My Thoughts, Ramblings and Ideas

Welcome to the journal — not quite a blog, not quite a notebook. Just a quiet space where I can put words to the images I create and share stories from the road. Sometimes it's a reflection, sometimes a glimpse behind the scenes, and sometimes it's just the thoughts that surface after a long hike, a quiet camp, or time spent off the beaten path.
Think of it as a place to wander — through landscapes, ideas, and whatever else the journey stirs up.

Two Days in Yosemite | Hiking to Yosemite Point
Adventure, Camping, Yosemite, Hiking Andrew Hertel Adventure, Camping, Yosemite, Hiking Andrew Hertel

Two Days in Yosemite | Hiking to Yosemite Point

In January, I took a quick solo trip to Yosemite to explore a few places I hadn’t seen before—including Yosemite Point. It was my first time hiking the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail, and the views completely blew me away. I filmed parts of the experience and put together a short video that captures the quiet beauty of those two days.

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Chasing Fall Colors—A Photographer’s Journey Through Utah’s Backcountry
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

Chasing Fall Colors—A Photographer’s Journey Through Utah’s Backcountry

Join me on my annual moto-camping adventure through Southern Utah, where fall colors take center stage. While black and white photography is my usual approach, this trip challenges me to embrace the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of the season. Along the way, I navigate rocky trails, endure scorching heat, and experience the beauty of the changing landscape—on two wheels, with nothing but a tent and my camera. This blog captures the highs and lows of the journey, blending stories, photos, and video into one unforgettable adventure.

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Adventure to Kyrgyzstan
Adventure Andrew Hertel Adventure Andrew Hertel

Adventure to Kyrgyzstan

In the summer of 2023, I embarked on an extraordinary journey that transported me to Kyrgyzstan, an uncharted gem in the heart of Central Asia. It was a place so incredibly beautiful that it felt like stepping into a vivid dream. Nestled amidst towering mountains and pristine landscapes, Kyrgyzstan unveiled its breathtaking panorama, offering a rich tapestry of history and culture interwoven with awe-inspiring natural splendor. From ancient Silk Road routes to nomadic traditions, this land whispered stories of the past. Yet, it was the sheer diversity of landscapes, from majestic peaks to serene alpine lakes, that truly mesmerized me. My adventure was further enriched by thrilling horseback rides, nights in traditional yurts, and the genuine hospitality of the Kyrgyz people. Join me on this vicarious journey through Kyrgyzstan, where every corner reveals a new layer of wonder, making it a dream come true for any traveler yearning to explore the extraordinary.

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I’m riding my bike from Canada to Mexico!
Andrew Hertel Andrew Hertel

I’m riding my bike from Canada to Mexico!

I’m finally doing it, I’m going to ride my bike over 3,000 miles from Canada to Mexico. Follow along and join me as I bikepack my way down the Continental Divide along the world’s longest unpaved trail, the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.

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