Sunrise snuggles in the tree house I hope you wake up feeling cherished and grateful. I hope you get to read that book you’ve been wanting to start and do that one thing that makes you feel really alive. I hope it smells like the forest and fresh rain and a hint of citrus. I hope you go to sleep with joy spilling out of your hands and memories you wouldn’t trade for anything. #bali #notestoselfseries

This is dedicated to all of us who wake up and feel the urge to get out. To take a closer look. Go farther. Maybe that’s your backyard or across the world. My next adventure #sponsored by @lifeproof took me to the Middle East for the first time!
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Jordan was incredible. At once exotic and friendly, desolate yet full of light and texture and wonder. It was quite possibly one of my favorite trips of all time...every day brought not just new tastes or new views but a renewed sense of appreciation for the kindness of people in faraway places. Glad to have @lifeproof’s new lightweight NËXT case, built tough for my adventures.
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You can use my code “Chelsea15” at checkout for 15% off
#LifeProofNext #liveLifeProof
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Video by @robstrok. It was such a joy to collaborate with you on this. -
Song is called “Loyal” licensed from @odesza

Let the improvement of yourself keep you so busy that you have no time to criticize others. - Roy T. Bennett
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Photo by @robstrok

If you’ve ever had a dream of swimming through jello, the Dead Sea might be a destination for you haha (maybe I’m the only one that thought this would be cool as a kid?) One of the strangest sensations to stay effortlessly at the surface and watch the sun and sky melt together. #Jordan
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Photo + edit by @robstrok

#sponsored by @canonusa // Just after sunrise on the island of Sumba we caught this storybook light coming through the trees and onto this hand woven sculpture. We could see all the way down to the blue fringing reef that come April will turn into a world class wave. Perfect light, perfect view…as our eyes feasted on the view, the mosquitos feasted on what was in front of them too.
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Shot on Canon EOS Rebel T7i Continually impressed by how well this camera handles all kinds of shooting conditions.
f/4 at 12mm (EF 10-22mm)
ISO 200
Ss 1/640
#ShootforGreatness #TeamCanon #indonesia

To each their own Thanks to all the friends that let me steal their bikes for a quick second :) Hands down one of my favorite nights in Bali
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Cool motion blur capture by @sashajuliard

I just danced the night away. With three people. In a living room. It’s true I find beautiful places inspiring. But people with beautiful souls, well, they just make everything better.
I am grateful, whether our paths cross for a minute or a lifetime, because I get to reflect all the kindness and exuberance and strength of those around me. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend
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This was shot by a dear friend @muenchmax while road tripping through Germany a few weeks ago. We hadn’t seen each other for two years and finally got to catch up :) Our road trip talks actually inspired me to write out my life’s mission statement, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time but never found the words for. Thanks for being one of many really fantastic influences on my life.

We came to Sumba with very little idea of what to expect. It’s only an hour(ish) flight from Bali, but feels completely opposite with its long dirt roads, rolling savannah land, and the relative obscurity of even the most popular “destinations”. ️I think we found this beach via Pinterest, couldn’t believe it was on the same island, cross referenced and embarked on a multi hour mission to get there. We stayed for one of the most beautiful pink sunsets and didn’t get home until almost 11pm. Very few things I like more than seeing unique landscapes and the special satisfaction when a little research goes a long way.
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#sumba #itwasstillmybirthday #wonderfulindonesia

Oi Brasil!!🇧🇷 First time ever in South America and oh my gosh Rio de Janeiro you have such a fun spirit!! I’ve never heard so much spontaneous singing, flag waving, dancing at dinner beautiful energy.

This was from a sunset flight a few evenings ago with @visitbrasil @vertical.rio. I was trying to lean out and “look cool” but really this is the only where I’m not hysterically laughing while eating my own hair.🤷‍️ #brazil #Riogaleao #VisitBrasil
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Photo by @robstrok

For me, travel can be a door or a window. Of course I want to see the monuments, the beauty, the best ... but to only do so feels a bit like window shopping. Looking, but with no real investment or connection. When I travel I want to be transported. I like being knee deep in it, home cooked meals, side roads, and real conversations. It’s harder to come by but that’s the good stuff. :)
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A few months ago I spent a week with @contiki x @treadright experiencing Jordan through their lens of sustainable tourism. It is to this day one of my favorite trip I have ever been a part of and they just released a short video summarizing our trip. In Jordan we focused on a women’s coop called Iraq-al-Amir which focuses on creating financial independence for local women (whose unemployment rates are around 30%) and preserve regional heritage. We learned to make traditional flatbreads (I’m kicking myself for not remembering, but I think it’s called Zaatar?!), picked figs and pomegranates, glazed pottery, and took a cooking class on a rooftop in Amman amongst many other things.
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We are the defining factor shaping the route tourism takes. And it seems right that something invaluable to me gives something back to the place it is received from. Thanks @Treadright @celinecousteau @Contiki for having me and showing me one such way. Swipe up link to the video is in my story! #makeTravelMatter #MyJordanJourney
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Photo by @robstrok
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*sidenote for those who watch the video: All drone shots were taken with a permit and we had a military escort accompanying our group. Do not bring your drone to Jordan as it will be confiscated.

