Zenbivy

Erik Engstrom June 30, 2022

This season lacks backpacking, but it’s been full of car camping.

With more projects coming up and the outdoor bug still itching, I had to find a way to satisfy my hot girl summer. I don’t know what that means, but it’s provocative. So I’ve teamed up with Zenbivy. They have surpassed possibilities with ‘comfortable outdoor sleeping.’ In fact, I think they’ve revolutionized it!

They offer multiple all-in-one sleep systems. I went with MotoBed. It includes a combo sleeping pad (air and foam), synthetic sleeping quilt, and hood. No lie - this system will probably become my go-to car camping setup.

If you’re a fan of camping and want a convenient sleep system, I’d strongly recommend their gear. Hopefully, I’ll check out their backpacking setup in the future!

Elkhart Aframe

Erik Engstrom February 3, 2022

Way up north in Wisconsin lies Elkart. Most well known for Road America and The Osthoff Resort. But just 5 minutes from the lake is home to the Elkhart Aframe. New photographer friend Jon Kreye and I were excited to stay at this unique Airbnb and explore the local area.

When we first arrived at the house, we were greeted with a lovely letter from Erin and Patrick, the owners. I always love the hospitality owners put into their homes.

Erin and Patrick moved from Portland, OR, a few years back and show their fun, colorful personalities all over their house. You will also find some of Portland’s specialty coffee in the kitchen. Please and thank you!

Right away, Jon and I toured the cabin, appreciating a few details: the classic aframe style, the dark wood, the folklore wallpaper in the master bedroom, the pop of color in each room, the plants around the house, and the accessibility to town and local hiking/outdoor areas.

After we made ourselves at home, Jon was so excited to share his Airbnb tradition by reading entries in the guest book. I loved it!

We explored the shelving full of games during our stay, indulged in documentaries (The Alpinist & Under an Arctic Sky), had dinner with Erin and Patrick one night, and flew the drone around a lot. Maybe we got the drone stuck in a tree… Perhaps we were throwing sticks at it for 45 minutes in 11-degree weather… who is to say?

I would highly recommend you check out the Elkhart Aframe. Whether you want a cozy, secluded weekend away or want to experience some Wisconsin gems - Check out this aframe.

Jon and I appreciated a few local attractions: hot chocolate at Off the Rail, visited an ice path to Sheboygan’s lighthouse, witnessed many snowmobiles out and about, and my favorite - walking on the frozen Manitowoc River to see Cato waterfalls. It was so beautiful and cold, and my leg did fall through the ice at one point. That was a bummer. However, it did not detract from the fun time Jon and I had.

Exploring the area

3 Weeks Across Country

Erik Engstrom August 25, 2021

July 1-23 without work, with minimum cellular service, and with so much curiosity.

This summer I took most of the month of July off to road trip the U.S. with my girlfriend, Haley. Staying in 7 states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Utah, California, Oregon, & Washington) - we packed up her Subaru Forester, compiled our camping gear, connected with family members for places to stay, and started plotting all the national parks and hikes we wanted to do. Thus began our adventurous spirits

These are just a few of the images we collected and no where near showing all the locations we stopped and views we saw. We have so many Polaroids as well. But come visit my page and see just a taste of what we accomplished.

Devil’s Head, CO.

Our first good hike was near Castle Rock, CO. We had been staying with Haley’s aunt and uncle and they proposed to us this beautiful hike: Devil’s Head Trail. I called up an old college buddy, Merritt, asking if he wanted to join us. He drove his girlfriend’s Mini Cooper from Colorado Springs and we made our way to the trailhead.

Merritt and I made it a habit in college to get outside. Whether we were hiking, canoeing, or just photographing one another and having fun. The great outdoors was a way we always connected. No longer in the Midwest, we’re still bonding and making memories in this wild beauty.

The drive to Gunnison, CO.

A quick 4 hour drive to Gunnison, where Haley went to college. The views were insane.

Capitol Reef National Park.

Our trip was full of surprises. We thought we had planned everything out. The car was full of our camping gear if we needed to stop due to long driving hours. Our original arrangement was to drive from Gunnison, CO to Sequoia National Park in CA. That drive turned out to be a little much for us. As we drove through Utah we knew we needed to stop. We ‘accidentally’ found our way in Capitol Reef National Park where we had the most enchanting and haunting experience cooking our dinner.

