Expeditions
Kilimanjaro 2027
Following Leonard Kephart, a century later
On August 30, 1927, Leonard Kephart became the first American to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. The son of writer and conservationist Horace Kephart, Leonard was in Africa conducting agricultural research when he made the climb.
One hundred years later, I plan to follow his route, with the goal of reaching the summit on August 30, 2027.
I recently visited the archives at Western Carolina University to read Leonard’s African journals and study photographs from his expedition. His account brings the experience to life: wool socks pulled over cold hands, a night spent in a cave, and the exhausting effort to keep moving toward the summit.
He wrote:
“The next five hours were simply a continued effort to keep going ahead. Progress was extremely slow but at 12.50 on that afternoon of August 30 we scrambled through a notch in the glacier at the top of Kibo and stood at the top of Africa.”
Image courtesy Marangu Hotel
I’ll follow what is now known as the Marangu route and tell the story through photography and writing. Where locations can be identified, I hope to pair Leonard’s photographs and journal passages with contemporary views of the mountain.
Along the way, I want to learn from the Tanzanian guides and porters whose knowledge and work make these journeys possible. Their stories will be part of my account of the mountain today.
The project will bring together historical research, outdoor adventure, and a new photographic record to share through essays, presentations, and partnerships.
Be part of the journey
I’m seeking partners for the Kilimanjaro centennial project who share an interest in outdoor adventure, photography, history, and storytelling.
Support can include funding, equipment, travel, or services. Depending on the partnership, we can develop:
A collection of photographs for use in your communications.
Stories and field updates featuring your contribution to the journey.
An illustrated presentation for your team, customers, or community.
Recognition across the project’s website, updates, and presentations.
I’d welcome a conversation about what we could create together.
Japan’s Shin-etsu Trail
A connection to home, halfway around the world
My trek along Japan’s 110-kilometer Shin-etsu Trail brought together my love of hiking, photography, and the story of George Masa.
Inspired by the Appalachian Trail, the Shin-etsu offered a connection between the mountains I call home and the country Masa left behind. Walking it gave me a chance to explore that connection firsthand and meet people who care deeply about their own trails and landscapes.
My journey has been featured in Backpacker and The Japan Times. The photographs and stories continue to inform my work with the George Masa Foundation and my talks about conservation, community, and the generosity we encounter along the trail.
An outdoor life
I’m based in Asheville, North Carolina, where the mountains have shaped much of my life and work.
I’m an Appalachian Trail maintainer, an Outward Bound Outdoor Leader course graduate, and a Leave No Trace Master Educator. I founded the George Masa Foundation to help young people connect with and care for the natural world through photography and storytelling.
From the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Mount Fuji, time outdoors keeps giving me new things to notice, new people to learn from, and stories worth sharing.
My TEDx talk, We Are Trail Magic, explores how small acts of generosity help us care for one another and the places we share.