Accidental Adventure
This site didn’t begin with a grand plan. It started because I was struggling with my mental health, and I thought the first step to feeling better would be stepping in the great outdoors. Hiking gave me small victories: one more step, one more mile, one more reason to notice the beauty around me. Turns out, hauling myself up mountains while wheezing like an out-of-shape mongoose works wonders for the soul.
One trail led to another, and before I knew it, I was writing about my travels, snapping photos, and oversharing the blunders. That’s how It Started Outdoors stumbled into existence.
Cast of CHaracters
Our Crew
Two desk jobs, one shared love of adventure. We make the most of every trip, whether it’s a weekend road trip or a passport stamp. Sure, we miss a few turns, but that’s half the fun.
fueled by coffee & curiosity
Chad
I’m Chad, the guy holding the camera, typing up stories, and never ordering the same thing off a menu twice. It Started Outdoors began when I started hiking to deal with depression, and somehow turned into this: a collection of adventures, misadventures, and way too many photos of waterfalls.
Airfare Hunter & Sanity Manager
Tori
I’m Tori, the flight booker, hotel finder, and the person reminding Chad that granola bars are not a full meal. I love exploring new places, but I also love knowing where we’re sleeping at night (someone has to be the practical one). While Chad is busy taking a hundred photos of the same rock formation, I’m usually hunting down the best brunch and happy hour spots for us to try next.
Snack loving, Shoe Thief
Roo
This is Roo, our new four-legged explorer and chaos generator. She thinks every lizard is suspicious and every trail is hers. She’s happiest when she’s on the move, sticking her head out the truck window, or making new friends at a café patio. Roo keeps us laughing, keeps us moving, and occasionally keeps us humble (especially when she decides she’s the one in charge).