Ian Finch: 1200 Mile Expedition On The Cherokee Trail of Tears

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In this episode of The Adventure Diaries, host Chris Watson chats with renowned adventure photographer and expedition guide, Ian Finch. Ian shares his journey from Royal Marines commando to celebrated adventure photographer, known for his respect for diverse cultures and commitment to environmental awareness.

Topics Covered:

• Ian’s early influences and love for the outdoors
• Transition from the Royal Marines to adventure photography
• Breakthrough moments in Ian’s photography career
• The importance of capturing authentic cultural stories
• Significant expeditions including the Cherokee Trail of Tears
• Environmental projects like moose conservation with the Grand Portage Band of the Chippewa
• Ian’s company, Walk Wild, and its mission to connect people with nature
• Practical advice on finding adventure close to home

Key Takeaways:

• Ian Finch’s love for the outdoors started with early fishing and hunting trips with his father.
• His creative side—art, writing, and photography—shaped his career.
• Time in the Marines equipped him with valuable expedition skills.
• A chance encounter with a Brooklyn photographer was pivotal for his photography career.
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• Recent projects focus on environmental awareness and the impact of climate change on wildlife.
• Walk Wild offers guided walks and workshops to help people connect with nature.

Call to Adventure:

• “Adventure doesn't need to be grand. Doesn't have to be over months and it doesn't have to be over weeks. I think it's all about immersion. I think it's about going into an environment that maybe you don't know so much about, something where you can go and you can learn.”
• “It could be the Lake District, could be the Peak District, could be, the wilds of the West Highlands and stuff like that, or a foreign country. But it's going to a place where you can maybe spend a few days out in the wilderness or out in the countryside or wherever it may be.”
• “Aiming to making the kind of the concept of that experience about trying to keep your phone away from the experience unless you need it for navigation or you want, you get an epic sunset or see something, but to just with the goal of being as present as you can.”

Pay It Forward:
“I like a lot of stuff that people are doing out there, the BMC doing incredible things. But one of the, I think one of the things is true to my heart other than the Royal Marines Association that help veterans and ex Royal Marines dealing with mental health issues and stuff like that.”
One of my friends, a guy called Andy Jones, he passed away recently. He was an ex-army guy and he died of a brain tumor. So I think to sort of the brain tumor societies and anyone that can offer any sort of help or money into the development of research into brain tumors, I think would be a wonderful thing.”

Connect with Ian Finch:

• Instagram: @IanEFinch
• Website: ianefinch.com
• Walk W

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Fejezetek

1. Introduction and Background (00:00:00)

2. Ian Finch's Early Influences (00:01:23)

3. Journey to the Royal Marines (00:02:35)

4. Discovering Photography (00:05:32)

5. Breakthrough in Adventure Photography (00:07:35)

6. Expedition Skills and Planning (00:11:50)

7. Connection with Indigenous Cultures (00:14:57)

8. Experiencing the Pow Wow (00:24:17)

9. Lessons from the Cherokee Walkway (00:24:50)

10. Wildlife Encounters on the Expedition (00:26:45)

11. Tracking Moose with the Grand Portage Band (00:27:30)

12. The Decline of Moose Populations (00:32:42)

13. Ian Finch's Purpose and Walk Wild (00:37:30)

14. Call to Adventure and Paying It Forward (00:45:01)