Before we jump into the main questions, could you start by telling our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I am uh… let’s just say, GenX years old. I have been creating on YouTube for 5 years now, and camping in my 5th gen 4Runner for the past 3 years. In addition to camping, I love cooking, building things, and I’m a bit of a plant nerd. I also work full time as a UX Designer.
Ames is my partner of 9 years. She can be seen in some of the videos — a LOT in the home renovation episodes. We have 2 dogs, Gunther and Holland. After 20+ years of desert dwelling, we recently relocated to the Pacific Northwest. We also have a chonky tabby cat named Douglas.
01) What first sparked your love for the outdoors and camping?
As an only child of a working mom, I had a lot of alone time to run free. Since this was the old days, before the internet, I kept myself entertained by kicking around the woods, climbing trees, swimming in the lake, and fishing.
I actually hated camping at this age. It was hot, boring, and full of mosquitos. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I was convinced by my friends to try it again. Even though it was often rainy and muddy, somehow, it was more fun. It was also at this time that I was introduced to pieiron cooking! I think the challenge of cooking over fire made it more interesting. The addition of camping beers probably didn’t hurt either.
02) What’s been your most memorable camping trip – or camping spot – so far? Why?
My favorite spot is probably the cliffside one that overlooks Sedona. It was challenging to get to and windy, but the views, especially in the morning, were absolutely stellar.
03) You are the master of pie iron cooking! What is your favorite recipe so far? And do you think you will ever come up with a “Shoestring Martha Cookbook”?
As you may have noticed, I have a bit of a sweet tooth, so it has to be one of the crisps, cobllers, or upside down cakes — probably the peach upside down cake. It was easy and used the delicious super ripe peaches from our tree. I will miss those, for sure.
I do have a cookbook of sorts on the agenda. Though I’m reluctant to call it a “cookbook,” as I measure nothing and cooking over fire is so variable. It’ll probably be more of an ideas and tips book — if I ever get around to it.
04) Gunther is adorable, but are there any challenges that come with traveling with a dog?Thanks! I love that little boy so much, but he definitely adds some constraints to our trips. The biggest is probably planning where we can go, as far as trails and parks that allow dogs, and establishments that are dog-friendly.
Also, making sure that he is safe and comfortable. I generally plan around the weather anyway, but having him with me means that I have to be especially cautious about the heat and that he’s properly hydrated.
But overall, I couldn’t not have asked for a better travel companion. He is so chill and doesn’t really wander off. The 4Runner is his safe space. When he’s tired or I need to walk to the restroom, he is happy to curl up inside.
05) What was the biggest culture or climate shock when you moved from Arizona to the PNW?Climate-wise, obviously the rain. We moved in February. It rained so much and even snowed. We knew it was wet, but I feel like we chose an especially rainy year. However, we don’t mind it at all.
Culturally, it’s just that everyone is so nice and seem so empathetic. One big interaction where you can really see it when you’re driving. Drivers let other drivers merge, leave space at intersections and driveways for cross-traffic, and are mindful of pedestrians and cyclists. I don’t know if that’s a PNW thing, or just NOT being in major metropolitan area of 7 million people.
06) What inspired you to start your YouTube channel?
At the time, we were on a debt-free journey, which entailed severely cutting back on expenses, as well as earning extra income. Enter: YouTube.
Initially, it was intended to be about gardening, cooking, DIY, and crafting. That’s a pretty tough space to compete in. A couple years in, the channel still wasn’t getting much traction.
Around that time, I was also looking for ways to disconnect, unwind, and have some alone time — as well as give Ames some alone time. I planned monthly nature getaways, whether that be a hike, mountain bike, or camping. I ended up just doing camping.
I saw other YouTubers documenting their trips, so I thought why shouldn’t I do the same?
Turns out, I enjoyed filming those trips way more than that other stuff.
07) How do you balance enjoying nature and relaxation, while also filming for YouTube
That is a tough one. The irony is that I started camping to disconnect from digital life and focus on the now, and here we are. I’m using digital media to document my experience for the future and for other people. My compromise has been to dedicate at least a few hours of each trip for “cameras-off” time.
08) What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when growing your channel?
I would say trying to grow organically and while remaining authentic. That is, supposedly the secret sauce to success on YouTube is to have a specific niche of content. Sticking with that particular niche helps you be found, especially if it’s a topic that people search for.
People don’t tend to search for my type of content. It has to be suggested to new people, based on other things they watch. Since I not only do camping, but also DIY, 4Runner mods, and some travel. The algorithm has a tough time figuring out whom to recommend me to, so I depend a lot on word-of-mouth, and I’m a terrible self-promoter.
09) What advice would you give to someone who wants to start an outdoor-themed YouTube channel?
I would say, don’t worry about what everyone else is doing or what people will think. Just show your true self, what brings you delight, and what frustrates you. Who you are will resonate with a certain group of people. It may not be a massive group of people, but they will be the most loyal and supportive and should be cherished above all.
