This week my feature on the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route appeared in Overland Journal. To accompany the beautifully produced published version (which you can order here) I want to share the back story of what went into the creation of this article. Many times I’ve read captivating pieces in magazines and wondered how the authors planned and pulled off the trips on which their stories were based. Here’s a look behind the scenes for my story, “On the Up and Up” appearing in the Summer 2023 issue of Overland Journal.
My main challenges in this project were (1) planning and completing the trip, and (2) finding an engaging story to tell. The first was the more pressing problem to solve, because with no trip there was no story. Since writing is not my full-time occupation I had to make time for the adventure and plan it around my day job. I scheduled two days off to make a long weekend in July and put the word out in the Land Rover community asking for company. I could have taken the trip solo but having a few friends out there would make for a more enjoyable time and better photos. And I needed great pictures – this was Overland Journal.
The iconic views from the overlook on Bethel Ridge. Photo by Nick Bratton.
This was my first story partnering with a dedicated, professional photographer. I reached out to an old friend, Kris Newsom, with whom I had shared a memorable adventure in Mexico as part of a support team for the Baja 1000 off-road endurance race. Having him along freed up mental space for me to immerse myself in the trip and think about the story. It was refreshing not to be responsible for documenting the action, as well. Kris and I share similar creative ideas – we would frequently conceive of the same shot simultaneously – and his eye behind the camera contributed a rich visual spread for the article. His shots captured the scale of the landscape and the feel of the trip. We’ll definitely be teaming up again.
Kris working his magic. Photo by Nick Bratton.
A handful of people from the Rover community expressed interest and thankfully were flexible with the plan, or lack thereof. Given the short notice for the trip I didn’t share much context other than a rough cut of the itinerary and the coordinates of a meeting point high on Bethel Ridge, partway into Section 2 of the route. I didn’t know who would show up, but those who committed were good to their word. I set expectations that this was going to be a loosely structured, free-flowing trip with two goals: complete Section 3 of the Discovery Route and take excellent photos.
Thus we started early not only to cover ground in cooler conditions, but to use the dawn light to best effect. Progress was sporadic as Kris would call over the radio with instructions to position the vehicles in a certain way to compose a shot and everyone was happy to oblige. Our second night on the trail was at Lion Rock, where nature put on a spectacular alpine sunset. Not only did we have dream material for photography, but it was a relaxing evening for socializing and appreciating the beauty of this stunning landscape.
Sunset over the Stuart range from Lion Rock. Photo by Nick Bratton.
Section 3 was a treat, taking on a distinct personality from the other portions of the route. The technical crux of the section was easier than we expected and the amazing views kept coming, kept changing. The entire trip was worth it for this and thankfully we had plenty more still to enjoy. Along the way I took copious notes, describing how insects danced in rays of light, the smell of the dust, the way the light spread across the mountains, the effects of the heat, and the transformation of the landscape. These would all serve as inspiration for the writing, some aspects making it into the article, others not.
Section 3: connecting the missing link. Photo by Nick Bratton.
After the trip I went through a couple approaches to the story. Originally I wanted the focus to be on the community, how a disparate group of people came together for an impromptu adventure. This was a rewarding part of the experience, but it lacked the full suite of elements for a compelling narrative arc. There was no problem, no rising action, no climax, no resolution. It wasn’t enough by itself to lure the reader into the excitement of the journey.
I reworked the structure to center the story on Section 3, the blank spot on the map that we were going to fill. The uncertainty propelled the action and this sense of purpose became the framework around which I could weave the intersecting themes and expository information. The environment, the community, the logistics, the surprises, the secondary challenges – all these aspects now supported the narrative, bringing colour, personality, and depth to the story. All of this came later. Kris asked me during the trip what angle I was considering for the article and I didn’t have an answer. I wanted to experience the adventure in the moment without the distraction of the creative process. I wanted to grow the story organically from the trip, rather than shape the trip to a preconceived notion of what the story should be. I think it turned out alright. What is your take on the article? Please leave thoughts in the comments.