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By Scott F McGee

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Galleries
Adventure Blog
- Adventures with FJ Cruiser Overlanding
About
Contact Us

Forest Landscapes

Fine art photography of forest landscapes. Rain forests, temperate forests and places with lots of trees.

Recent UPP Posts

FJ Cruiser Overlanding – Trial Run in Anza-Borrego November 15, 2019
Who Is Building Our Skoolie? November 3, 2019
Global Climate Strike 2019 September 22, 2019
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 5 – Accessories March 18, 2019
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 4 – Camp Kitchen January 14, 2019

UPP on Instagram

undrpressrphoto

Professional wilderness, nature, & adventure photographer. I focus on the wild under pressure from Climate Change & humans. Based in Carlsbad, CA.

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A new FJ Cruiser overlanding blog and video is up! Link is in bio.

In between Part 3 and Part 4 of our FJ Cruiser overlanding build-out, @CrtrGrl and I did a trial run of our new roof rack and roof top tent. We wanted to try out sleeping in the tent and the new roof rack. Our plan was to do a couple of nights of dispersed camping out in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and try things out. While it was beautiful there, the wind was stronger than we were and we had to retreat!

#FJCruiser #overlanding #overlandbound #expeditionvehicle #overlandjournal @frontrunneroutfitters #overlandbound #rooftoptent @tepuitents @arb4x4usa #longexposure_shots #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth #moodnation #visualambassadors #OutsideCulture

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Happy 5th Anniversary to my partner and soulmate, @CrtrGrl! When I got to know you, I knew that I'd found the perfect partner. Your passion and empathy has inspired and changed me. I love you! .
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We recently took a day off up here in NorCal and went hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park (@lassennps). What an amazing and alien landscape! .
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Here's to many more years of adventure together!

#travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth #nationalparkgeek #optoutside #moodnation #visualambassadors #belyvly #OutsideCulture #hiking #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #womenwhoexplore #womenwhohike

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A seagull rests on a warning sign at San Onofre State Beach, CA. This was @CrtrGrl's and my first and only time at San Onofre State Beach and I loved the sound that the ocean made as it rolled in over the beach rocks.

After almost a month in NorCal, I'm really missing the beach! We fall asleep every night to the sound of ocean waves, but now it's from a speaker. Instead, we have the birds, squirrels, foxes, rabbits and deer to keep us entertained. :)
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#ocean #sunset #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth
#nationalparkgeek #moodnation #visualambassadors #belyvly #OutsideCulture

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I haven't done underwater photography in a while, but at least I got to visit some tide pools up in Port Townsend, WA recently!
These yellow and pink anemones were exposed at low tide at Fort Worden State Park, sitting in a small pool of salt water. As the tide goes out, the entire Puget Sound water basin partially empties out, creating strong currents, but no waves.

#uwphoto #discoverocean #underwater #PADI #scubadivingmag #sportdivermag #thebarefootwalker #underwateremotions #discoverocean #pnw #pnwonderland #ThatPNWLife #WanderWashington #washingtonexplored #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust @instagood

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Peace. Thinking back to our backpacking trip in @olympic_nps earlier this year, that's what comes to mind. Beauty, nature, wonder. All of the amazing scenery and wildlife. We must protect it all for future generations.

@CrtrGrl stares up in awe at a large western hemlock tree at the beginning of our backpacking trip in Olympic National Park, WA.

#travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #earth_shotz #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #nationalparkgeek #visualambassadors #belyvly #OutsideCulture
#pnw #pnwonderland #ThatPNWLife #WanderWashington #washingtonexplored #tree_brilliance #HerPNWlife #womenwhoexplore #womenwhohike

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#Repost from @crtrgrl with @regram.app ... The man @undrpressrphoto & I will be ending our Carlsbad life in just a couple of days & beginning our new lives, starting in Shasta County. There, w/ the help of our family, we will be building out our tiny home bus, @skooliewoolie & begin our mobile pet photography business @forest2seapetphotography.
We're working on another idea as I write this post, but it's still in its beginning stages. I'll keep you posted.
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Our goal is to settle in the #PacificNorthwest & enjoy a life, off grid, surrounded by wildlife, volunteering whenever, wherever we can to help our planet. All the while, earning passive income from some ideas we have hidden up our sleeves. We've been overwhelmed w/ mixed emotions, but of course we're super excited!
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As usual, our nature, overland, & skoolie adventures will be shared on Scott's website (link in his bio) & social media. Stay tuned for our #PNW adventures & our 1st trial camping run w/ Greyjoy (FJ overland adventure mobile). We're working on getting these ready for you to read/view. Of course, all Crtrs we continue to meet & animal/nature advocacy will continue to be shared on my website (link in bio) & social media. .
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Our cruelty free lifestyle journey will continue to be shared on @biggreenheartmovment. We've made some updates to share a more personal experience rather than just focusing on the products alone (link in BGH bio).
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In the meantime, it's time to pack, enjoy our last night out in N. County S.D. & move on to our next chapter in our lives. Shasta County here we come...

