes
Heat distortion over long distances
Shooting wide open at too close a focus distance
Always prioritize eye sharpness.
12. What is the best autofocus mode for owls?
Continuous autofocus (AF-C / AI Servo) with animal eye detection (if available) works extremely well, especially for perched birds that may suddenly take flight.
13. How do I photograph owls without disturbing them?
Move slowly. Avoid direct eye contact. Stay low. Don’t approach nests. If an owl is repeatedly looking at you, puffing up, or shifting position, back up.
14. Are owls protected by law?
Yes. In the United States, owls are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or disturb them — especially during nesting.
15. How do I photograph burrowing owls responsibly?
Stay far from burrow entrances. Never block access paths. Shoot from your vehicle when possible. These small owls are particularly sensitive to disturbance.
16. What weather conditions are best for owl photography?
Cold, clear mornings are excellent. Owls often perch visibly to sun themselves after cold nights. Light snow can also create beautiful contrast against darker plumage.
17. How do I photograph white owls without blowing highlights?
If photographing a snowy owl, slightly underexpose (-0.3 to -0.7 EV) and protect highlights. Use your histogram rather than relying on the LCD preview.
18. What’s the biggest mistake beginner owl photographers make?
Getting too close. Ethical distance should always outweigh getting the shot. A calm owl is a photogenic owl.
19. How do I compose better owl photos?
Look for:
Clean backgrounds
Eye-level perspective
Catchlight in the eyes
Natural perches (avoid distracting manmade elements)
Leave space in the frame for the direction the owl is looking or flying.
20. How do I photograph owls in snowy environments?
Use exposure compensation to prevent gray snow. Watch for white balance shifts. Shoot in RAW to recover highlights and maintain feather detail.
21. Do owls return to the same perch?
Often, yes. Owls are creatures of habit and may use the same hunting perches repeatedly. Observe patterns rather than chasing them.
22. Is it better to shoot handheld or with a tripod?
For perched owls at low light, a tripod helps. For flight, handheld shooting provides more flexibility and tracking ability.
23. How do I tell if an owl is stressed?
Signs include:
Head bobbing
Feather puffing
Repeated scanning of you
Flying off repeatedly
If you notice these behaviors, give the bird more space.
24. What’s the best way to improve at owl photography?
Spend time observing before shooting. Learn their behavior. Scout locations without your camera. The more you understand the owl, the better your images will become.
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
A Morning At Hotel Oasis
Last night, I began a new assignment that highlights one of the top 10 dog friendliest hotels in the world (a ranking system I didn't know existed). While none of this mornings photos showcase the countless dogs roaming around, they do showcase the property which is aptly named Hotel Oasis.
February 7, 2026
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Last night, I began a new assignment that highlights one of the top 10 dog friendliest hotels in the world (a ranking system I didn't know existed). While none of this mornings photos showcase the countless dogs roaming around, they do showcase the property which is aptly named Hotel Oasis.
This morning, I took my coffee black and in total silence as dogs roamed the beach. Additionally, I snapped these image of the property as the sun rose, then did a little bit of journaling. The hotel is tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Loreto, yet a short walk to the malecon, which is filled with stores, restaurants, bars, and at the moment an extension of the Carnival ceremonies.
Tonight, I get to learn about the importance of Chocolate Clams to the area and document them getting "cooked the traditional way."
Thank you Baja Sur Tourism Board and Hotel Oasis for trusting me with this :-)
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
I'm regretting coming to NYC without a camera...
Right now, I am in NYC for a few marketing/networking meetings, so I left the camera in Baja. It's bulky and I figured an iphone would do. It doesn't 🤷♂️ sorry for calling you out Apple.
However, yesterday I met with 30-ish brands/tourism boards/hotels at IMM by TravMedia
I'm buzzing.
January 23, 2025
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Right now, I am in NYC for a few marketing/networking meetings, so I left the camera in Baja. It's bulky and I figured an iphone would do. It doesn't 🤷♂️ sorry for calling you out Apple.
However, yesterday I met with 30-ish brands/tourism boards/hotels at IMM by TravMedia
I'm buzzing.
The meetings were short, 15-minutes a pop, but the story ideas that now fill the pages of my notebook light me up from the inside out. Why?
Well, I have always dreamed of sitting down and sharing how I love to tell stories, but felt I never really had access. Then yesterday happened.
Each meeting, I explained how I prefer telling stories and I could see the eyes of people on the other side of the table lighting up.
My preference: start with a relatable human story that is kinda quirky then zoom out to why it matters for the general population.
During those meetings we brainstormed people and stories that are fun, energetic, and visually appealing. Think:
documenting the sea to table movement following a lobster fisherman
reclaiming the connection to the land via foraging tours
stargazing with an astronomer to tell the story of dark skies
Now, the hard part is in front of me, turning these ideas into a reality. Which means:
pitching
fund raising
pre-production work
production
editing
distributing
No doubt, it all can't be done in a single year, however I would love to try.
Thanks for reading and looking at some blurry iphone snaps ✌️
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
iPhone
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Gear Review: A Month Long Road Trip With PackFire, I Couldn’t Be Happier
Kristin and I loaded our converted van and headed for a month in Colorado. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from the trip, but we had a few goals to summit peaks, trail run a total of 50 miles, and spend time around the Estes Park area taking photos and rock climbing. Turns out the weather on this trip didn’t really cooperate with us, but in hindsight, my favorite memories from the trip come from hanging in woods making s’mores over the Packfire fire pit at the end of the day, here’s why.
Kristin and I loaded our converted van and headed for a month in Colorado. At first we really didn’t know what to expect from the trip, but we had a few goals to summit peaks, trail run a total of 50 miles, and spend time around the Estes Park area taking photos and rock climbing. Turns out the weather on this trip didn’t really cooperate with us, but in hindsight, my favorite memories from the trip come from hanging in woods making s’mores over the Packfire fire pit at the end of the day, here’s why.
While there was a fire ban at the end of the our trip that prevented us from having any open flame, at the start of the trip, we settled into the habit of having a fire at the end of each night. Sometimes roasting hot dogs or bratwurst over the fire for dinner and maybe some marshmallows for desert, but we always sat and talked. Recalling our high’s and low’s from the day while Chestnut, our dog, ran around as we tossed sticks and balls for the rambunctious puppy.
Since we are traveling in a van together, you would think Kristin and I would have roughly the same day, but far from the truth.
Often I went on my own adventure and she on hers. When the adventure was something we both wanted to do, we would go together. Those nights around the fire were my favorite.
What I Liked About PackFire:
The backpack container keeps it all in once place and makes transporting easy
Fits in the back of the van super easily
I can use full logs without having to cut them
Easy clean up, just dump the ashes in a trash or dig a hole
Using it felt safe, something I was worried about as it comes in three peices
I typically travel with the small Solo Stove, so this trip was an “experiment” to bring the Packfire and I will say I couldn’t be happier. The Packfire is way more practical for vanlife and overlanding because it packs down and is easy to carry. It doesn’t get the back of the van dirty as backpack holds in the leftover ash, if you don’t clean it when packing the fire can up.
