I’ve been home for over a month after kind of a wild experience in Ecuador. Pretty damn wild, actually. 6 weeks there, a bunch of days on the river and only a few more miles covered, and even that a fraction of the goal. I’m looking forward to the images and story being shared. It was just one hurdle after another, and the story im sure will be full of surprises. I didn’t take any photos really, but these are a few phone shots by me and the incomparable light-hearted-in-shit-situations @sandymacewan and the perceptive, genuine-at-any-cost @nourianewman, not to mention incredible paddler and teammate on the river. I think there is a great value in traveling the world and seeing its people, cultures, rivers, forests, industries and conservation efforts, among many other things. Which is why I also really question the value, to borrow a phrase from the climbing world but applicable in many/all action sports, of “conquering the useless” on an extreme river trip for the production of entertainment. The time, resources, and human risks of the production define the insane privilege of that experience while there has been and still exists a threat of hydropower development on this wild river. There are communities marching in the streets to protect their remaining clean Ecuadorian rivers, but who will now know? But there I was, just trying to make a few bucks and share an exceptional experience with my pals so who am I to say. Thanks to all those behind the scenes putting it on the line to support and keep us safe on the river @tetongravity @boofsessions and the rest of the crew, I learned immensely from you all. And of course the indomitable @benstookesberry and @eboomer! #tgronlocation @headwaterscollective