Tucked away in southern Chile, near the Northern Ice Field, lies an explorers dream: The Baker River. This beast of a waterway beckons adventurers worldwide to test themselves on some of the planet's most formidable terrain and whitewater the planet has to offer. The Baker is fed by some of the world's largest freshwater reserves. A quick tour on Google Earth reveals its impressive scope and the glacial landscape that surrounds it. Note the glacial field on the left of the image below. The river's journey begins calmly, flowing out of Lago General Carrera - Chile's largest lake, known for its deep blue hues. This upper section offers world-class trout fishing and scenic, low-key whitewater rafting. But don't be fooled by this gentle start. Soon, the river transforms dramatically at Salto del Baker, a massive waterfall. Just below the falls, the glacial waters of Rio Neff join the Baker, creating a swirling mix of blue and grey. This murky cocktail signals the start of the intimidating Class V Baker River canyon. Navigating the Baker's canyons is a soul-stirring experience. It’s a true test of a whitewater kayaker's skills and resolve. The stakes? As high as they come. The river's powerful currents demand respect. One rule reigns supreme: stay connected to your kayak, your 100-gallon life preserver. Solid crew and nailing your lines? Non-negotiable for survival. After the heart-pounding canyon section, the Baker mellows, save for one more rapid. Then it's a smooth journey to the ocean, passing through a landscape dotted with local shepherds and lumberjacks and glacier topped peaks. A few years back I was filming a documentary and got the chance to follow some lumberjacks who build rafts from their cut wood, floating them downriver for two days to market at the closest port town. They even build fires on these rafts, sipping mate as they navigate to the coast. The Baker's journey ends at Tortel, a charming town where these wooden rafts are dismantled and carried uphill to the local sawmill. It's a testament to the resourcefulness of the locals. Tortel isn't just the end of the river - it's the gateway to Patagonia's glacier-topped fjords. The town is built into the rocky coast line with much of the local streets being boardwalks over the ocean, made from the wood these lumber jacks faithfully deliver. The locals in Tortel are awesome down to earth people and are always excited to invite you on there small Lancha boats for some exploration around the local Fjiords. If you're heading to southern Chile, make the Baker River watershed a must-see on your list. It's not just a river - it's a journey through one of nature's most awe-inspiring landscapes. #proofofwork #bitcoin #nostr #patagonia #expedition #kayak #kayaking #river #travel #explore #adventure #outdoors #homestead

You guys ever done a multi-day river trip?Great way to escape the news/electronics for a weekend. 💎🏞

Fall in New England 💎🧡

7 years ago, a friend and I were in the Chilean Andes, we hiked up a steep hillside to check out some local biking trails. At the top, he casually said, "I think I'll fly down." I was confused until he pulled out an ultralight paraglider from his backpack. I watched in amazement as he ran off the hillside and smoothly flew down to the valley floor. The next day, I sold my bike, bought my first glider, and adopted flying as a new sport for exploring the mountains. My two close friends and I bought wings together and took classes at a local paragliding school. The first steps off the cliff into the breeze is a surreal weightless feeling. Our learning process wasn't without incidents and some very close calls prompted us to dedicate more effort to learning techniques, meteorology, and flying more often in easier conditions. I wanted to be safer through knowledge and experience. Risk to reward ratio became a major driver behind all flying missions. Mountains vary a ton in weather and conditions so paragliders come in various sizes to accommodate different styles of flying. We quickly learned it was good to have a quiver to enjoy different weather conditions. A wing for mountain cruising and long distance And a wing for high-speed descents and high speed wind. As experienced kayakers, we could visualize air flow like a river, helping us progress quickly. We soon began tackling big mountain hike and fly goals in our backyards. I started carrying a wing in my car trunk wherever I went, flying at official sites (where I could find them) and plenty of unofficial ones too. One of the coolest things about paragliding is hiking up a mountain and flying back down to your car. Going to the ocean? Bring the wing. Great way to explore the beach. (Thanks for the Commentary Eli 😂) I even used my mini wing to tow myself to the top of some epic backcountry skiing. https://v.nostr.build/ggYlVupUGM04VtZA.mp4

 There is something beautiful about traveling with a small extra backpack that lets you fly around and see new locations from above. It's a call to hit the road and go exploring with any free time. If you're interested in paragliding, here are some tips to hopefully help you avoid mistakes I made: •⁠ ⁠Take lessons •⁠ ⁠Buy a wing matching your experience level •⁠ ⁠Fly with better pilots who can advise you •⁠ ⁠Always fly with a GPS beacon •⁠ ⁠Always carry a parachute & first aid kit with tourniquet •⁠ ⁠Fly in late afternoons for dampened, easier conditions - Know that is is totally ok to pack your wing up and walk away from a flight aka take your ego out of it. Paragliding is an incredible sport/hobby that offers unique perspectives and pairs well with hiking and skiing in large mountains or beach life. Keep present that safety and proper training are crucial to enjoying your time in the air. Happy flying! #Nostr #photography #paragliding #mountains #outdoor #hiking #flying

There are two kinds of people in this world. Sauna people and hot tub people.

Each autumn, we migrate south to Patagonia – not just for its untamed beauty, but as a testament to sovereign living. The unspoiled wilderness speaks a language our souls understand. We've established our own 'node' along a deep blue river there. It's more than a camp; it's our proof-of-work for harmonious, self-reliant existence. Where nature and personal sovereignty intersect. Everything we have onsite needs to be floated in across the river. Water, the lifeblood of any camp. With the help of a great friend, we built running water systems and reservoirs to sustain all the water needs of our camp. In this digital age, even the wilderness needs a connection. We bridged worlds by setting up Starlink internet access for remote work and communications purposes. Starlink = Game changer We built a crow's nest hideaway nestled in the trees. Yoga spot, thinking perch, great spot to chill after a plunge in the river. Our crown jewel: a geodesic dome tent. Light enough to float across the river, yet durable enough to withstand Patagonia's temperamental weather. We sourced materials locally and repurposed what we could. The milled oak was beautiful but heavy. We pivoted to galvanized steel framing for the base, a reminder of staying flexible and to search for solutions through technology gains. Most of our interior beams came from river driftwood, collected and floated to camp. Nature's discards became our treasures. A wood stove for warmth, electric wiring for light, and running water for comfort. Simple luxuries that make a world of difference in the backcountry. This project is our commitment to a new way of living – one that respects both natural law and individual sovereignty and a “camp” that is robust enough to host our friends, family, and more!

First kayak descent of the Wailuku river in Hawaii. What a wild place to flow through and end up in the ocean. We walked raptor falls and rainbow but ran everything else.

What do you see?

Summer in the hills. Don't forget to touch grass people! 🧡💎

Go Merino wool when you can. That is all. 💎🧡

Pup is healthy and growing fast!

One of my favorite quotes from a conversation between two absolute legends. #travel #mountains #river #forest #photo #photography #photostr #nostr #lifestyle #bitcoin #homesteading #homestead