In the park we discovered a free camp zone that was completely abandoned. Pulling the car over and unpacking our cooking gear, we started to make noodles. As the water boiled the settling sun disappeared, the silence was growing more eerie, but we were growing more in wonder by the sandstone landscape. The wandering animal sounds at dusk made us on edge the entire time. “Is this the night we run into wildlife?” Thankfully we remained alone.

After our meal was consumed, we decided to drive further into the park to another campground. We pulled up to a further campground in the late hours of the night, made camp by head torch, and quickly fell to sleep. When we awoke, we couldn’t believe our sights. Yet again, another gorgeous spot.

Utah you are charming from every angle.

Sequoia National Park.

There were many life lessons Haley and I learned on this trip. Some problems are outside of our control. We had entered Death Valley on the second hottest day in 30 years. Our campground in Sequoia wasn’t open until the following day. We needed a place to stay and as the heat rose so did our impatience. Both of us wanting a good night of rest but Mother Nature chose to bring conflict between us.

After hours of searching for a rest stop, campground, anything - we found a place to sleep well. The next day we drove into the park discussing the night prior. We made a promise to one another about making wise decisions during extreme heats and extreme colds (for the future). AND when in conflict about situations outside our control, remember to fight for one another.

The trip wasn’t all glamour but through toil character is made. Finally we were able to enjoy big trees.

On our second day in the park, we traversed the Lake’s Trail. We had our water bladders full and trekking poles in hand. Haley stole my Outdoor Voices hat for the trek and we’re off.

Switchbacks, lookouts, tree lines, and a dip in Heather Lake.

Sequoia you were a favorite from our road trip.

Washington.

The last week of our trip we bunked with my cousin Alex and his rambunctious family. It was a blast! The first night we slept in a boat, the following day we collected crab pots for dinner, and we enjoyed authentic conversations over drinks. The next morning I awoke and red a children’s book to the kids.

Washington has to be one of the most beautiful states of all.

Counting the joys. I can’t believe this trip happened. I can’t believe the people Haley and I met. Or the places we experienced. But it was all TOO GOOD.

We are looking forward to the next wild adventure.

Alfresco Fortresses

Erik Engstrom May 20, 2021

Have you felt the trap? I have.

2020 lingered with many shocking realities in our world. And 2021 has kept us inhabiting our households as the world slowly begins to open up again. I can’t tell you enough how glad I am that spring/summer is welcoming us with open arms. An opportunity to sneak away from the suburban hustle and find an excuse to wander lands I’ve never seen.

While I’ve grown up in Illinois, my exploration of its natural beauty is very limited. I’ve traveled the PNW, the East coast, and overseas. But Illinois, I have sadly lacked roaming your land.

I’m changing that.

When 2021 began, I made an oat to see more of the Land of Lincoln. Already, I have gone camping in the Midwest’s “Garden of the Gods.” Located in Shawnee National Forest. I have traveled to at least 12 forest preserves. And I plan on visiting more! But this is the time to sojourn Illinois’ alfresco fortresses.

So every moment that I have off of work, a couple of free hours, or a weekend free - I’m heading outside.

I’ve been to Starved Rock in the past. But never have I heard about Matthiessen State Park. Literally just 5 minutes away from Starved Rock. A quick Google search for Illinois’ best outdoor locations brought me to this gem.

Growing up, I never imagined my state hosting such charming locations. Canopies of trees overhead, miles of hiking trails, and even waterfalls that make you stop and stare.

These simple travels outside remind me two simple things - be grateful for what we have and love the Earth.

Long Time Coming

Erik Engstrom June 1, 2019

This page is probably long overdue.

I remember when I first started taking photos for people. There was a rush of adrenaline. My sophomore year of high school I had sold my first few prints. It was one of the most exciting moments of my life. “People want to buy my work? What!” It was very humbling. I had no training in photography. After many years and many seasons of fumbling around the camera, I know I love photographing stories.

As I transitioned into college I continued my passion for photography. I started photographing for companies and picked up more opportunities to photograph for people. Again I was shocked that people wanted to hire me. Alas, I came and I worked. Over the years I’ve had great photography teachers that have encouraged and challenged me. It were their challenges that benefited me the most. I don’t settle for the status quo; I don’t like following trends of photography. I always try to be original in my style. Thankfully, even if my photography teachers didn’t always like my style, they appreciated my willingness to be uncomfortable.

Without marketing myself as a photographer I have been blessed to work with amazing organizations, churches, events, and people. I love what I do because I get to meet wonderful people and capture their stories - through my lens.

Will you join me on this adventure?

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