Hi, I’m Dan. I’m a retired ed-tech product designer and developer. My wife Winnie and I split our time between New Paltz, New York and Breckenridge, Colorado. We have two kids: Dylan (27) is getting his PhD in Basel, Switzerland, and Maddie (24) is a neuroscience researcher in Baltimore. We also have two dogs, Appa and Snoopy, who are a very big deal around here.
When we’re not at home, we’re usually out in Clifford, my Promaster 1500 low-roof van that I built out myself. He’s a labor of love. The engine and transmission both failed in the first year of ownership, but we’re still going. Clifford is how I get to most trailheads and a lot of shows. I’m a longtime Phish fan, so expect plenty of show photos.
Winnie and I have some big travel goals for the next few years. Last year I read Seven Summits, about two non-alpinists over 50 who set out to climb the highest peak on every continent. Climbing them isn’t really in reach for me, but standing on all seven continents felt doable, so we’re aiming to get there by the end of 2029. Europe, Antarctica, and South America are all booked and should be done by the end of 2027. On top of that, I’m chasing a 50-plus day ski season, a Nepal trek with Dylan (which doesn’t count toward the seven since Winnie isn’t coming), and a handful of longer hikes around North America.
This site is where I’ll share trips, hikes, concerts, van projects, the dogs, and whatever else I feel like writing about.