PSA: I was dumb and touched the outside while it was hot and burnt my hand. I was an idiot, but I just wanted to say this so you don’t do it yourself! Long story short, make sure the fire can has cooled before you attempt to put it away.
I know, I waited till the end to say this, but yes, I do recommend the Packfire if you are in the market for a fire can and I would take this over any of the competition (which I have used most of the main competition). The collapsable feature is a true innovation in the space and I don’t know why this hasn’t been done before!
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
Packfire Trip Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Tomorrow I Leave For a 10-Week Project Through Baja, MX
Preparing for a 10-week road trip to Baja is a labor of love. Something will go wrong, so planning a road trip project like this is about building out resources to not get into trouble. This mental freedom allows for more fun and creativity with the camera along the road trip.
December 10, 2025
This journal entry doesn’t have any photos, but a few videos, let me know if you like the change (photos will return in 2 days)
The day is here for me to finally start leaving for the Vamos a Baja project that I have been selling, promoting, and, well, annoying the hell out of all of you for the past few months. If that annoyed you, I am sorry, but on the bright side, the project sold out and I am happy to say, the next 2.5 months are going to be filled with adventures, so follow along on your favorite platform:
If you don’t care about social media, you are a better human than me and I don’t suggest you start. But, this is enough of a rant, so let’s dive into the preperartion required for this Vamos a Baja project.
Preparing for a 10-week road trip to Baja is a labor of love. Something will go wrong, so planning a road trip project like this is about building out resources to not get into trouble. This mental freedom allows for more fun and creativity with the camera along the road trip.
Here is a short list of maintenance for my van to prepare it for the journey:
Get insurance for Baja. I used Baja Bound and the cost was $450
100k check-up and an oil change. This cost $2100 OUCH!
New tires, shout out to Hankook Tires for gifting the Dynapro AT2’s to me. This cost $200-something to install
Have my awning welded as it broke on the last trip to Colorado - a $200 mistake
Fill the propane and buy new water jugs. I now have 21 gallons of water I can hold
There are still a few more maintenance items scheduled for Dec 12th due to delayed parts.
In total, I will be spending roughly $4,000 to get the van ready and if I had to pay for the tires, it would be closer to $5,500!
After I take a deep breath and realize that I am not going to go broke from the maintenance of the van, I looked towards the inside:
Camera gear
Clothing
Surfboards & SUPS
Snorkeling
Camp gear like tables, chairs, etc.
Warm layers (I will be making a short detour to NYC for two events in January)
Fire-pit
Living requirements like pots, pans, food, bedding, etc.
Yup, this is a fully loaded van that is ready to roll down highway at speeds far to fast. I’ll admit now that I am a speeder.
Not all of the packing for the trip to Baja was done in a single day, but over the past five days, the van has been getting cleaned and packed. Today, was just the last full day of preparing for the road. Now, the van is loaded up and we are heading to Baja starting tomorrow.
So, I guess this is good luck to myself in some way, right?! Wish us luck!
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Photographing the Supermoon Over South Lake Tahoe
Preparing for my next project, two months in Baja, I was running errands all day and got caught up in Carson City, Nevada at an optometrists appointment. While the eye-doctor was very kind by saying, “You know you are handsome, model handsome” I wanted to get my contact prescription and head out to photograph the final supermoon of the year.
December 04, 2025
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Preparing for my next project, two months in Baja, I was running errands all day and got caught up in Carson City, Nevada at an optometrists appointment. While the eye-doctor was very kind by saying, “You know you are handsome, model handsome” I wanted to get my contact prescription and head out to photograph the final supermoon of the year.
Kristin watching the final supermoon of 2025 rise above the ridgeline of South Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
Yesterday, I scouted my ideas for the supermoon but all that effort was now wasted. There was no hope of my making the drive to Emerald Bay. So, I pulled an audible and headed to one of the beaches in South Lake Tahoe, CA instead.
Shaving off 20 minutes from the drive, I was able to grab my camera and the massive lens then head for the beach.
I just hoped the alignment would work and the trees wouldn’t get in the way.
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
My shoes squishing on the beach at 4:24 pm, the moon was set to rise at 4:32 pm. Giving me 8 minutes to figure something out.
Asking Kristin, who was forced to join, to stand on a dock while I ran down the beach to see if there could be an alignment, she agreed.
Turns out, it didn’t work. So, I called here — we were out of shouting range — and said:
“It’s no use, do what you want, this beach doesn’t have an alignment.”
“Okay, I’ll walk towards you.”
“Sounds good.”
Southwest Airlines photo-bombing the supermoon. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
Disappointed my work the day before wasn’t going to pay off, I kept trying to find something to create a worth-while image.
As the moon rose Kristin and I tried to create something, but most of the shots were average. Which is okay and expected, only I had wished for more.
A bit bummed, I kept snapping images until at one point, a plane started to fly through the frame.
Within seconds, I shouted, “Whoa! A plane just flew through the frame and it looks rad!”
“Oh, let me see.” Kristin stated. “Oh, that is cool.”
I guess luck was on my side.
While I kept firing off frames, nothing else caught my eye. Not a big deal as the plane shot made me happy.
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Super Moon Scouting In South Lake Tahoe
I was scrolling social media this morning (almost never a good idea) and, thankfully, I follow some science accounts because they posted about a supermoon happening tomorrow. This got my head spinning with photo ideas and figured I would go scouting this evening to see what I could create. Only there was one catch, the cloud cover was so thick I could not see the moon.
December 03, 2025
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
I was scrolling social media this morning (almost never a good idea) and, thankfully, I follow some science accounts because they posted about a supermoon happening tomorrow. This got my head spinning with photo ideas and figured I would go scouting this evening to see what I could create. Only there was one catch, the cloud cover was so thick I could not see the moon.
Arriving at Emerald Bay and realizing the clouds are so thick, this might not work. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
While this plug for PhotoPills is about to happen, by no means is it an ad. However, it should be because this app worked amazingly to find what shots would/could align tomorrow.
Holding the app to the sky, I started to visualize just where the moon would crest over the horizon. Since this moon is at sunset, it will dawn a redish hue as it rises, at least I hope so. Laughing to myself, I have to search google to understand what is going on with the moon phases. Here’s what I have learned:
December full moon is called the “cold moon”
Tomorrow’s moon will be a supermoon, which means it is slightly closer to Earth than usual and looks 15-30% larger at moonrise
Tomorrow’s moon is not a blood moon, but it might look red
Now, don’t get mad at me for all the jargon, I’m just the messenger with a camera, hoping to create a cool image tomorrow night.
