Who is Park Junkie?

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Not gonna lie, found you during the devastation a few days ago, but i stay because for decades i have been craving to see these places (i do not have the means) and your love for these parks is infectious and inspirational. I love your photography & videography!! ☮️💟 to you, the places and the people and creatures affected by the recent flooding!

[@imanslotboom6121]

Aussum videos devastated circonstansis

[@carbonking53]

Very refreshing to see a man so open, honest, and humble while following his dreams and passions. You sir are living the life most people are never brave enough to pursue. Myself included. Each day though I think about walking away from these chains that bind me. The chains I chose to live in. Someday I'll cast them off and be free to roam again.....Cheers

[@theparkjunkie]

Do it soon.... tick tock my friend... the clock of life doesn't care...

[@carbonking53]

@@theparkjunkie Thanks for the reply. When I was younger I was blessed to do a lot of traveling and mountaineering all over the western US, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, South America, and Europe. I've summitted 22,000 foot peaks, All 54 of the Colorado 14ers. The highest points in many states and some countries. Fly fished the legendary creeks and rivers of the west. Etc. Etc....Then 18 years ago I decided to settle down and start my own business which has been demanding and successful. But I am burnt out. Too much work and not enough play. I am working towards a solution to the problem I created. Keep inspiring us Park Junkie!

[@theparkjunkie]

@@carbonking53 Sounds like you’ve got a pretty good idea of how to find your path back to freedom. Godspeed to you…

[@pamdudley8104]

I’m so sorry about the flooding that’s impacted local residents. Though I have to say that getting to see these videos without the crowds is absolutely awesome.

[@jameschinadle5469]

What an awesome experience not having anyone around!! That's historic in itself!!

[@rowan6541]

I'm so glad I found my way to this channel! Nothing ever happens by accident.

[@skletke7543]

I appreciate a humble man like you. Its actually nice to see an empty boardwalk instead of such overcrowding. Freaks me out when so many people on boardwalk where someone could easily fall off. Take care!

[@amyocrowley5907]

I found your channel while looking for updates on Yellowstone (we're supposed to camp at Bridge Bay for a couple nights the first week of July), but I subscribed because of the joy and love you exude while sharing about the parks... It is contagious! Love your content, love your spirit. Definitely going to keep following long after this! I'm so inspired to keep visiting parks with my family!!

[@brettneuberger6466]

Thanks so much for sharing and being authentic. I’m so happy for you and the success your channel is having. Love your work!

[@mommaangela9302]

Wow! I couldn’t have said it any better about our National Parks! That was an amazing video. What a once in a lifetime experience to be there with no people around. I’m thankful it’s someone like you that can truly see how blessed you are to be there despite the devastation that nature unleashed the past few days. Keep sharing your passion for these National treasures. I’m headed to GSMNP in a week and I hope I can convey to those I share my trip with the same passion and respect for our national parks that you just did.

[@evabrom-peters5580]

So cool Todd. I’m glad to see you living the life, I’m jealous. I can’t believe it’s been 25 years. It looks like you’ve spent them well. Stay safe.

[@theparkjunkie]

Super cool to link up with you again Eva! Cheers

[@JPF1018]

It’s obvious to me that the beauty you behold in all of the parks has moved your soul. Enjoy! Yellowstone is one of my faves. The first park I ever went to was Yosemite-many years ago. I’m still awed by the splendor. What a beautiful place we are gifted to inhabit.

[@barrya5191]

Great Bio. Loved to hear your story. NPS should hire you and put you on tour as an ambassador for the park system. The Great Smoky Mountains is our home park In fact we leave Sunday for Cades Cove Campground.

[@robmills7611]

Great story! Great life, spent a lot of time in Yellowstone and the tetons over the decades and numerous others, my personal favorite was glacier but l love Yellowstone and the tetons and I am truly envious of your lifestyle. I spent my life as a career high end bartender and way back when I use to manage record stores. I am now disabled and unable to travel let alone backpack or anything like that. I really love your channel that I just discovered this past week and if I could turn back time I would have loved to have followed in your footsteps. Keep up the great work and God bless you brother!