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@CrtrGrl and I supported the #ClimateStrike yesterday in Oceanside. We were really encouraged by the turnout and enthusiasm of our Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside neighbors! It was also great to see the youth getting involved, as they have the most at stake. And of course, there were some brilliant protest signs!

Please use your voice to support politicians and policies that put our children's future first and protect nature. Stand up for science. Learn small things that you can do to make a difference. The time for action is now.
@usclimatestrike @350org @sandiego350 @youth4climatesd #Oceanside #Carlsbad #Vista #SanDiego #climateaction #climatecrisis #answerwithaction #StrikeWithUs #climatesolutions #facingextinction #anthropocene #sixthextinction #standup #takeaction #bethechange #bethedifference #daretochange #Fridays4future #extinctionrebellion #extinctionisforever #earthguardians #earthfirst #unitebehindthescience #gretathunberg #climatechangeisreal #factnotbelief #julianavsunitedstates #youthforclimate #FossilFree

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I'm striking for the #ClimateCrisis today with @CrtrGrl in order to preserve a stable climate for my son. We need to unite behind the science and treat it as the existential crisis it is.

We just got back from 4 days of backpacking in @olympic_nps - an amazingly beautiful place that depends on stable rainfall in order to maintain it's lush, green, carpet of life. Only on underwater reefs in Indonesia have I seen the density of life that exists on land here. Moss covers everything and fungi explodes out of the earth. Changes to rainfall patterns will devastate this natural wonder, and Climate Change will wreak more and more havoc on the stable climate that human civilization has developed with.

#ClimateStrike #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth
#nationalparkgeek #visualambassadors #OutsideCulture #pnwonderland #ThatPNWLife #WanderWashington #washingtonexplored

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To commune with nature, away from the city, traffic and the noise of TV is a wonderful gift. To roam the forest and just be there, nowhere to go, no deadlines.

Shrouded in fog, the forest had a mystical, somber mood, but the rain made everything magical. The dogwoods were in bloom for spring and the ferns were half dead for summer and half new spring growth due to all of the recent rains.

Over Memorial Day weekend, @CrtrGrl and I went for a hike in Palomar Mountain State Park. The conditions were amazing! At over 5000 ft in elevation, it was 39F and raining, which gave us the impression of being in the Redwoods or Olympic National Park. We were soaked, but we loved it.

I learned two things on the hike - first that I don't have gloves that are good in the rain and second that it's warmer to have no gloves than wet gloves! #hiking #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #conservation #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth #OptOutside

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@CrtrGrl and I are getting ready for a big adventure, probably the biggest of our lives. This past week, I shared with my job and co-workers that I'll be leaving work at the end of August, after working there for almost 17 years. After that, we're going backpacking and then moving north to the Redding/Lassen National Park area. While there, our plan is to build out our skoolie (@skooliewoolie) with my family before continuing north to Washington state.

Our plan is to minimize, simplify and reduce our footprint on this planet, all while spending more time in the wilderness and trying to make a positive change in the world. We're going to dearly miss the beauty of Carlsbad/San Diego and our friends, but this will open up all new adventures in new lands. #adventure #explore #nature #wilderness #ocean #beach #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #conservation #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #roamtheplanet #discoverearth

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Hoh River Backpacking adventure - Link to the full video in bio (or go to my blog). I’m going to share a story from @crtrgrl and my very first backpacking adventure a few years ago – backpacking the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, WA and knowing when to turn around. The Hoh River Valley is a sacred place, filled with magical moss-covered forests and slate-blue glacier fed rivers.

With glaciers melting globally due to Climate Change, this was going to be my first opportunity to photograph one up close - the Blue Glacier. Hiking 17.5 miles, one way, didn’t seem too hard over two and a half days. We knew a landslide had wiped out a portion of the trail near the top, but read that there was a rope ladder setup in the summer to climb down it. Unfortunately, this was early June, 2014, and we didn't know that the rope ladder wasn't deployed yet.

The blog version of this story has been out for a while, but now there's the accompanying video version. I've put a lot of time into this video, working on it in little bits over the last year and I'm really happy with how it turned out. I hope you enjoy our crazy adventure!

#adventure #explore #nature #wilderness #backpacking #hiking #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #pnw #pnwonderland #ThatPNWLife #WanderWashington #washingtonexplored #HerPNWlife

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A field of Sand Verbena flowers marks an early February bloom in the Anza Borrego Desert. The El Niño this year has brought rain to the desert and when rain follows drought, flowers come out in force.
@CrtrGrl and I visited over the weekend and explored the small patches of flowers along Highway 22, east of Borrego Springs. The storm clouds over the mountains made for perfect weather.

If you visit, please step carefully to protect the fragile plants and insects that make this harsh climate their home!

#nature #wilderness #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth #nationalparkgeek #moodnation #visualambassadors #belyvly #OutsideCulture

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Long exposure of Seneca Falls in Ganoga Glen, Ricketts Glen, PA.

@CrtrGrl and I spent two days exploring Ricketts Glen in the fall and I fell in love. You can see the rocky trail winding above the small cascade in the upper left of the image. What a magical wonderland!