So, what’s my plan?
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
After scouting today, which I am grateful for because my original idea would not have worked based on the alignment and terrain, I have a few ideas:
the safe shot: long lens shot of the moon rising
the risky shot: there is a slim chance the moon rises over a road that I can have Kristin drive the van, or her car, timed perfectly for the moon to rise behind the vehicle
the average shot: if the road is busy, I will pivot to a shot with Kristin as the model, the the two trees (photographed below). hopefully creating something cinematic or artsy
If I could do all three I would, but I really wont know the conditions of the evening until very close to the moonrise. At the moment, the weather is predicting clear all day and clouds at 4:00pm. The moonrise is roughly 4:10pm. So, if the clouds roll in, I’m screwed.
Fingers are crossed all works out.
For the most part, the sunset was boring until I turned around. Then, these two were the perfect silhouettes for the burning red sky. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
When I first started this idea of a photo essay and journal entry every evening, I thought it was going to be stupid. Turns out, this has really kicked off my creativity! I guess doing the thing you love makes you happy… who would have thought?!
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey, maybe share your moon photo with me as well!
dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
I Failed By Day Three, So Here's a Flashback to Greece
Day three of my personal challenge to create a photo essay everyday I’m not on production came and went. Turns out, to create a photo essay in a single day, plus write a story about it takes about 2 to 3 hours and somedays I just don’t have that much time. A prime example, today.
But, who really cares? Let’s blow this popsicle stand and head to the Greek Island of Mykonos.
December 2, 2025
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Day three of my personal challenge to create a photo essay everyday I’m not on production came and went. Turns out, to create a photo essay in a single day, plus write a story about it takes about 2 to 3 hours and somedays I just don’t have that much time. A prime example, today.
While my excuse for not getting out is “valid” it doesn’t really matter why. However, my ego wants me to defend myself, so here it is: I was getting a new sliding glass door installed and the contractor needed my help, so, I was lending a hand until 6pm. Sunset is roughly 4:38 pm these days. Aka not a chance of a sunset photoshoot.
Zipping up a large puffy jacket, I headed into the dark with a headlamp to walk the dog. Under the night sky, I considered taking astro photography, but the clouds were thick overhead and the moon, when I could see it, was bright. So, my final option for a photo essay didn’t work.
Walking in the dark, I thought about what I could do and the answer was obvious, but I just didn’t want to admit it to myself. So, Chestnut ran around me in the dark, lit up by the headlamp around his neck, for about an hour. Then, I accepted the obvious: I have thousands of unedited images, why not look through those and write somthing?
With that said, let’s blow this popsicle stand and head to the Greek Island of Mykonos.
Kristin looking like an actress waiting for her long lost lover to return and sweep her off her feet (hopefully that is me 😉😅). Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
As if out of a movie, Kristin and I landed a dream job, the summer of 2024, aboard Clipper Cruises Greek Island hopping voyage. Kristin would be working on some social media marketing projects and I would be creating images and videos about the trip from Athens to Istanbul, with several stops along the way. While I have delivered the project, there are still a little more than 1,000 selects sitting in my archive unedited from this trip.
In many ways the unedited images drive me bonkers because they are good enough for the world to see, maybe even for somebody to license or add to my portfolio, but there is no obvious incentive to edit them. So, they sit on a hard drive and collect dust like a distant memory.
Thankfully, today I was given the reason to off load some of these images. So, thank you to everyone who looks at these images and reads this.
After leaving Athens, Greece, the ship headed for Mykonos’s. A party island, is what I was told. For the most part I knew very little about the Greek islands other than historical accounts and word of mouth. So, I was excited to see what the white building, blue roofed island was actually like. Spoiler, we didn’t find any parties.
For the most part, the island was filled with tourist, but still gave off a slow vibe.
Yes, there was a strip for shopping, but once you left the main corridor that had fantastic gyros and greek salads, the neighborhoods were quiet, navigated by cats, and friendly locals.
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 zoom (they now have an updated version of this lens that I like more)
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
Like most tourist, Kristin and I started our Mykonos wanderings at the Venetian Windmills not far from the port. This spot overlooks the ocean and invokes that sense of wonder I assume most would have felt who grew up on this island; What else is out there? I’m not sure why, but there is something inside of me burning with that question. That desire to see what else is there. Satisfied, that for the most part, over that hill is just another hill, then another. Yet, each time I get to explore, the elation of joy bubbles up.
Looking for a little something more, we walked into the center of town, hoping to get lost enough to find some of the heart of Mykonos.
Windmills, wine, lemons, and food. We hopped for some iced coffee, but if anyone has been to Europe, they know from experience that doesn’t exist.
Along the walk, I surprisingly started to fall in love with the island. I say, “surprisingly” because there is no nature to be found where we walked. Everything is manicured. Everything is a dusty white. Everything has a place.
Surely, we were out of place, but isn’t that the roll of tourists?
Like all good tourists, we posed for photos in front of blue doors. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
Camera in hand, we looked for places to snap images like:
doors
staircases
overlooks
And, I’ll admit, Mykonos has a surplus of all the above. The challenge became finding the “right door”, the “right staircase”, or the “right overlook”. In the end, it didn’t matter. What mattered was spending this time together, wandering the streets of Mykonos in a bit of disbelief that we were both here for work. Traveling together and seeing a place like this.
The only thing that could have made it better would have been some iced coffee while we played a game of chess in some random amphitheater.
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
A Walk in My Backyard with a Camera and a Single Lens
Getting out of the car, today’s walk was going to be short and full. Kristin and Chestnut were joining me for the evening stroll. Yes, it’s day two of my personal challenge to go for a daily photo walk, and this one was a close call. Today was filled with an afternoon of chores; taking Chestnut to the vet, donating stuff to Goodwill, and more boring things like that. The real life of a photographer, am I right?!
December 01, 2025
as always, the full gallery is at the bottom, so skip there if you don’t care about the words
Getting out of the car, today’s walk was going to be short and full. Kristin and Chestnut were joining me for the evening stroll. Yes, it’s day two of my personal challenge to go for a daily photo walk, and this one was a close call. Today was filled with an afternoon of chores; taking Chestnut to the vet, donating stuff to Goodwill, and more boring things like that. The real life of a photographer, am I right?!
Anyways, the day was getting ahead of me, but I packed my camera because I knew this was going to happen. Keeping today’s photo walk close to home, we parked at the trailhead about two blocks from our house so Chestnut could run and I could snap a few frames. Kristin was just along for the ride. Moral support I suppose, or she was feeling some FOMO after seeing yesterday’s photographs.
My watch read 16:21, or 4:21 pm, for those who don’t use military time. BTW I am not in the military, nor was I raised in one, but telling time via military time is one of the best things.