Here’s to growing up and never growing old🤗 Birthday swims under the treehouse, horseback riding on the beach, and ended the day high up on a cliff watching the sunset. SO grateful for these many trips around the sun, for a life brimming with abundance, and the wonder of having a healthy human body that gives me a chance to learn something new every single day. Now this very sleepy happy (birthday) human is going to sleep️
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Thank you all for the love and virtual hugs yesterday!! ps: My phone doesn’t get texts right now so if I didn’t answer that’s why.

As part of the launch of their new Recycled Capsule collection, @tumitravel asked me what I’m doing to live and travel more sustainably. Recently I’ve been focusing on consciously investing in less, meaning only filling my life with things I love.Before I open something, buy something, I try to check in and ask - is it something I absolutely need and will I keep it for a long time? If it's single use - how could I have planned better to avoid it? Not everything will always meet these criteria and there are many areas of my life where I have TONS of room for improvement (happy to hear your sustainability tips!) but I feel this process helps me constantly create better habits.
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Traveling, and especially backpacking, have given me an aversion to wasting and taught me so much about how efficient I can be with what I consume.
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The TUMI Hagen Backpack I'm wearing here is made of post-industrial and post-consumer waste (scraps of fabric that were recycled into nylon). The lining, webbing, zipper tape and straps of my backpack are all made from plastic bottles (saving up to 17 plastic bottles from ending up in landfills). The collection has also been designed with the idea that it'll last a very long time and individual parts can be repaired to help extend the life of each bag rather than buying a new one.
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Am I going into too much detail with this? Maybe :) I ask a lot of questions and do some of my own digging and then I get excited because I think it’s nerdy and cool and I really like when companies push themselves to take more responsibility for the things they make.🤓 Thank you TUMI for letting me be part of this campaign and I'm happy to always challenge myself to be #PerfectingtheJourney. #sponsored

We had coconuts and time. What more could you ask for :)
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#sumba @indtravel photo @samkolder

#sponsored// There’s a pool in the ceiling and I’m down here swimming on air. Temporarily suspending gravity with my @canonusa EOS Rebel T7i.
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Growing up I always dreamt of filling my house with water and being able to swim from room to room. It’s still a crazy goal of mine to do so for a surreal shoot one day (anyone have a really deep swimming pool I can borrow?!).. until then I’ll be using the quick tracking autofocus of the T7i to catch me mid hover :) Thanks for helping me with this one @samkolder.
#Shootforgreatness -
Settings:
10 mm
ISO 100
f/3.5
SS 1/640

No telling how far I’ll go️ Having my own little Moana moment from a Big Island trip adventuring with @westinhapuna and @maunakeahotel. In this case it was just down the Kohala Coast and back, but gosh it felt good to find that rhythm with a boat full of friends again. I hadn’t paddled since high school and it still astounds me how ancient Polynesians were able to navigate and paddle their way across thousands of miles of open ocean.
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Photo @christianschaffer

Sometimes I feel like I overthink this whole thing. I unconsciously go through this checklist before posting..is it adding value to the world, is it epic and well edited and well said and so many things. It makes me feel weird. Like in trying to be really real and share things that matter to me I actually go in the opposite direction... I started on here sharing things that make me happy and sometimes I think that’s why I love doing stories now. The spontaneity and quirkiness of it all. So this is from surfing little ankle snappers yesterday. It makes me happy, and that feels like more than enough of a reason right now

South Africa. I’ve flown across the world for you three times this year, I think that’s what they call love. :) Just after I got off the plane @jacques_crafford and I were on our way to Mpumalanga when he pointed out the blossoming Jacaranda trees - apparently they’re only in full bloom for two weeks a year!!! Lucky for me he knew a super cool spot near where his uncle lives and we were able to have a fun, spontaneous shoot.
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Now we’re in the north along the Panorama Route and I’m literally nestled under two blankets right now because it’s so so cold. This country is full of surprises and gosh I am so happy to be back!!#canyoutellImexcited #day1 #southafrica