#adventure #explore #nature #wilderness #hiking #rivers #waterfalls #travel #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #conservation #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial @the.adventourist #OutsideCulture #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture

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Join us as we upgrade our FJ Cruiser for overland adventures!

In Part 1, we started to install a new roof rack, but couldn't get the corners to fit.
In Part 2, we do what it takes to get the roof rack installed.
In Part 3, we install a @tepuitents roof top tent!
In Part 4, we build and install a custom camp kitchen.

Check out the blog (link in bio) for photos, a video and an explanation of why an overland setup is perfect for our nature and adventure photography lifestyle.

@crtrgrl and I have enjoyed tent camping and backpacking and we want to spend more time outdoors than we currently do. We want to make camping and exploration easier and more comfortable, by spending less time setting up camp and having more time for nature and photography. A base-camp, from which we can do day hikes or backpacking, would provide comfort and ease-of-use. It has to be something we can live in for weeks at a time and that supports our lifestyle.

We’ve done tent camping with our Toyota FJ Cruiser, nicknamed Greyjoy. But it requires setting up a tent each night, setting up a ‘camp kitchen’ and then packing both up every morning. Time for a change!

#adventure #explore #nature #wilderness #camping #hiking #overland #travel #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #conservation #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain #FJCruiser #OutsideCulture

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Steep walls in the Virgin River Narrows, Zion National Park, UT - @zionnps.

The immensity of the walls in the Narrows slot canyon is shown with some scale in this 13 second exposure. Tiny hikers stand along the side walls taking a break from their trek up the river. The 1500 foot high walls make escape impossible in the case of a flash flood. Hikers have to check the weather forecast before setting out or risk death.

It's an amazingly beautiful and unique hike. Definitely one of the top picks in Zion! @CrtrGrl and I spent our honeymoon there and hiked the Narrows, Angels Landing and the Subway. All three of them were awesome! @nature_utah

#travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures #earthofficial #thegreatoutdoors #roamtheplanet #discoverearth #nationalparkgeek #moodnation #visualambassadors #belyvly #OutsideCulture #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture

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@CrtrGrl dreaming of backpacking the high Sierras - Lake Mary, Mammoth Lakes, CA.

I've been reading 'Wilderness: The Gateway to the Soul' by Scott Stillman and the book has really touched me. His descriptions of the wilderness, being at peace with solitude and far away from the addictions of technology and gadgets have put into words what we've felt out in nature.

@CrtrGrl and I have started to plan our next potential backpacking trip, probably into Sequoia National Park. It's been over 3 years since our last trip and we're craving time away from society.

#coupleswhohike #makingmemories #camping #hiking #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #womenwhoexplore #womenwhohike #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures

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Multnomah Falls, OR - Surrounded by tragedy from the Eagle Creek Fire, this scenic (and often photographed) viewpoint was saved by brave firefighters. It's bittersweet knowing how much beautiful wilderness burned. Lots of folks have asked how I captured the scene with out any people on the bridge - tragic timing - the upper trail and bridge were closed due to the fire damage. @Crtrgrl and I visited on our two week road trip through Oregon and Washington last April.

This is one of my Top 10 photos of 2018 - check out my blog on the set. Link in bio.

#pnw #pnwonderland #makingmemories #camping #hiking #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures

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@CrtrGrl hiking down from Duck Pass in the John Muir Wilderness, near Mammoth Lakes. Mammoth Mountain is visible off to the right and in the foreground is Barney Lake.

We really enjoyed the Duck Lake Pass hike, as it had a little of everything - forests, streams, lakes, granite mountains and views for miles. The cold October temps kept us cool on the hike up to 10,800 ft and back down to 9100 ft.

#coupleswhohike #makingmemories #camping #hiking #hikingtheglobe #hikingculture #womenwhoexplore #womenwhohike #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain @instagood #allaboutadventures

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Have you seen the blogs and videos on building out our FJ Cruiser into an overland adventure vehicle? We've completed parts 1, 2 and 3 of the series, with more on the way!

@CrtrGrl captured this photo of me while we were installing the @tepuitents roof top tent. Link to the my blog is in bio. #adventure #explore #nature #wilderness #camping #hiking #overland #travel #travelstoke #wildernessculture #neverstopexploring #adventurethatislife #awesomeearth #lifeofadventure #conservation #mthrworld #bewild #LetsMakeAdventures #theadventourist #PledgetoLNT #nature_obsession_landscapes #earth_shotz #bestnatureshot #nature_perfection #earthofficial #natureadventurez @the.adventourist #visualwanderlust #lobomountain #FJCruiser #OutsideCulture

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Top UPP Posts & Pages

FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 4 – Camp Kitchen
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 1
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 5 - Accessories
FJ Cruiser Overlanding - Trial Run in Anza-Borrego
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 2
Backpacking the Hoh Rainforest
Who Is Building Our Skoolie?
Nature - Wilderness - Underwater - Adventure - Photography
FJ Cruiser Overland Build Part 3 - Roof Top Tent
Incredible Inspired Art

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