Sunset is roughly 4:45, so I only had 20 minutes to create something. Luckily, the colors were popping like it was nobodies business right outside of the car. Lifting the camera to my face, I snapped my first image of the evening: A golden silhouette of pine trees.
My first frame of the evening. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
My eyes were flooded with the golden light of sunset. While I wanted to stay and snap some more images in the area, Chestnut needed to run, so we continued along the trail to an overlook and let the fluff ball run around, free.
What I Brought On Today’s Photo Walk:
Tamron 28-200mm all-in-one zoom (they have launched a newer model of this, but haven’t tried it yet)
Peak Design Lite strap (I was lucky enough to get the camo version from the Sitka collab that sold out in less than 24 hours and feel cool about that)
“Would you go stand on those rocks so I can take a photo?” I asked Kristin
Without a second thought Kristin responded, “Nope, you’ve taken that before, do something different.”
Damn! Tonight was going to be only landscapes I guess.
While I enjoy taking landscape images, this spot, despite views of Lake Tahoe, is boring without snow. The trees are often in the way and without a drone packed, the foreground is mostly bushes without leaves and dirt.
Not the best recipe for a photograph.
So, I just played around with my camera as the clock ticked, minute after minute. Frame after frame.
Here are some of the shots I tried to create:
A solar flare image - yes, I got one, but it is boring
Kristin and Chestnut walking on a log together with Tallac in the background - Chestnut wanted to play and wouldn’t follow Kristin on the log
A series of Kristin bundled up, cold - she wasn’t happy about these, but I think they are cute
Another moon shot, framed - it worked, but not my favorite
After the sun set, a layer of fog started dancing along the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Follow Dalton on your favorite platform: @storiesbydalton
As the light faded, Chestnut got the zoomies. Terrorizing the dirt, the snow, and barking at us, he sprinted in every direction, often doing circles around Kristin and I. Just the thought of Chestnut and all his craziness makes me smile.
Tonight was good evening walk, even if it was only 29 minutes long.
Looking back, here’s how I could have improved my photo walk:
used the car window to give a sense of place and frame up the golden light in the pines
brought along a drone to reach different angles
taken a timelapse of the fog moving in and out along the north shore
snapped more frames of Chestnut and Kristin
come with an idea other than “to document”
While I am not sure how much this will change the way I shoot, I can say ideas 1,3,&4 are all ways of creating I could have embraced without changing my approach to these photo walks.
Again, thank you to anyone and everyone reading this. If you have enjoyed this journal entry, shoot me an email to say hey: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Day’s Gallery
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
A Late Autumn Walk at Fallen Leaf Lake
Something came over me as I lingered in the CVS parking lot trying to decide if I should continue with the day’s chores or take the Sunday evening off and head for a sunset walk at Fallen Leaf Lake. Looking for some encouragement, I texted Kristin, “Hey! Why don’t you get ready and we go for a sunset hike at fallen leaf?”
November 30, 2025
Something came over me as I lingered in the CVS parking lot trying to decide if I should continue with the day’s chores or take the Sunday evening off and head for a sunset walk at Fallen Leaf Lake. Looking for some encouragement, I texted Kristin, “Hey! Why don’t you get ready and we go for a sunset hike at fallen leaf?”
Turns out, she wanted to stay in.
Feeling the resistance building, I headed home to grab my camera, notebook, and a jacket for the cold.
Looking at my watch, I knew my timing was going to be just after sunset and without any clouds, the sky was going to be boring. In other words, a poor evening for a photo walk. Yet, for the past few months, I’ve been weighed down by my first home remodel and beyond stressed. When I say beyond stressed I mean I’ve got to the hospital three times for a stress induced rash which covers my body from head to toe.
Not pretty.
So, when I decided to pull my camera out and blow the dust off of it for the first time since September, I was reluctant.
At this point, my creativity with the camera has faded away. Ego has created a battle of internal dialogue that I “have to make money” when I pull my camera out instead of just enjoying the cha-chick of the shutter button whenever I feel like it.
While I am a professional photographer, filmmaker, and writer my career has always been focused on the craft of storytelling. I don’t have a trust-fund, so I do have to make money from my art, however money has never been the driving factor for my craft.
So, as simple as taking my camera out for a photo walk that will most likely never make me money may seem, this act has been a first step to reconnecting with my love for the craft of photography.
Walking to Fallen Leaf from the “local’s parking lot”, I was hoping for an epic solar flare with Mount Tallac in the background. This lake has a few dream shots I would like to create, but today was not the day for that. Today was just for fun.
Turning off my music and removing the earbuds, I wanted to hear the lake, the birds, the wind, and everything else.
Dogs barked.
Water sloshed.
Leaves rustled.
I looked for frames, but nothing was good enough for me to push my shutter button.
Wandering out onto some rocks, I figured I would get a different perspective, but nothing. Looking down in disappointment that I couldn’t find something epic. The rocks below the surface of the water caught my eye.
Without putting too much thought into it, I slowed my shutter speed down to 1/2 second and clicked the shutter as I zoomed in and out. Snapped 7 frames, hoping one would be in focus and look cool. Turns out, two of them were halfway decent.
As a glimpse of play returned to my finer tips, I hopped back to the shortline across the rocks which I came then started to look for something new. Ideally, a picture of Mount Tallac.
I tried.
I failed.
I tried again.
I flubbed.
I tried some more and figured I should move on. Nothing was really that great. So, I just walked and let my mind wander. Talking only to myself, I tried to relocate that joy I used to have years ago when all I did was walk around and take photos, admiring the stunning world we are blessed to live upon.
My smile started to return as the rocks crunched under my feet. Looking over my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of the moon shining bright. So, I zoomed my Tamron 28-200mm lens to its max, 200mm, and focused on the moon.
It was a boring frame.
In an attempt to spice it up, I put a tree in the foreground and clicked.
Not my best work, but something I might touch up later.
I had not realized just how deeply exhausted my creativity has become behind a camera. For the past 8.5 years, I have been honing my craft almost daily. However, the last three years have been a slog. My guy wants to blame the industry for not being very profitable or consistent, but the reality is, I lost the love for pushing myself behind the lens unless I was being paid.
For the last two years, I might have had 10, maybe 20, afternoons like this even walk along Fallen Leaf Lake.
A walk with the camera. No need to make money, just go out an click some frames to honor this beautiful place I call home.
If anyone is actually reading this and are thinking I am a troubled human, maybe slightly depressed, I would disagree. While I have lost my smile, for now, I know that deep down clicking the shutter button makes me very happy and writing little stories like this makes me even more happy.
I just need to give myself permission to do more photo walks and let me ego trip around making money go. Find the passion and love for telling stories for the sake of a good story. Not that this journal entry is a good story, but I think you know what I mean.
Those are the thoughts my ego conjures as I take these images fading into blue hour. A battle in the mind fueled by ego and complicated interwoven story of money and art.
