So, what’s your story? What keeps you here in the Driftless?
I am from a small town called Walker, IA. My first real experience of the Driftless Area was when I went to Luther College for my undergraduate degree. Since graduating in 2008, I’ve been scheming ways to return. I now live in Lansing, IA, and run my business in the summer and teacher during the school year. There is a sort of magic in the Driftless area. I know it’s a very romanticized notion, but my spirit shifts when I enter here. When I started my business – taking people on overnight walking trips – I wanted it to be here. I know and feel the power and mystery in these storied hills and valleys, and want to lift these places and communities up through my work through Walking Space.
Tell us about what you do for work or your business, and how long have you been doing this?
I have been teaching for 12 years, around the country, and six years in London. Walking Space officially had its first guests and walk in May of 2019. I have personally been walking long distances for 6 years or so, and find sharing that experience, the most thrilling thing I’ve ever done.
Tell us about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
Having guests on my first walk made a big impact on how I viewed the work I am doing. Watching people transform over miles and days on the trail, is the most rewarding thing I could ever witness. The first time it happened was the most confirming, transformative moment of my life. It was the full realization of years of dreaming and work. It confirmed my desire to do what I do, and know that this is how I’m going to make an impact on the world.
Tell us about a recent project or problem that you made better, faster, smarter, more efficient, or less expensive.
I actively work against being faster – I work to slow people down, in order for them to see things more clearly, to gain an understanding of something that they’ve been seeking. This slower pace, this walking pace, is our natural flow. We actively work against it in our daily lives, trying to go faster, work harder, achieve more, and become more efficient. I think this is all backwards. We need to disconnect, slow down, and re-establish a connection with nature, ourselves, and our fellow inhabitants of the earth. Only then can we truly become “better, smarter, or less expensive.” We need far less than most of us have. Understanding this, and living it, is part of the great wonders and learnings that a person can have on a long walk in the driftless.
Tell us about one person that you’ve met, that stands apart from the rest or has influenced you.
On one of the walks on the Root River Trail we had the pleasure of meeting Gordy – owner and cook at the Spud Boy’s Diner “Trolley Cafe” in Lanesboro. His spirit and attitude shone brightly, and enthusiasm for his work in this area was contagious. He is also working on the pool hall in Lanesboro where he’ll welcome guests in a beautifully renovated pool hall and billiards room. Not only does he represent the spirit of the place, but he also lives his life how he choses. This is the kind of person we endeavor to become. To stumble across him and others, just in the course of a walk, by random chance, is exactly the type of experience and encounter one can expect to have on a walk. Meeting Gordy reminded me of how life is supposed to be led – by the heart and by the spirit.
If you weren’t here running your business, what would you be doing instead?
I truly don’t know. I guess I’d probably be at some international school somewhere teaching.
How do you develop yourself outside of your work environment?
My business gives me the development I seek. I get to spend time with people who are exploring something, that they need time and space to dissect and reconnect with. This is what I do, and this is what I am drawn to. My hobby is to make this space – my day job is being a teacher.
What are some of your favorite places to go for fun here in the Driftless?
So many! I really enjoy spending time in the Decorah, IA area. I’ve also recently discovered some incredible spots around the Mississippi River near Lansing, IA – particularly the Yellow River State Forest. My favorite thing to do though, is to go explore a new place – so my favorite place to go, is a new place.
What are some of your favorite places to eat here in the Driftless?
One was Il Luigi’s in Rushford but they closed! I nearly cried when I learned that. There are so many! I love eating out almost anywhere in Decorah, the Pedal Pushers Café in Lanesboro, Bailey’s diner in Norwalk, WI and Hillsboro Brewery in Hillsboro, WI. But there are more – just not enough space!
What is the most courageous thing you have done in your life?
I think that walking the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain set me on a course for more authentic and purposeful living. From that experience came so many more, less difficult, acts of courage as a result of that walk – the biggest one being the starting of my business, Walking Space. I’ve never been an entrepreneur, but I’ve revealed in the work of creating this place and courage never felt at play – I felt led and drawn out by the universe, to start this project and share it with the world.
2021-03-01