Perspective and light. So neat how these two simple factors offer endless opportunities for creativity as we translate our three dimensional world into two.
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The theme for this month’s photo #sponsored by @canonusa was forced perspective :) I knew I wanted to try something in Jordan with its hazy muted skies that make the sun appear as a perfect ball on the horizon. These types of images take a few tries to get right (and walkie talkies help) but I love how focal length can change the perception of size or distance. In the first image I’m much closer to camera and it’s shot at 110mm. In the second shot I’m much further away and shot at 300mm making my relationship to the sun so much more dramatic.
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Thank you @robstrok for helping me capture these! Have you guys tried something like this before? You need have clear line of sight to your subject and have them above the horizon at least 30 ft. or more away from you.
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Shot on Canon EOS #RebelT7i 
Canon EF 75-300 mm lens at 110mm 
f/5.0, SS 1/500, ISO 200 - 
#TeamCanon #ShootforGreatness #ForcedPerspective #Jordan

Does this count as a walking in a winter wonderland?️ Merry Christmas everyone!! Photo @robstrok -
Hope it’s been a season of coziness, quality time, and reflection. Almost all of my childhood friends are home and it makes me so happy!!We don’t do gifts except with my sister, I asked for a label maker so we’ll see how I did this year #iliketolabelstuff #Jordan #melekalikimaka #merrychristmas

I like a little bit of mystery
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So this particular morning may have started off by @robstrok getting into the wrong car at 5am. it’s a long story but basically it involved a failed sunrise tour through some friend of friend’s owners brother via Facebook messenger, a guide who never showed up, rambling our rental car, walking around a tent camp and seeing said camels and metaphorically and literally taking matters into our own hands. Enjoyed every minute of it :)
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All my Jordan outfits by @saltandseakauai ️ super cute boutique run by one of my friends on Kaua'i #Jordan #wadirum

Serenity in simplicity.
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Currently planning another trip to the Middle East for early next year and reflecting on how I can be more intentional with my time.
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I think the one part of opportunity that no one really told me about is how it asks you to be really clear in your values. Refine what matters or risk getting lost in a sea of awesome but perhaps unfulfilling distractions.
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I’m can only truly hear myself think when I stop and have time to myself which, for such a simple thing, feels rather rare in our wonderfully connected world. Anyway I’m starting this book on “Deep Work”. I listened to Cal on a podcast a year or so ago and maybe it resonates with me as a creative living an unstructured life, but I think it could hold value for everyone wanting a less distracted mind and more meaning. Silence really is golden (*linking it in my stories)
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photo @robstrok #Deadsea #Jordan

I (finally!) took a few steps on the highline in @JoshuaTreeNPS during some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets I’ve ever seen last month. I didn’t walk far, but this was the first time I felt truly at peace on the line. It’s been a wild, emotional, slightly painful ride, but one I continue to be profoundly grateful for.
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I’m proud to partner with the National Park Foundation (@GoParks) on this project to encourage you to #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque. The #NationalParkSystem has been such a big part of my outdoor education and travels. I think I’ll always be drawn to visit the places protected by the @NationalParkService – places where we can recreate, be challenged and hopefully be inspired to connect with that extra bit of wild within ourselves.
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Thank you to @kylor for snapping this one and to all my friends who came out to play and rig and climb this weekend! A weekend I won’t ever forget. Visit FindYourPark.com to find your next adventure!

#sponsored #highline #GGBY

Princess for a day surrounded by clouds and light rays, now I see why so many fairytales came from Germany. Also no surprise that one of my favorite storytellers, @muenchmax, came from this beautiful country as well. So happy I finally got to visit you my friend!! Go check out some of his work from Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia - so fantastic. Happy holidays everyone!! Hope it is filled with friends and things that bring you joy
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Didn’t plan on putting these images together so the edits are kind of different but 🤷‍️ #ilovelightrays #saxony #whpmagical

And to think I almost didn’t go hiking this day :) So my very first backpacking trip was 12 years ago in this valley below me. It’s funny to think how new it all was then - to give you an idea I had a sleeping bag tied to my school backpack with fishing line. From then on I was hooked and I used to squeeze in overnight trips between getting off work in the afternoon and racing down the mountain at sunrise to get back on time. I’ve learned a bit since then (and my gear has gotten a lot better) but the bliss is still the same. Get out there. Squeeze it in where you can. I never know when that exceptional outdoor moment will be, and I never regret that extra bit of sweat I put in when I’m there to witness it.
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For anyone looking to update or get into some better outdoor gear I’m partnering with @backcountry to share my #GOATworthy moments and you can use my code “CHELSEA15” for 15% off your first purchase at Backcountry.com. They have everything from lightweight technical apparel to super cute and cozy brands from some of my favorite brands like Patagonia and Freepeople. Uploading more info in my stories or feel free to ask me any questions below! #sponsored #Hawaii