For the last 10 years, my business has been profitable every year. I make an above average income and yet my ego is weirdly unsatisfied. Honestly, I have had an issue with my ego for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I excelled at swimming so much that I thought I had a chance of making Olympic trials. However, I didn’t like the human I had to be to swim at that level, so I gave up the dream to be on a team. That lead me to water polo. I was good, but not great. Meaning, I had no Olympic promise in me, but a good chance I could have played pro in Europe, if I didn’t tear my labrum in my shoulder. However, that forced break from water polo gave me the camera, writing, and a chance to retake my childhood dream of traveling the world and telling stories.
My mind races with each footstep around Fallen Leaf Lake. Recalling this past, reliving these past eight or so years of chasing my childhood dream, and recognizing in 2024 I had the privilege of traveling to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle for storytelling assignments.
At 31, I accomplished my childhood dream.
All of this pulls at the ego as I try snapping images of an average lake under average light.
These are not the Pyramids of Giza or the Northern Lights, it’s the mundane. The beauty of nature as nature. Nothing grand and nothing subtle. Just nature being nature.
Maybe, I have just been too privileged these past few years. Or, maybe, the timing is just perfect.
Angora Peak framed by two stumps. I looked for a spot where branches, roots, or something could encircle Angora Peak and it’s reflection, but no luck. So, as I walked around the rocky beach of Fallen Leaf Lake, I settled for this final frame of the evening.
Clicking the shutter button a few more times, I continue navigating the northern shoreline of Fallen Leaf Lake with my camera. Part of me wishes one of these images were print worthy, but that is just ego talking.
Realizing my face stung from the cold air, I started heading back to the car and home.
Along the way, I snapped a few final frames, the one with the two stumps and Angora Peak in the background is my favorite of the entire evening.
But, along the way, a thought stuck me, “What if I did this every day?” This being a photo walk and short story.
My guess, I would start to regain that love I once had for unpaid outings with my camera and I would start having fun. So, here’s to giving it a shot.
I hope to publish a story a day everyday I am not production. If I can during production days, cool, but not a priority.
We shall see where it goes.
And, if anyone read this story to the end, thank you. If you want to go for a photo walk together sometime, send me an email: dalton@dalton-johnson.com
✌️
The Set of Images Worth Sharing:
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Giving Yourself Permission To Dream
As a kid, I dreamed of traveling the world and telling stories, but there was no clear path to making this happen. I had role models who gave me insights into what living your dream life looked like, but no industry connections for telling stories. So, when I started down my path of living my dream life, I looked to my greatest roll models to figure out how they were able to live their dream lives.
Following your dreams is f%^&ing hard!
As a kid, I dreamed of traveling the world and telling stories, but there was no clear path to making this happen. I had role models who gave me insights into what living your dream life looked like, but no industry connections for telling stories. So, when I started down my path of living my dream life, I looked to my greatest roll models to figure out how they were able to live their dream lives.
My Mom: a stay at home mom (very privileged for this and beyond grateful)
My Dad: the founder of a $1M+ construction business
Together, they fostered a loving childhood deeply rooted in chasing your dreams.
My Mom's slogan, "never clip my wings" was often repeated to us and my Dad as a we grew up. She was filled with ideas and creativity that she needed to itch. The good news for my brother and I, it almost always had to do with a new meal or game.
My Dad wasn’t very vocal about is dreams, or vision, but he woke up at 4:00 am every morning, packed his lunch, and headed out the door by 4:30 am, or 5:00 am, depending on if he was going to the gym. Working all day building his business. Returning home sometime between 6 pm, or 7pm. Without knowing it, my Dad modeled the work ethic it takes to be successful.
I gave up all of my worldly possessions and moved onto a bicycle so I could become a student of storytelling.
How does this relate to following your dreams and how freak'n hard it is?
Well, my Mom's dream was to be a stay-at-home Mom and my Dad wanted to build a business he was proud of. So, I grew up watching these two model what it means to chase their dreams. While their dreams were different than mine, and yours, their actions gave me permission to chase my goals.
That permission to chase my dream is critical.
Why?
Well, if you don’t give yourself permission to chase your goals, you are not going to be okay with: 👉the criticism from others when you start
👉the fortitude to push through failures
👉accepting rejection as a not for me
These hurdles you have to jump over can be debilitating. When I graduated college and decided to be homeless so I could pursue a photography career, my friends and family were shocked. Often their words were not kind and stated I was throwing my life away.
From the outside, there is no question it looked like it.
However, I figured I would give this dream life I had visualized as a 12 year old a chance. I knew I would fail and that if I worked hard enough, I could push through.
Turns out, 8 years of being homeless is what it took for my to start living my childhood dream of traveling and telling stories.
Three years into chasing my dream life, I bought this van (with a loan from my Dad that I had to repay with interest) and slept on the floor in a sleeping bag. No shower, no running water, for 18 more months.
Don't let me fool you into thinking everything is sunshine and rainbows. It wasn't.
As a kid, I thought:
👉 people who owned magazines were rich
👉 it was fun to huddle on the bathroom floor for "slumber party" when the power was shut off
👉 playing with the display toys in Target and never bringing them home was normal
Only now do I realize those were sacrifices my parents made to chase their dreams.
Turns out, their actions wore off on my more than anyone could imagine because:
👉 I was homeless, by choice, for 8 years building my career as a storyteller
👉 lived on rice and vegetable soup cooked on a hand-me-down Coleman grill
👉 turned down a full-time teaching gig to live in a car and become a student of storytelling
While the journey has been f%^&ing hard! Building my career has culminated into something larger than I could have ever imagined. All of those sacrifices have been worth it now that I am on the other side.
However, if I had not given myself permission, stuck with my vision, and pushed daily for years, I don’t think I would be were I am at today. In fact, I know I wouldn’t be. Most likely, I would be a teaching math in Watsonville, CA.
The point at which I stated to feel like I had made it.
Photo 1: My Dad and I road tripping to Alaska so I could film my first documentary, Climbing For Furley, which is now on PBS.
Photo 2: My Mom and I in Antarctica. She was my plus one when I headed there for an assignment covering avian flu and cruise ships
While at the start of my storytelling career my Mom and Dad had questioned me so hard about the path I was on I often avoided having conversations with them, these two moments are the catalysts for me and my family connecting over what it is I had dreamed of doing.
After these trips together, they got a glimpse into how I work and the joy it brings me.
So, I challenge to you sit down with a notebook and ask yourself a questions:
What is your dream life (write this out as detailed as possible)?
What does “giving yourself permission” really look like?
How long would you be willing to sacrifice to see your dream life come to fruition?
About Dalton:
Dalton Johnson is a photographer, filmmaker, and writer.
Over the last 10 years, Dalton’s creative work has taken him to every continent, above the arctic circle, and below the antarctic circle.