[@miak6859]

Thank you so very much for sharing

[@altsticksman1951]

Thank you for making these videos. Former employee here. There is no finer place on Earth, and you show the beauty so well. We stayed after the OFI closed, and it is truly magic when all the people leave. We got to climb all the way to the roof in the Inn, which after many visits was the top of the cake… hope you have a great summer, and look forward to more.

[@juliesatterfield7004]

I respect you and your testimony about your life and finding your calling in being the Park Junkie. God bless you.

[@Backroad_Junkie]

Over the past 27 years, I've been to 25 National Parks (27 if you count the two that were National Monuments when I visited them), 17 National Monuments and Memorials, 9 National Historic Sites, 3 National Recreation Areas and driven 2 National parkways. Every single one of them was worth visiting. There are also quite a few State Parks around that could rival some Federal sites. Need to get out and explore the country! By car on the backroads, lol... And of course, thanks for the updates, Park Junkie!

[@JaxBespoked]

I'd say those NM upgrades count. But the St. Louis Arch as a NP really sticks in one's craw.

[@spiercephotography]

Don't forget the National Forests on your travels too! They get less publicity than the more famous parks, but they're so amazing and peaceful!

[@Backroad_Junkie]

@@JaxBespoked I have often thought that the reason something becomes a national park these days, is because some congress critter got high enough in the food chain to be able to get the votes... 😁

[@Backroad_Junkie]

@@spiercephotography Honestly, I've never actually kept track of how many National Forests I've been to/through. They seem to be just a bonus getting to another destination. Used to go up to the Boundary Waters in the Superior National Forest every year for a decade before I started road-tripping. So I suppose they were trips to the SNF, but I still consider them trips to the BWCAW. And you can't help but go through seemingly dozens if you get off the interstates and get on the US Highways through lightly populated areas. So no, I haven't forgotten about them, I just haven't kept track, lol...

[@theparkjunkie]

Nice to keep count! I've done 57 of 63, but I've lost count on the others... I'm probably in the 250-300 range out of 434... Sounds like we've both got a few miles left to travel on this journey...

[@kennielsen8369]

Was in Yellowstone 40 yrs ago as a kid with my parents and loved it. Have always wanted to return and finally planned for one in late July (hell or high water)! Really sad whats happened but that’s Mother Nature. Will look for you when we’re passing through. Thanks for the videos!

[@carlblenkin6776]

Hi, Just a note to say thank you for sharing and so glad you have found a place in this world. I have been enjoying your videos and and realize how wonderful the National Park system is in the country. Your photos and photography is beautiful. Thanks for the flooding updates. Enjoying your free spirit.

[@koala6607]

I have already made up my mind that before I die, I will donate everything to the National Parks 🥰

[@cellgrrl]

What a beautiful tribute to our amazing park system and it is very special how you express your gratitude for these natural and spiritual places. Yellowstone is my favorite of the parks I have been to, but I have many more to see. They are national treasures for a reason. Thank you for this awesome channel. Blessings.

[@magooracing]

Great history about yourself. Photos and videos are top notch. I like your calm voice, you describe things without drama, unlike the tv folks. Keep up the good work!

[@kiminaz]

Your channel is the most reliable source for updates in my humble opinion. Rode our MC’s hundreds of miles in and around the park in 2018 after leaving Sturgis. My friend is a seasonal employee (a chef) at Beartooth Cafe in Cooke City. Say hi to Luis from his friends in Yuma, AZ.

[@theparkjunkie]

Just stopped in there and had a beer last week on a moto ride up from Cody. Love that place!

[@raeharrell]

Thank you for sharing your story. The natural world has you on a good path, one that many of us aspire to walk. Your insight and maturity is evident. Keep it up, we all benefit

[@robertgartland8802]

Beautifully said, I’m glad I came across your channel, I’ve put you right into my daily viewing. Thank you! -Bob ✌️☮️

[@wyomingadventures]

🌟 Grand prismatic spring is definitely my favorite in Yellowstone. There's not words to explain how beautiful it is. I love the mud pots and the sulfur lake. Yellowstone is truly an amazing place! So much to see. I highly recommend going backpacking in Yellowstone. You will see things that you don't see from the main roads and board walks. Just bring bear spray on a shoulder holster and bear buckets for your food. Hang in the trees at camp. Guaranteed its totally worth seeing with a backpacking. Wind River mountains are my number one favorite range to see. Most rugged area in the lower 48. Doing a great job Road Junkie! Thank you for everything you are doing. All the Parks are so beautiful in our country. Devils Tower is a great place to visit too. Stop and see the prairie dog town just before going into see Devils Tower. Utah has some awesome parks too see too. The colors will amaze you plus all the different rock formations. You are so right about all the national parks our country has. Creator lake and Mount St Helen's totally worth seeing.

