My Big Spoon Journey
Hi Campers! It’s me, Big Spoon!
Learn about my Big Spoon Journey in the section below and a little more in my blog.
BTW, you may be thinking, “Big Spoon, you say ”we and ‘our’ a lot. Is that the ‘Royal We’?”
The “we” I speak of is my lovely life partner and co-adventurer, Little Spoon! She is a big part of any Big Spoon adventure and you may even see her contributing to our content from time to time! She makes everything in my life better, including this website and blog. You’re gonna love Little Spoon!
Who is Big Spoon? (Why should you listen to me?)
Sometimes, if we are lucky, the roles we play in life align nicely with our passions! Here’s a little about me and my outdoor life journey, including how I came to be known as “Big Spoon.”
Geologist
Geology. It’s everywhere and I love it! From the seafloor to the mountaintops, it shapes everything on our planet and the known universe!
I hold a Bachelors degree in Geology and a Masters degree in Applied Science with a focus on Geo-Chemistry and Mineralogy. I’m now a licensed Professional Geologist (PG).
Along with doing outdoor field work, I collaborate with scientists around the world regarding various topics involving geology and mineralogy.
Earth science ROCKS!
Camp Cook
“Big Spoon” is the nickname affectionately given to me by my students during one of the first university-level geology field camps in which I served as instructor and camp cook. Field camp names are earned, not chosen. How do you fuel a group of hikers who just spent 8-10 hours on the trail to get them ready for the next big day? It takes a Big Spoon!
For several years, I was responsible for planning and preparing meals that fueled up to 40 campers at a time, for weeks at a time. I’ll share what I’ve learned to help you fuel your adventures!
Outdoor Lover
Camping, hiking, biking, kayaking, sitting by a fire with a select group of friends under a canopy of tree limbs and stars… Nothing has ever brought me more peace than being outside. I’ve been lucky enough to spend multiple weeks at a time tent camping and exploring!
Since I was young, camping has been an integral part of my life. As we get older, some things get a little more challenging but there are ways to incorporate more of the outside into our lives. I’ll share tips, tricks and the best gear to keep us on the trails as we age!
Camp Manager
No one wants to get out to their camp and find they are missing something they need or didn’t even know they needed. Proper planning is the key to success!
For several years, I was responsible for feeding and supplying dozens of students on a tight budget. I’ll share my tips and help you build a plan to make sure you have what you need to keep the adventure on the trail!
Educator
I take great joy in teaching, especially when I’m teaching outdoors. An educational field trip puts the learner in the environment they’re learning about and engages their minds more fully.
I have led field trips for universities from across the country as well as for K-12 schools and private groups. I’d like to share what I’ve learned about the natural world with you!
Eco-Dude
We love the planet! It’s where all our stuff is! It’s where our loved ones are, and all the things we like to do. Nature provides for us. So why wouldn’t we want to take care of it?
I’m a member of many groups focused on the environment and sustainability. I believe it’s important that we preserve the natural beauty we all love for future generations!