His travels are documented in a free, weekly newsletter called UnBound, which is written for those daring to build their dream life.
Best Gear We Tested And Liked This Week
Gear is everywhere and it is hard to know what is “good gear” and what is “bad gear” so, I have paired up with a few gear heads to create a space highlighting the gear we personally tested and liked each week. Our gear recommendations vary widely from kayaks to climbing gear to dog treats, but they all have one thing in common; helping you adventure.
Our goal is to share gear that improves your ability to adventure.
Gear is everywhere and it is hard to know what is “good gear” and what is “bad gear” so, I have paired up with a few gear heads to create a space highlighting the gear we personally tested and liked each week. Our gear recommendations vary widely from kayaks to climbing gear to dog treats, but they all have one thing in common; helping you adventure.
Our goal is to share gear that improves your ability to adventure.
Without further adieu, we give you the best gear we tested this week:
Our standards for testing and reviewing at UnBound:
UnBound requires first person experience to review and recommend any product, destination, experience, etc. In other words, you’ll never read about a place or product that we have not touched, used, or experienced personally.
In the case a recommendation is sponsored, it will be clearly marked. With that said, sponsored reviews remain honest and true to editorial review. Meaning we share both, the good and the bad.
If you have any questions, or comments, about the product reviews, you can write me at:
dalton@dalton-johnson.com
Big Agnes Bikepacking Tent - I was one of the first to test
Earlier this year, Big Agnes called me with a desire to create their release promos for a new bikepacking tent, but, if you know anything about Big Agnes, they don’t like fake. So, the plan was to meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the Queen’s Ransom bikepacking loop.
Quick note: by no way is this a sponsored post, Big Agnes doesn’t even know this article is being written.
The crew didn’t have enough time to complete the full route, but we had three days. Which was enough to hit the trail, test the tents, and shoot the required photo & video assets for the launch of this new tent.
So, let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
The Good:
Fits on your handle bars and/or front fork
Second generation of this style, with several upgrades, including the bag with integrated straps for easy attachment
Large vestibule, easy to cook and store gear
The ability to use my bike as a stake, adds a bit of safety knowing I’ll wake up if somebody is trying to grab my bike
Daisy chains for my stinky clothing to dry
…
Heat It - After Bite Itch Relief
Kristin zapping away my bug bite itch with Heat It while camping. Photo by Dalton Johnson
The Germans have made adventuring in bug infested places a bit less itchy. What a strange line, am I right? Well, Heat It has made its way across the Atlantic Ocean and onto American soil with one goal, to stop your bug bite itching. Personally, I didn’t believe them, but it turns out, this “medical device” roughly the size of half dollar works.
While camping a couple of weeks ago, attached the Heat It to a keychain (the Nite Ize “g biner” if you are curious) and tromped through the Colorado woods. Of course, I got bit by a few bugs and they started to itch. So, we plugged the Heat It into our phone and gave it a zap. Instantly the itch was gone.
And for those of you wondering, not the “zap” doesn’t hurt nor does it make any sound. It just warms up the area and breaks down the enzymes a mosquitoe injects into you when they bite.
What Do You Need:
Heat It
a phone with the app downloaded
A simple and easy device with some of the best convenience I have ever found. Now, the Heat It just stays on my car keys, so I always have it just in case.
A few quick FAQ’s from friends since showing it off:
Is the Heat It safe for kids?
Yes, they have a kid mode. While I don’t have kids, I have witnessed a few use the device and they don’t seem to mind. In fact, many just use it as game and zap each other.
Does the Heat It drain my phone battery?
No, I used the Heat It a ton and my battery was fine. When I spoke with one of their reps, they said, “You can use it over 1,000 times on full strength and still have battery left over.” I didn’t fact check them on this front.
Can you use the Heat It on multiple bites?
Yes and you should, that is what it’s for.
What if the itch does not go away at first?
Personally, I didn’t have this happen for me, but if you did, increase the strength and zap yourself a second time. Just give 5 minutes between “treatments”.
Chestnut enjoying an afternoon on the water while SUPing with Dad.
Roka Sunglasses: Clocked in 9 miles yesterday with about 700 feet of vert for an afternoon trail run at 6,000 feet. Turns out, these sun glasses don’t bounce off your face when you run. Novel idea, right? Roka crushed it and that’s why I have been repping their sunglass for the last two years. Order your Roka Sunglasses by clicking here
OutIn Espresso Maker: I made ice cream a couple of weeks back for the sole purpose of having an afternoon affogato as a pick me up. Bousie, I know! But, this wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have the OutIn. As I am kinda lazy and often forget to charge the OutIn, but I figured out the cheat code. Put hot water into it, press the button, and about 30 seconds later, it’s affogato time! Order your OutIn Espresso Maker by clicking here
Bote Paddle Board: Yup, we all know I am sucker for some paddle boarding and I have been using the Bote WULF Aero for the whole summer because it packs small and fits in the back of the van. Order your Bote Paddle Board by clicking here
Backflipping into Lake Tahoe at Bonsai Rock while chilling in the sun on the Crazy Creek AirCliner. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Crazy Creek AirCliner: I have been taking this inflatable chair everywhere with me over the past two weeks because it’s just so dang simple! Two, maybe three breaths, the chair is full. It can float and it’s water resistant, so it makes for the perfect on the go chair here in South Lake Tahoe.
JoGo Coffee Straw: Ummm can coffee get any easier? Instead of using my french press, I have been using the JoGo. Toss the grounds in, add hot water, wait a minute, sip. Refill with hot water for more coffee. My go to coffee right now is from Cat & Cloud roaster in Santa Cruz, CA.
Paka Aire Long Sleeve: In the morning I do some rope flow outside and it’s chilly, so I wear this long sleeve shirt from Paka and it’s unbelievably soft and warm. Perfect for summer mornings outside.
Malibu Sandals: I have to admit, these things look kinda of ridiculous, but I have been loving these sandals at home and in the van. For about a year, I have worn them off and on because they are simple and easy to use. Slip on and stay on. What more could you ask for in a sandal?
Mountain Hardwear Crater Lake Sun Hoody: For the last few days of playing outside here in Lake Tahoe, I have been wearing this sun hoody instead of sunscreen. While I don’t think Mountain Hardwear would say that is okay, I haven’t gotten sunburnt and this shirt is holding up against the sharp rock.
Dueter Guide 24L: This pack has become my go-to for big and small climbing missions around Lake Tahoe. It holds almost everything I need and fits my body really well.
Arc’teryx Konseal SL Hoodie: This hoodie has become my go-to layer that I can’t live without. I’m not just saying that either. While I love most Arc’teryx products, they outdid themselves on this one. It’s warm, the hood makes sense, and it’s so comfortable I wear it like a sweatshirt as well.