[@franks6857]

You are what is called "Living the Dream!" Be safe and have fun!

[@robmills7611]

No kidding!

[@bretthornhill2755]

My wife and I are in shock. We were in the park for the first time on June 7-10. It was sunny and beautiful for those 4 days. We got back Sunday to Arkansas and woke up Monday to see all the flooding! Keep doing what you're doing. Love your channel and we subbed right away. I also tell others of your knowledge of this mystical place!

[@loragunning5394]

I had the great good fortune to work for a season in Sequoia Nat'l Park, almost 50 years ago now, and like you, it changed me and gave me an appreciation for our national lands that I cherish to this day. To live beneath the majestic Giant Sequoias, to watch the forest change and grow thru late winter, spring, summer, fall, and then early winter, was a deeply spiritual experience for me, culminating with a hike to the top of Moro Rock on a full moon August night, along with 2 park ranger buddies and a co-worker, that left me feeling profoundly connected to this planet and universe we all call home.

[@virginiaallen4723]

I resonate with your thoughts. I love the national parks. I have tried to visit as many as possible. I have written kindle guides to some of them. My favorites are Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Cedar Breaks and Yellowstone. Living in Utah allows me to visit these. When I was 8 I went to Yellowstone for the first time and fell in love. I have been back 19 times. Now I am too old to return, so your videos are a special treat. National parks have kept me sane all my life. They are the best cure for depression. Thank you.

[@maryt2887]

First found you through your coverage of the devastating floods in Yellowstone. Love your perspective and appreciation of our National Parks. I’ve been to a few, and watching you has made me eager to visit more.

[@theparkjunkie]

Welcome aboard!

[@3obryans]

Love your attitude and commitment to the places God made. So pleased to have found your channel. All the best!

[@lifeisshort..1685]

OMG, beautiful pictures! I want to get to the parks, it's time. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@71littleone]

Last summer, I decided at age 68 years old to work in Yellowstone Park and I was hired in hospitality at the Lake Lodge. Best experience ever and believe me, I earned my stay in this magnificent national park! I'm excited to follow your adventures this summer since I could not return. I hope to be there next summer, God willing!

[@jonathanwilson2024]

Thanks for the incredible updates so far from Yellowstone! Your on the scene reporting has been some of the best info I've been able to find related to the park's conditions. Well done on the video work and love your story! Thanks again for the hard work, much appreciated!

[@handiman5001]

you popped up in my suggested section and I klicked and I think I'm HOOKED your updates from Yellowstone have been a great. I'll be watching your other videos and waiting for your new ones - STAY SAFE

[@stevearita3267]

Great video, and appreciate you sharing a little more about yourself. I just found your channel during the flood, and am truly glad I did. Your reporting out is so helpful and valuable to all us Yellowstone savages from a long time ago. Couldn't agree with you more...America's National Parks are like no other. I live only 3 hrs from Yosemite and I visit it several times a year, especially in the spring and in the fall....and I never tire of it. You are so fortunate to have the Park to yourself...and to work at Lake. Take care and stay safe!

[@bweaver760]

Thank you for sharing your living life through our national treasures of our national parks. I was just up in Yellowstone park three weeks ago and got some awesome pictures! We are a blessed country. Getting to be in that park without the crowds is really something to behold!

[@danniellearceneaux-healthw1810]

Love your story my friend!! Stoked you keep following what nourishes your soul and you bring us along for the ride 🤙 🤩💗🙌

[@theparkjunkie]

Thanks Danni!

[@doglovrsnowflake5263]

Thank you so much for the information from within the park after the devastating flood. It's wonderful to see the parts of the beautiful park that are still in tact and know that it will endure. You're awesome!!

