"If you want to go into nature, you need to respect nature. It comes down to that basic principle. You can't go in there with a machete and just start chopping it up, you know? It comes down to Leave No Trace. It comes down to just the basic 'don't ruin it'. It's not going to be there if we ruin it." - Dan Allen Fantastic interview with a fantastic friend and adventure buddy. On the podcast this week is Dan Allen. Dan grew up adventuring in the Adirondack mountains and has a deep appreciation and understanding of the region and it's history. He also took part in a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in New Zealand. Dan is well traveled, curious, and eager to continue to learn and respect nature. In this episode we chat about: Aspects of the history of the Adirondacks that fascinate Dan including logging camps, the Irondequoit Inn (built in the 1800s), dams, and the people of Adirondack past who shaped the region and are now recognized throughout it. National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and Dan's multi-month trip to New Zealand including lost luggage, the native Maori culture, hiking to a scene from Lord of the Rings, bonding with new people, and preparing for reentry into the "real world" at the end of the trip. Dan's perspective on and definition of failure in the mountains. Ski touring - what is it and why Dan is getting into it. Educate yourself about Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/learn Check out NOLS Programs: https://www.nols.edu/en/ If you enjoyed this episode, I ask that you please leave a review on iTunes. You will have the chance to be shouted out on a Friday episode as the fan of the week! Additionally, if you’d like to support the podcast and get access to exclusive content and posts, check out https://www.patreon.com/tosummitup.