Tamron 150-500mm Lens Review
When I drove to Alaska with my dad and later returned with my girlfriend Kristin, one thing remained constant: the Tamron 150-500mm lens was always attached to my camera. If there’s one thing you learn quickly on a road trip to Alaska, it’s that wildlife can appear at any moment. Whether it’s a bear lumbering along the roadside, an eagle soaring overhead, or a moose grazing in a meadow, you’re constantly surrounded by incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Wildlife doesn’t announce itself—it’s a sudden moment, and if you’re not ready, you’ll miss it. That’s why I trusted the Tamron 150-500mm lens to stay on my camera; it gave me the ability to react quickly and confidently.
With the Tamron 150-500mm, I could capture these fleeting moments with ease. The versatility of its focal range meant I didn’t need to scramble to switch lenses or worry about missing the shot. One second, I’d be zooming in on a distant eagle perched at the top of a tree, and the next, I’d be framing a close encounter with a black bear grazing by the roadside. Having a lens like this ensured that I was always ready to document the beauty and unpredictability of Alaska.
Oru Kayak Lake
Kayaking on the Owen’s River near Highway 395 in California. Photo by Dalton Johnson
I never expected to recommend a foldable kayak, but after two weeks of kayaking during a road trip along Highway 395, I’m officially a fan. These kayaks are impressively sturdy and simple to use. When folded, they fit neatly in the back of a van, making them a great option for road trips or limited storage. Best of all, they allow access to waterways and spots you might not otherwise reach. Think of them as a more stable alternative to an inflatable SUP, offering the benefits of a kayak without requiring expert balance.
Initially, the setup felt time-consuming, but with practice, we reduced it to just five minutes. Their convenience and functionality completely changed the way we approached water adventures on our trip. Whether gliding across mountain lakes or exploring hidden coves, these kayaks proved to be a reliable and practical choice. If you’re looking for a way to combine van life and water adventures without sacrificing storage space, a Oru Kayak Lake is worth considering.
Sonos Ace Review
The Sonos Ace headphones have quickly become an essential part of my daily life. Over the past three weeks, they’ve seamlessly transitioned between my writing sessions, workouts, and long flights. Beyond their superior audio quality, they’ve become a surprising companion for outdoor activities in snowy weather, doubling as ear warmers during chilly morning driveway shoveling or dog walks. It’s rare to find headphones that adapt so well to every facet of life, and the Sonos Ace has truly excelled in this regard. The only notable limitation is that they are not designed for endurance adventures like ski tours or running.
One of the standout features is the impressive battery life. These headphones endured a grueling 36-hour journey from Egypt to California with ease, still retaining 25% battery at the end. This reliability is invaluable for travel or long workdays when charging opportunities might be limited. Coupled with their comfortable design and durable build, the Sonos Ace effortlessly meets the demands of both everyday use and more strenuous activities.
My personal favorite realization with the Sonos Ace is that they’ve rekindled my love for music. The immersive sound quality encourages me to carve out moments just to listen—whether lying on the couch and savoring an album or rediscovering tracks I’d forgotten I loved.
Solo Stove
We have been driving around with the Solo Stove Ranger in the back of our converted Dodge 2500 Promaster for two years now and use it every chance we get. The Rangers is the smallest of the Solo Stoves making it the most portable. In other words, this was made for vanlife. Thus far, our favorite trip with the Ranger Solo Stove has been to Sedona, AZ where we camped in the free dispersed camping areas surrounding Sedona. During the day we went for rad adventures like UTV rides, helicopter rides, mountain biking, hiking to caves, and swimming in the river. That trip was a dream come true, but the cherry on top was returning to our campsite each night to have a campfire with the Ranger Solo Stove.
One of the most prominent memories from that trip was waking up and feeling dog tired. We had hiked in a rain storm the day before and were drenched to the bone, so we wanted to have a slow morning and a big breakfast. With the Ranger Solo Stove already set up, we put the cook top on it and started to boil water for coffee, fry some eggs, cook some sausage, and make some pancakes. That was a morning I don’t think I’ll ever forget! You can read about that stellar morning in this article.
Nike ACG Torre Mids
Nike
I’m not a sneaker geek, so when I say I had never heard of Nike’s ACG line, please don’t shoot me. For those of you like me, ACG means All Condition Gear and is an older line of shoes that flies under the radar, but are designed for heavy outdoor use. When the Nike ACG Torre Mids came into my life, I was uncertain at first. Their weight, the suede sides, and the fact that I had never heard of these really made me think twice before taking them outside for a hike. However, I bucked up and took these boots on a backpacking trip traversing Lake Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness.
For two nights and three days, covering more than 30 miles with a heavy pack on my back, I explored the granite landscape.
I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of these shoes!
My feet never hurt. I didn’t get any blisters. The NIke ACG Torre Mids didn’t breakdown, but the suede did get a bit messed up. Also, the high ankle support saved me a few times while on the rock sections of the trail. Long story short, these boots passed my test and I would use them again for day hikes and shorted backpacking trips where weight doesn’t matter.
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I Was The First Tester for Big Agnes's Newest Bikepacking Tent
Earlier this year, Big Agnes called me with a desire to create their release promos for a new bikepacking tent, but, if you know anything about Big Agnes, they don’t like fake. So, the plan was to meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the Queen’s Ransom bikepacking loop.
Earlier this year, Big Agnes called me with a desire to create their release promos for a new bikepacking tent, but, if you know anything about Big Agnes, they don’t like fake. So, the plan was to meet in Phoenix/Scottsdale for the Queen’s Ransom bikepacking loop.
Quick note: by no way is this a sponsored post, Big Agnes doesn’t even know this article is being written.
The crew didn’t have enough time to complete the full route, but we had three days. Which was enough to hit the trail, test the tents, and shoot the required photo & video assets for the launch of this new tent.
So, let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the indifferent.
The Good:
Fits on your handle bars and/or front fork
Second generation of this style, with several upgrades, including the bag with integrated straps for easy attachment
Large vestibule, easy to cook and store gear
The ability to use my bike as a stake, adds a bit of safety knowing I’ll wake up if somebody is trying to grab my bike
Daisy chains for my stinky clothing to dry
The Bad:
I want more pockets. There are already enough pockets, but I’m a pocket guy in a tent, especially if I am sharing a tent
The Indifferent:
The colors. Overall, I’m used to Big Agnes having tents that pop and these tents are more stealth. The crew loved the color, but I was indifferent
My Actual Thoughts:
Who Is The Big Agnes Bikepacking Tent For?
The first question that came to mind when I grabbed this tent was, “Do I really need a separate tent for bikepacking since I already have three other tents?”
Honestly, no.
Why?
I only bikepack one, maybe two times a year so dropping $500-something on a fourth tent for two long weekends a year isn’t worth it to me. However, if I were to go on a long bikepacking trip, say a 30-60 day trip again — I cycled around New Zealand, partway across the US, and a few other longer trips — I would invest in a this tent. Having a tent made for a bike just makes sense.
