The Dirtbag Diaries

When immigration enforcement raids came to Los Angeles, Vanessa Herrera was packing her two kids into the car to head out on a rafting trip on the Klamath River. On their trip, Vanessa ponders the duality of being a Latina river rat and wonders how she can ensure her boys feel at home in their country’s wild places.  Support comes from Kuat Racks  Oboz  Darn Tough Free shipping on any order with code DIRTBAG Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order.  Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today.

Nate George, owner-operator of Fenrock Climbing Center who built a community bouldering gym from a potato shed. He talks about discovering climbing and a life-changing Fontainebleau trip. He shares how he bootstrapped the gym, moved into a huge cold-store, and used grassroots marketing to grow. He describes outreach to local youth, helping neurodivergent kids, and plans to expand staff and impact.

Rebecca Ramirez, musician and conservation-minded fly angler who plays bass in Par Avion, recounts a backcountry trek into Tehippity Valley. She talks about learning fly fishing, confronting fear on big approaches, the choice to cut hooks and try hookless flies, and the emotional weight of harvesting versus releasing fish. Short scenes of music and wilderness moments thread the story.

What does it take to create something that lasts? Kathy Karlo is the executive director of No Man’s Land Film Festival, the first film festival by and for women and genderqueer adventurers. Kathy talks to Diaries producer Lauren DeLaunay Miller about staying scrappy, finding hope through community, and securing a vibrator sponsorship.  No Man’s Land Film Festival is in Denver Saturday, March 7th. Support comes from Oboz Love Hiking Darn Tough Free shipping on any order with code DIRTBAG Ka’Chava Go to https://kachava.com and use code DIARIES for 15% off your next order.  Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries. You can join today.

Carrick Gamble, a New England writer who loves wild ice skating and local winter traditions. Brooke Maushund, an outdoor storyteller who skis backcountry and travels to Patagonia. They share tales of skating black ice and community rinks. They recount impulsive hut trips, approaching Fitzroy, and how changing winters shape emotion and adventure.

Alex Honnold, professional rock climber famed for free soloing, walks through his live solo of Taipei 101. He recounts improvising moves on the facade and managing slick, windy conditions. He talks about using the spectacle to pace himself, handling media attention, and how the climb fit into a larger week of training and family time.

Justin Krompier, a landscape and lifestyle photographer who overcame a long struggle with addiction, shares his inspiring journey. He reveals how watching the film 'Wild' triggered his path to recovery. Justin discusses leaving a stable job for van life and photography, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and community in his life. He describes the beauty of landscapes he captures and offers insights on using Instagram as a portfolio. Through challenges, he continues to find joy in storytelling and gratitude for his new path.

Professional adventure cyclist Sarah Swallow shares her exhilarating journey bikepacking the Golden Gravel Trail, a new route from Oregon to the Rockies. She opens up about battling anxiety, the physical and mental prep involved, and her emotional encounters with nature, including a memorable herd of elk. Sarah compares this trail to others she's tackled and reflects on the lessons learned regarding impermanence and managing discomfort. With insights on making bikepacking more accessible, her stories inspire future riders to embrace challenges.

Andy Cochrane, an outdoor storyteller and trail runner, shares his inspiring journey of creating the 50 Classic Trails project. He recounts how a long run sparked the idea and led to teaming up with fellow runners Ian MacLellan and Ricky Gates. They navigate the definition of a 'classic' trail while prioritizing U.S. ecological diversity. The trio discusses the importance of community involvement, trail stewardship, and their collective visions, culminating in a heartfelt reflection on the project's impact.

Taylor Mihalik, a biology teacher in Central California, leads inspiring outdoor field trips for her students. Her journey into bikepacking began with a long trek on the Tour Divide, pushing her limits and fostering optimism. Joined by Dan Connell, a bikepacking expert, they discuss the balance of teaching and racing, the transformative power of outdoor learning, and Taylor's struggle with fear and injury during the race. Her adventure captivates her students, inspiring them to embrace nature and biology.