Last Fourth of July I made a trip up to Montana to visit the crew at The Flying Pig. At the time, I was still freelancing as their social media manager and figured the trip would be a great combination of mountain adventure, river solace and content acquisition.

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I began working at The Pig after I graduated from Westminster College. Not knowing where to turn, I accepted a summer position snapping tourist photos as they rafted down the family-friendly (but equally fun) Yellowstone River. After taking the job, I figured the only thing missing from this strange new experience was a dog - so I added Huxley to my life's mix. 

With uncertainty and excitement on our dashboard, we packed up and drove over the Wyoming border to Gardiner, MT. Gardiner is the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park - a tiny four-season town with a few bars and a few more ranches. Due to its small size, housing was limited. Looking for housing with a three-month-old dog made housing non-existent. So, Hux and I set up a canvas tent deep in the National Forest and began commuting down a dirt road.

My summer in Gardiner was unquestionably pivotal. I was able to test my marketing degree as a freelancer, improve my photography, abut the nation's oldest National Park, live an unconventional life and surround myself with pristine beauty. I provided my pup with some of the best times of his life, as he grew wiser. He tagged alongside the flowing river while I pressed the shutter, mingled with children in the shop while I edited, and explored the Montana wilderness while I cooked. He turned out wonderful, and I'm quite proud of this upbringing.

Unfortunately, as quickly as the job began, it seemed to end. This meant staying at the shop late into the night and using the internet I didn't have at camp - looking for the next gig. After applying to countless entry-level sales positions, interviewing for jobs that sounded dull, and generally stressing out about the future, something clicked. I didn't need to follow the classic marketing-student-gets-inside-sales-job route that was typically prescribed. Living in Montana in a tent with my dog was no fluke, and I could find something just as fulfilling if I switched gears and began looking for something different.

With this new mindset, I found and landed an unpaid internship at MSI. The internship promised college credit and experience working with some of the largest outdoor brands, in a fast-paced environment. The college credit held no value, but I figured this aligned with the things I cared most about, so I bit. 

I'm still working at MSI, pushing myself, traveling the country, learning tons and living a very interesting life. It's definitely what my old raft photographer-self would have wanted (though he would probably think it's about time to get up and move, again).

My time in Montana was very sweet, and it went by far too quickly. I spent too much time working, too much time applying for jobs, and too much time updating my LinkedIn. However, I camped for three months straight, photographed smiling families searching for thrills, met truly beautiful people, and watched my pup grow into a man. I wouldn't trade that for anything.

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When I returned to The Pig two summers later, I was overcome with gratitude and contentment. I was able to experience The Park and the town at a much slower pace, visit my old sites and see some great people. I felt like a stranger, but also at home. It seemed to be an appropriate balance.

During my four days in Gardiner, I explored, photographed, biked, drank, rafted, firework-ed, made Huxley swim the fast river currents for the first time, hiked, drove too much and relaxed too little. The images below are some of my favorites from this very special place. 

Until next time, Gardiner

I'm no longer working for The Flying Pig, but could not recommend these guys enough. They staff are incredible. They get it. They'll rock your world. Learn more, HERE.