Dora the Explorer is my spirit animal.

Exploring new things is what I do, whether it’s backpacking the Andes Mountains or uncovering hidden water holes in upstate New York. But it’s not just about seeing new places. It’s about jumping head-first into the unknown and embracing “yes” more than “no”.

I believe that great ideas only emerge when you push yourself outside your comfort zone and redefine the “impossible”. That’s where the thrill lies. I stopped watching Dora long ago but never outgrew the thrill of exploring.

This is Chaska, I met him hiking the Choquequirao Trail in Peru.