Spoiler alert: South Dakota is probably way cooler than you think.️Amazing rock climbing, Himalayan tea (went back 3 times), hundreds of miles of underground gemstone caves, SUPER kind humans, highlines, deep cultural history, and my personal favorite... romping around in the vast backcountry of Badlands National Park. If you watched my stories from that sunset, you know️
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Thank you to @visitrapidcity for bringing me out and being a great base. (Everything we did was within about 45 min of our hotel!) Also thank you to @masha.photo for being down for this whole adventure and everything I threw at you from night hiking to ice cold river dips. #HifromSD #Badlands #SouthDakota #sunflower

Never lose faith that we can change the world. It’s been an immense privilege to spend the last few days with @karmagawa sponsoring the collaborative efforts of @vetpaw and @rhinorescueproject to finish horn infusions on the last four rhinos on this private reserve. All involved hope that this will be just one more possible tool in the fight against these animals being poached to extinction.
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Under the guidance of Dr. Lorinda and her team this African white rhino is undergoing a process to essentially devalue the horn and make it less attractive to poachers. I will never forget participating in the infusions this week. Feeling their breath on my arms and heartbeat under my fingertips. So much strength and gentle kindness in the way they care for each other. At the current rate we will have rhinos for another 5-10 years. 5 - 10 YEARS!! I’m not a loud person but there is something about this that makes me feel like shouting.
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At the end of the day, I am under no illusion that my presence here is necessary. Yet we can, and I believe SHOULD, all contribute to creating a better world in the ways we are able. Happy to be raising up and giving credit to the people doing the hard work - @rhinorescueproject @karmagawa @vetpaw @buffalofloofprivatereserve. Please send your support to these wonderful organizations whether that is in the form of kind words, questions, or donations to continue their work. I know all are appreciated. To Warne and Wendy at Buffalo Kloof - I sincerely hope to visit again and see that you’ve reached your goal of 100 white and black rhinos🦏
Photo by @samkolder #savetherhino #karmagawa #southafrica

Admiring last light over the serene Blyde River Canyon during my road trip through Mpumalanga, South Africa with @jacques_crafford . This was my third trip back to South Africa this year and if I learned anything on these last few times it’s that in a very short span of time the weather changes dramatically and the landscapes - even more so :) Some mornings it was just a few degrees above freezing with moody fog quietly cocooning the hills. A few hours later the blazing sun meant I went swimming under a 200 ft waterfall. One intense thunder storm, my first ride in a bush plane, and some really glorious clifftop sunrises later and I’m left constantly thinking “This is soo not what I thought South Africa looked like”. So much diversity! I think that’s what keeps me coming back both here, and to the outdoors in general.
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If you’re looking for new outdoor gear for yourself or as a gift, I’ve partnered with @backcountry to offer 15% off everything in your first order! As the Nordic saying goes “There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.” :P Just use code CHELSEA15 at checkout. There’s also free two day shipping on any order over $50! I’m not a huge gift person, but I do believe in investing in things that enable you to chase your best moments :) #GOATworthy #sponsored

When there’s a sign for “God’s Window” you should probably take it Sunrise mission with @jacques_crafford had us both in absolute awe. Not sure if I’m just crazy lucky in this country or what but it’s as if I’m in a movie where everything has a surreal cinematic quality.

Here’s to the unknown magic. God. Mother Nature. Whatever name you give to your gratitude. Thanks for letting me see you so often. #southafrica #BlydeRiverCanyon #Godswindow

Chelsea the outdoor elf, happiest out here️ @keen
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In addition to being fall it’s also almost voting season in the US! :) I’ve always been semi apathetic about national politics (and coming from Hawaii everything seemed so far away) and preferred learning about international issues. In the last few years I’ve realized how much just one voice can matter. It’s an important tool we have to create change for things we care about, even if it seems like a slow process at times.
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My @keen team has easy links to check your registration status, where your nearest polling stations are, early voting etc. As it is with the outdoors, the best things require some effort - get up, get out, and show up️ #Bettertakesaction #Keenambassador #Washington
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Photo @robstrok

You have within you, the intense capacity for change, strength, and action.
I read that every seven years you replace your entire skeleton. That your eye is sensitive enough to see the flame of a single candle 30 miles away on a clear night and that a single step requires our bones to be stronger than granite or reinforced concrete. In any given moment millions of white blood cells are giving themselves to protect your microscopic universe. Every day your body is rebuilding trillions of cells and pumping blood through vessels long enough to stretch around the globe two and a half times.
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At a cellular level, you are selfless and strong and never static. You are a little flame continually transforming yourself and everything around you with the 150 million molecules of a single breath. Today and everyday, let’s use that power for good️ #govote #notestoselfseries
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Photo by @robstrok