This page covers the practical details you’ll need to know before and during the workshop, including food, lodging, transportation, park passes, and daily logistics. Review the information before you arrive, and check your registration confirmation email and the pre-workshop email I’ll send about two weeks before the workshop for destination-specific details and the final itinerary.

First Meetup Times

The tentative schedule in the workshop description lists the first meet-up time. About two weeks before the workshop, I’ll send a pre-workshop email confirming the time and location.

In Grand Marais, we meet either in the lodge or conference room at the Aspen Lodge, 208 East Highway 61.

Carpooling

We will carpool during the workshop. We need to use 5 or fewer cars in most locations. If a location requires fewer cars, I’ll let you know about two weeks before the workshop.

When carpooling, always wait for the car behind you before making/leaving a turn. I’ll do the same, and I’ll pull over if the group starts getting spread out. Watch for my vehicle, and don’t assume the rest of the group has followed you if you lose sight of the car behind you. Make sure to wait for them. All drivers should talk to me about our next destination before leaving, and program that location into their phone navigation app.

Everyone should grab a map from the local gas station or visitor center.

Cell and Internet Service

Cell Service is limited in many of the places that I run workshops. You should not expect to have cell service for most of the day when we are in the field at national parks or national forests. For workshops in Grand Marais, you can expect that most locations won’t have cell service.

In some locations, the internet service at the resorts or hotels is slow due to its remoteness. Call ahead if you think you will need fast internet.

Food

Meals and drinks are your responsibility during the workshop. I’ll send destination-specific food and grocery information in the pre-workshop email.

Meal times vary by workshop, so please be flexible. Some days, we’ll need to pack a meal and eat it in the field.

Each day, bring two to three water bottles (insulated bottles for winter workshops) and snacks such as energy bars or GORP. If you’re not used to eating in the field, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an apple, and chips work well. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches don’t require refrigeration for the time we’ll be in the field. A thermos of hot chocolate or coffee is always a welcome treat.

Getting There

Location information is listed in the workshop’s description. If you need additional information, you can email or post a question for other participant’s in Team Reach.

Itinerary

You can find the tentative agenda on the workshop page. I will email you with an updated itinerary about two weeks before the workshop.

Lodging

Your lodging information is included in the registration confirmation email. If you can’t find it, contact me.

Park Passes and Permits

Some workshop locations require park entrance passes, state park vehicle permits, or parking reservations. Requirements vary by destination, so check the information I send in the pre-workshop email before purchasing anything.

For workshops that visit national parks, an America the Beautiful pass may cover entrance fees. However, it doesn’t cover parking fees, like those in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. State parks have their own vehicle permit requirements.

Use Team Reach to coordinate park passes and carpools with other participants before the workshop. If someone in the group already has a pass that covers the vehicle and planned visit, you may be able to share the cost of driving together rather than purchasing an additional pass.

You are responsible for obtaining any required passes or permits before the workshop. For more information, visit the National Park Service, Minnesota DNR, or the relevant state or park website. If you’re unsure which pass or permit you need, contact me before purchasing one.

Sunrise and Sunset Times

We aim to arrive at each location about 45 minutes before sunrise or sunset so we have time to set up and photograph the changing light. Depending on the location, this may mean leaving the hotel an hour or more before sunrise. Check sunrise and sunset times in PhotoPills, and plan to be ready for an early start. I’ll provide specific departure times in the pre-workshop email about two weeks before the workshop.

Team Reach

Before and during the workshop, you can use the Team Reach app to communicate and coordinate flights, rooms, and car rentals. We may also use it during the workshop to communicate. Check your registration email for the Team Reach code. Join right after you register for the workshop.

What if you get lost?

It’s possible to get separated from the group, but it doesn’t happen often. If you get separated, call or text me at 218-370-8351 when you have service.

Cell service is limited in many workshop locations, so pay attention to the route and the vehicles ahead and behind you. If you lose contact with the group and can’t reach me, stop somewhere safe rather than continuing to guess which way the group went. Returning to the last place that you turned and know there was another car can be helpful if I need to search for you.