GLIMPSES OF A MAN AND NATURE

 Journey through North America from Alaska to Costa Rica.

SHORT TEASERS

Our journey on the Panamerican Highway begins on the coast of the Arctic Ocean, conquered by the companies drilling petrol and sending in thousand kilometers south on the Trans Alaska Pipeline.

There are only 11 people leaving around the so called village of Wiseman, but it feels much more alive and welcoming compared with the grey scale and severeness of Prudhoe Bay. Our crew spoke with wiseman Jack, who lives alone in his cabin, surrounded only by the northern wilderness all year round.

Thanks to the cooperation of Alaska University of Fairbanks we gained access to the largest and most powerful high frequency array in the world - HAARP. This place has been involved in some of the most absurd conspiracy theories, claiming that it's a powerful tool for controlling the weather or even the minds of people.

This is definitely one of the most spectacular roads you can ever drive on. The scenery is simply breathtaking. Just beside the road we met Daniel Johnson and spoke about the challenge he's been up to for the past four year - walking all the way from New York to Prudhoe Bay. He's biggest concern is what happens when you've already reached your final goal.

The landscapes that Utah offers at each glimpse are absolutely psychedelic. You can easily loose sense of distance and scale and find yourself wondering if you are still inhabiting same old planet Earth. Last frame was captured during the Eclipse on 21st of August.

Apart from the rocky terrain, vast canyons and all shades of red color, Utah offered us some really authentic sense of wild west. We accidently visited a rodeo and had the chance to chat with young adventurous and brave men dedicated to idea of preserving their traditions

Arosanti is the materialized idea of italian arquitect Paolo Soleri's city of future. This utopian looking place host young artist and architects from all over the world. They come here to seek knowledge and inspiration and to participate in different workshops and courses. They practice sustainable way of living. Arcosanti's main income is ensured by the production and sell of bronze bells.

Belize is quiet unusual and indeed captivating piece of land. It brings an authentic portion of Caribbean vibes. Especially when you visit off-season and there are no crowds of tourist to spoil your view. At first glimpse people may seem a bit edgy, a bit stubborn and with descent amount of madness splashing in their eyes, but taking your time to chat with them is worth the effort.

Our journey through Mexico passed through the mists of the Sierra mountain range, continued with a glimpses to the Pacific Ocean and let us to San Cristobal de las Casas. There we had two memorable encounters - one with the remarkable artists from the Ritual Maya performance and the other with the strongest earthquake to hit Mexican coasts in hundred years.

Playa El Cuco is enchantingly beautiful place. You wake up early in the morning, you say Hi to the grumpy, stubborn pelican Ruben who's taking a shower under a coconut palm. Than you spend a few moments wondering where did the ocean from last night go, only to realize that it's just the unbelievable 200 meters tide that had stolen it. In the afternoon you could just chat with Gabi and she'll explain you all the details of what it is to be a conservationist working to save an endangered species of green sea turtles. You can give her a hand and participate in the daily "freedom!!" ceremony of the newborn turtles, who are making their way to the waves with the enthusiasm of a little dragons. We got the chance to enrich our perception of the place and the problem with the illegal turtle egg business by chatting with a local 16 years old girl holding her 2 years old son in her hands, surrounded by a dozen of chickens, a few fellow dogs, two alligators and a sleepy cat. El Salvador is definitely a place of huge contrasts.

On a relatively rainy morning in Leon, Nicaragua we head to the headquarters of Vulcano Day, relatively excited for what was to come - climbing active, slightly bad tempered volcano only to slide down by something similar to a last century sledge. As soon as our guide Saaid started his welcome words smiles rose upon peoples' faces - this guy knows his job! We drove in a truck with 8 more enthusiasts and fellow travellers and while exchanging stories we reached our goal - covered in ashes Cerro Negro. The scenery around is just unreal - lush green vegetation all around and in the middle death, black hump. Safety briefing, goggles, gloves, backpack, board, and let's go! Roughly 45 minutes hike and once you're on top the sweat waisted is absolutely worth. You put on you minion costume, tied your bandanna, sit on the sledge and just hit the slope. 30 seconds of poor fun! In the end your shoes are fool of volcano, smile is ear to ear and the only thought is can we do it again!

Pictures story