[@photojed]

I was there at Yellowstone in 1986. What a beautiful place. I've been wanting to revisit the park for many years now, time is my enemy! I found you a few days ago and now i'm a subscriber. Heartbroken to see the devastation the floods have caused around the park and its surrounding communities. I love how you present the park to us. Fantastic orator, great videographer and you've built up quite the knowledge on our National Parks. Looking forward to viewing more videos of Yellowstone and the Tetons. BTW I like how you ended this video...a long walk away from your camera knowing no one will pick it up and run off with it LOL.

[@mikezimmermann2908]

I also found you from your recent Yellowstone videos, have subscribed and am enjoying your videos and mindset! I was in Yellowstone at this time 2 years ago, it's an amazing place and its sad to see what's happened, but Mother Earth does what she does. I'm headed to Mesa Verde today, be there next week, then on to Chaco for a few days. I am with you, our National Parks are a treasure and we're very fortunate to have access to them. Take care Brother!

[@thomasturro2308]

It's the passionate take on Yellowstone and the other NPs that speaks to me. As a former YNP (Xanterra) employee, I appreciate the fresh perspective and insight on what the parks can offer. Thanks for the great "reporting" of conditions inside Yellowstone over the past few emotional days of flooding, etc. Todd, you should be a news correspondent...or a YNP snow coach guide at the very least, although I know that may be counterproductive to your passions ;)

[@mistyty8234]

Excellent videos and thank you so much for sharing your experience with us all.

[@psalm6273]

Thank you so much for keeping us informed! My husband and I are 2 new subscribers to your awesome channel. We were blessed to visit last month, May 15-22 and split the wk in a cabin at Lake Yellowstone Hotel and the last half in Gardiner along the Yellowstone River. It was truly a magical experience. The first night we saw the beautiful lunar eclipse reflecting over Yellowstone Lake. Everyday was a new adventure and you truly felt you were on a different planet. We are saddened by this natural disaster and are thinking and praying for all the great people that work and live there. God bless you for keeping us informed here in Indiana. Be well, stay safe and keep enjoying one of the most beautiful places on this earth.

[@cathlynmosby2216]

Your videos are fantastic, thanks so much for sharing the beauty! I wouldn’t be able to experience this majestic grandeur without you.👍

[@celestenova777]

What a beautiful place and amazing for you to have a job amongst all that glory, great video! 🌳🌞.

[@buckrodgers7320]

Thanks for all your views of our wonderful National Parks and keeping us up to date on what’s going on in Yellowstone with the flooding! Yellowstone and Zion are two of my favorites!!!

[@davepalmerton2429]

Like others, I found your channel looking for info on the floods and have happily subscribed. My wife and I visited Yellowstone four years ago and absolutely loved it, we hope to return soon. I share your love for the parks and outdoors in general. I'm praying for the people who have lost so much with the floods, may God bless you all.

[@sharonlarson2060]

what a great life you have!! you have been blessed!!! I ll never be able to enjoy all these parks but thru your eyes I can see all the beautiful places.tks

[@jessiedipzinski1427]

Thanks Park Junkie! Love it!❤️

[@debzfiedler6100]

Thank you for your personal revelations here. It really touched me and has given me some things to think about.

[@jayolson578]

I stumbled across your channel because of the floods. My wife and I just went thru the Park a week ago and did the figure 8 and saw some amazing and beautiful scenery and animals. It was my second time going thru the park and her first time. We left out the north entrance Gardnier and can’t believe all the destruction. Awesome to see how the Parks had such a positive influence on you and I’m sure your parents and family are proud of the man that you’ve become. Keep up the amazing videos and keep killing the content. Your channel will only get bigger..🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@jeffdouglas5084]

Just discovered your channel as I was searching for info on the flooding in Yellowstone. Have been to the park 4 times now and can honestly say it is my favorite place I have ever been. Our national parks are a true treasure. Looking forward to a trip to Olympic this summer and definitely have Zion and Bryce next on the list. Appreciate your content. Keep up the great work.

[@LovefortheUnloveable]

Thanks for all of the updates, and for sharing a bit of your personal story. God bless.

[@jonellwhitehead5315]

Keep doing your “thing” and keep sharing it with us….thank you!

[@meribellejames5985]

Thank you for sharing your experiences giving us a glimpse of both you and our beautiful country.

