Hi, I'm Patrick, The Backyard Explorer!

I grew up in the Cincinnati area and then spent 4 years in the U.S. military stationed in California where I learned that adventure and exploring are right up my alley!

Summit of Brokeoff Mountain at Lassen NP, CA

Fort Point NHP, CA

With the exception of a 6 month deployment overseas, I averaged nearly 34,000 miles a year driving all over the western United States checking out as much as I possibly could. Given that I worked nightshift and have the ability to function on just a few hours of sleep, I was able to do things most days of the week. I experienced so many amazing places and have wanted to share these experiences ever since.

Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin Redwoods SP, CA

While living in California, I got married to my beautiful wife, Laura. She’s originally from Florida, and also has a sense of adventure so she was willing to explore everywhere as well from cities to the mountains. She has been instrumental in getting the finer details together, meal planning/making, and of course, snacks!

World’s largest corn maze in Dixon, CA

North Cascades NP, WA

We have since moved back to the Midwest which has provided a good hopping point for several areas of the United States. In 2023, we bought a farmstead in eastern Indiana where my wife, children, and I run a regenerative dairy sheep and chicken operation. This can make traveling a bit more challenging, but certainly not impossible! And just like normal people, I have a normal 40 hour/week job to pay the bills so this traveling thing is nowhere near a full time gig.

There is never a shortage of pushing the boundaries to exploring and experiencing new things.

There is never a shortage of pushing the boundaries to exploring and experiencing new things. Some other hobbies of mine including skydiving, running ultramarathons, and storm chasing, to name a few, add extra elements to my traveling.

Big South Fork NRRA, KY

Supercell near Hot Springs, SD

Alright, enough about me! I am very excited to share what the United States has to offer from the so far 43 states I've visited and look forward to showcasing the hidden wonders within our backyard!