Knowing this tent exists, when I plan that next big trip, which is brewing in the back of my mind, I would get this tent. Most likely the Tiger Wall UL2.
If you are buying this tent, bikepacking is you main activity or you’re headed out on a longer trip.
Will The Tent Hold Up?
After three days in the desert, I can’t fully answer this question. With that said, every Big Agnes tent I have owned, which I think is roughly 10 or 11 at this point, has lasted several seasons of wear and tear, crazy storms, and harsh ground that would tear most tent bottoms (I’m not a fan of ground traps unless I am cowboy camping).
Also, Big Agnes has a great warranty/repair program, so if something does happen, they got your back.
Final Thoughts
If you are in the market for a tent and love bikepacking, this should be at the top of your list. Very few competitors come close to the comfort this tent provides. Sure there are a few lighter tents on the market, but you will sacrifice comforts like bug net, vestibule, daisy chains to air your gear, etc. While those seem like little things that don’t matter, trust me they make a world of difference!
Bugs suck, it’s nice to escape them and get a good night sleep.
Vestibules are critical for storing gear when it rains as well as cooking in non-ideal weather
Daisy chains… just think about putting on wet gear, from your sweat the day before, that has sat in a bundle in the corner of your tent. Rash-city-baby!
"Opinion" a Poem by Dalton Johnson
"Opinion" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
OPINION
What is that, which I hear? A voice cries out,
to my brothers, to the world.
It screams!
It shouts!
It has an idea, a voice, a thought; which has developed,
over time.
Development which manifested inside, too long.
But where does this voice come from? Is it billowing out, fromme?
It seems to have been noticed and heard. But, what am I saying?
My voice becomes clear, Oh No, That’s Not Good!
IT’S MY OPINION Slipping through my teeth, for the world to hear.
Order Your Copy Today: Buy on Amazon
Order Your Signed Copy Today:
Get your signed copy of 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. Dalton Johnson's first book of poetry. These 51 poems are his critique of American hustle culture told from the perspective of a young man returning to the world after years of living off the grid on less than $500 a month.
These poems capture the internal battle of consumerism, American greed, humans loss of connection with the natural world, and pokes fun at some of the absurd cultural norms of adulting. Each poem touches on different parts of American's superficial society in hopes of promoting the change from group thought to individuality. For it is at the individual level Johnson belives you unlock your true self.
As you read these poems take some time to think about what stirs inside of yourself to find where you can change and grow into the human you want to be today and tomorrow.
Please Note: Signed paperback will be shipping the middle of April, 2025 and should arrive by the end of April
"Death By Societal Norms" a Poem by Dalton Johnson
"Death By Societal Norms" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
DEATH BY SOCIETAL NORMS
Weighed down by societal norms, struggling to stay afloat;
mouth, nearly breaching the water’s surface. A gasp for air, afraid it will be
the last.
Thoughts, dreams, memories, hope, all clear
the mind, as the water’s surface floats too far
above the head.
A flash of what life could have been, if only, societal norms weren't pulling me down.
Order Your Copy Today: Buy on Amazon
Order Your Signed Copy Today:
Get your signed copy of 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. Dalton Johnson's first book of poetry. These 51 poems are his critique of American hustle culture told from the perspective of a young man returning to the world after years of living off the grid on less than $500 a month.
These poems capture the internal battle of consumerism, American greed, humans loss of connection with the natural world, and pokes fun at some of the absurd cultural norms of adulting. Each poem touches on different parts of American's superficial society in hopes of promoting the change from group thought to individuality. For it is at the individual level Johnson belives you unlock your true self.
As you read these poems take some time to think about what stirs inside of yourself to find where you can change and grow into the human you want to be today and tomorrow.
Please Note: Signed paperback will be shipping the middle of April, 2025 and should arrive by the end of April
"Bottled Up" a Poem by Dalton Johnson
"Bottled Up" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
BOTTLED UP
My emotions dwell inside,
Like a glass bottle with the cap too tight, Resting atop a hot plate.
The plate turns on And I get heated.
With the cap so tight
There is no way
For the building gas to escape.
The pressure builds and Builds and builds, eventually The only solution is for
The bottle to burst.
From inside of me,
There can be only one result,
That of death from the shrapnel shards of broken glass.
Unless, somehow,
I can pop my top and Release these emotions, free.
Order Your Copy Today: Buy on Amazon
Order Your Signed Copy Today:
Get your signed copy of 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. Dalton Johnson's first book of poetry. These 51 poems are his critique of American hustle culture told from the perspective of a young man returning to the world after years of living off the grid on less than $500 a month.
These poems capture the internal battle of consumerism, American greed, humans loss of connection with the natural world, and pokes fun at some of the absurd cultural norms of adulting. Each poem touches on different parts of American's superficial society in hopes of promoting the change from group thought to individuality. For it is at the individual level Johnson belives you unlock your true self.
As you read these poems take some time to think about what stirs inside of yourself to find where you can change and grow into the human you want to be today and tomorrow.
Please Note: Signed paperback will be shipping the middle of April, 2025 and should arrive by the end of April
"Rocking Vessel" a Poem by Dalton Johnson
"Rocking Vessel" is a poem by Dalton Johnson published in his first book 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. This article also has a video of Dalton reading aloud his poem. You can purchase this book on Dalton Johnson's website or on Amazon.
ROCKING VESSEL
Rocking atop the deep blue, it floats.
Waves crash into its sides, rocking everything, from side to side, however
it could be empty.
If the vessel is empty, it will float on practically forever.
However, if loaded, it may sink to the deepest, darkest depths. Where nothing is recoverable; where nothing can live.
The catch...
If it remains empty,
the vessel will be worthless.
Transporting nothing, wandering
the ocean till the waves deteriorate its wooded sides, and consume the vessel, to the darkest depths.
So, why not take the risk?
The results are the same, one path, just takes longer!
So, load your vessel and set sail.
Order Your Copy Today: Buy on Amazon
Order Your Signed Copy Today:
Get your signed copy of 51 Poems For Humankind To Think About. Dalton Johnson's first book of poetry. These 51 poems are his critique of American hustle culture told from the perspective of a young man returning to the world after years of living off the grid on less than $500 a month.
These poems capture the internal battle of consumerism, American greed, humans loss of connection with the natural world, and pokes fun at some of the absurd cultural norms of adulting. Each poem touches on different parts of American's superficial society in hopes of promoting the change from group thought to individuality. For it is at the individual level Johnson belives you unlock your true self.
As you read these poems take some time to think about what stirs inside of yourself to find where you can change and grow into the human you want to be today and tomorrow.
Please Note: Signed paperback will be shipping the middle of April, 2025 and should arrive by the end of April