[@dr.susanchaudoir8576]

Keep these vlogs coming! You have a love for parks and outdoors that sines right through … and so knowledgeable. Wow. Please consider a 25 anniversary of revisiting all these parks you showed in this post 25 years later …. Of course after you finish your ride this summer at Yellowstone. Can’t wait till next update!

[@sunne3894]

Mother Nature HEALS in such an Incredible way......Living the life, too; Thank You for sharing; " Into The Woods I Go, To Discover My Spirit & Soul".......

[@goldenswithoutbordersrescu5128]

Thanks for these videos Todd. My family and I were up there last week. Stayed at Lake Jackson lodge. Our vacation ended on Sunday and just can’t believe this. Be safe and looking forward to more updates. -Sheila from Las Vegas

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Thank you for your reports . Really appreciated your reports on what happened in Yellowstone .good reports .not conflicting . Stay safe .

[@monicahilderbrand2045]

We're going to try and connect with you when we're in the park three weeks from now. Your videos have eased our concerns when we thought our trip that's been years in the making would have to be cancelled. Stay safe and keep doing what you're doing. We appreciate it!

[@OkieJammer2736]

What fantastic views you're giving us. THANK YOU!

[@eyalofer5015]

Very interesting. You are blessed that you can live this way in this beautiful land

[@dublbee3080]

Dude, I greatly appreciate what you are doing here. Thank you.

[@johnomahony7364]

Hey man. Thank you so much for these update videos. Loved hearing your story too. My group is still coming July 8 to Yellowstone but we are staying in the southern most part of the park. I'll keep an eye out for you to say hello. If you see a group of people with Boyscouts Troop 97 shirts that's us !!

[@JUDYDAK]

Awesome story and thanks for sharing. Take care out there and keep doing what your doing!

[@victoriaburkhardt9974]

Thank you.

[@dianebeaulaurier2044]

What a great story about your life. Thanks for sharing and for sharing our fantastic National Parks. 😊

[@theparkjunkie]

Thank you Diane. I appreciate your comment. 🙏

[@derekwalters4980]

Sunscreen my bother!!! Appreciate the update on Yellowstone, and the pictures that you're able to capture for us. I'm so stoked that I found your site. Obviously I'm going to be busy going back on your past videos, but for now, being our eyes on the ground for the happenings at Yellowstone is much appreciated. Take care and stay safe, we're praying for everyone. Does anyone have an idea when the Feds are going to come in a assess the damage and get a plan together?

[@jetsettrs]

Great to hear about all the places you have explored! It is such a special part of my life to have experienced National Parks like we have by living there and enjoying it every day!

[@brikwil]

Thank you for sharing! I am honestly jealous of your journey, because I have always believed that our national parks are our greatest treasures, yet I have been able to visit so few of them. I'm in West Virginia, so it was fun to see your shot of visiting our own New River Gorge! Cheers!!

[@theparkjunkie]

Mad LOVE for the Mountain State! Spent several winters at Snowshoe, tending bar at the Top of the World!

[@brikwil]

@@theparkjunkie - So cool! My family and I have a camp at Green Bank, so I visit Snowshoe a lot. In fact, one of my hospitals has a golf tournament there each summer. I don't even play golf, but I am co-chair of the tournament so I can stay a few nights in the Village on top!

[@trishherbert6310]

You are very fortunate that you were blessed brother. You're living it up. God bless. 😇❤🙏🏼

[@sugs1258]

Watching from Ireland and putting Yellowstone on my “to visit” list…🙏

[@stephensfarms7165]

Thanks beautiful place. Been there 2 times 35 years ago.

[@Lily-lt5pr]

My new favorite channel!!

[@stevephillips7884]

Thank you for the play by play. I worked at Old Faithful 3 Summers and have lived half my life close by.

[@ToddandHolly]

I found your channel by accident while searching for Yellowstone info but I’m so glad you popped up! I subscribed and am looking forward to watching your previous videos. Thanks for sharing your personal story. I’m so glad nature inspired you to be your best and brings you such joy. Nature makes me happy too😊 I’m happy so many people have found your channel recently and wish you much success! -Holly

[@PatchGirl68]

I share your feelings about the parks. WIth each visit to a park something always touches my soul and bring tears of joy. I’m weird like that…LOL!

[@FindFitnessWithSharon]

Todd, you are doing a wonderful job keeping everyone informed of what is going on. I was just in Yellowstone 5/16-5/17. First time and found you channel as I wanted more information as to what was going on. Very sad what has happened to the communities north of Yellowstone. Obviously it has impact those like you who work there and all who want to visit this historic place. As a fellow YT I am so glad to se you are getting the growth you so deserve. I have been to the Arches and Grand Canyon and your videos will help find more place I want to visit. Thank you!

[@mysticvirgotarot]

Thank you for such a beautiful video 😍 Love it!!!

[@drylandswim]

That really must feel so amazing to be there with no one else around. Happy for you. Good work on the videos and updates. Appreciate the channel

[@irmahardnett]

WHOA you have had some BEAUTIFUL adventures , Yellowstone is a BEAUTIFUL place hope to visit one day . Thanks for sharing your amazing videos love em , I'm a newbie to your channel & your videos are breathtaking keep em coming & be safe ❤

[@menzsalsa]

I am so happy for you. Enjoy that gift for being in park with no other visitors. Such a lifetime experience! I enjoy your videos. We were going to visit starting June 14. But well… Hopefully another time. Amazing that 150 years park and nature decided to celebrate it it’s own way.

[@russelljackman1413]

You ARE blessed! Thanks for all you do, Todd!

[@Chickmamapalletfarm]

Wow! I just discovered you with the devastation these past several days at Yellowstone. I have followed your reports closely with a little sadness and a lot care for this place that means so much to me too. I went when I was 14, and next summer I plan to bring my young teens to the park. I found you through devastation, but I consider myself blessed to follow you into the future for the love of the healing power of nature. Thank you for this video and insight into you, your journey, and the love of the parks. ❤️❤️❤️

[@profdg7945]

Thank you for updates on the flooding. After watching this, I subscribed and am looking forward to learning more about you and your adventures. You did a great job of informing your audience over the last few days. Thanks again.

[@alextheis1123]

Great update and background info!

[@chrystal5665]

Really appreciate your honesty life testimony and how the Parks have affected your life in the most beautiful way. Looking forward to seeing some of these sights through your lens 😍 Thank you for putting yourself out there to share these things

[@TheOldCowboy1952]

Hey Man it's great to see your channel growing so fast. It's well deserved cause you do such a great job all around. Thank you Park Junkie.

[@bret_moss]

Thanks for sharing your personal journey with the NP’s!!

[@rayblg]

New to your channel, but I'am grateful I found you. I love this video and your positive outlook on life. I live in the Great Smoky Mountains and have been to Yellowstone several years ago. Keep up the wonderful work of sharing your knowledge and experience with our National Parks. Prayers to you my friend.

[@tangents6299]

Good to see such beauty on the flat, level plane we reside on:)

[@tcmw779]

We visited Yellowstone a bunch of years ago and loved it. Was sad to hear of all the current issues. I appreciate your updates/news, stay safe dude.

[@lindabrown6110]

Been to Yellowstone 3 times. It is my favorite. My husband and I had the pleasure of taking my elderly parents there many years ago. They loved seeing the Bison and Elk up close. Thank you for these videos.

[@JohnsonWhat28]

Another great video. I've been to Yellowstone many times and love it. Your videos are getting me in a road trip mood. Thanks!

[@melaniehall2481]

The colors there at grand prismatic are very contingent upon the skies that day . I’ve been there days when it was fairly drab and other days when it was phenomenally vibrant !! I’m kind of a Yellowstone park junkie myself .. worked there in my youth and travel there from salmon Idaho at least 6 times a season … mostly pre crowds or go in at dusk as everyone else is leaving for the day . How perfect you get to appreciate it currently in its quiet , ethereal state !!! Enjoy!!!

[@josephinegibbs3902]

What a great perspective on life and our parks - thanks for sharing! I'd love to keep seeing videos of the nearly empty park, since you are still there with all the visitors gone.

[@minicat6764]

What a magnificent view! I’m so jealous😺

[@janwaller3585]

Nature therapy ! You are blessed to be able to enjoy the splendor of the beautiful outdoors❤️