Join Shea On The Adventure of a Lifetime!

Wandering and Exploring The Americas & Beyond!

We’ll visit big cities, check out little towns, trek through the wilderness, visit destinations you’ve never heard of, rediscover your favorite locations, and uncover a world waiting to reveal its secrets.

It’s a journey that’s more than just traveling and exploring. It’s about expanding your reality.

More Episodes of Exploring the Unexpected…

A collage-style image showcases a steel bridge with a sign reading "Exploring the Unexpected." It features two smaller photos: a smiling man in glasses, the Ashland WI lighthouse, a church, a mine tunnel from Quincy Mine, and a man with a drink. The Hiking CEO logo by Shea Oliver is displayed.
A man with curly hair and glasses leans over a large rock, mouth open in excitement. He's wearing a gray shirt. The text on the image reads "Exploring the Unexpected: Minnesota Part Two." The background shows a path and greenery near Split Rock Lighthouse.
A person with curly hair and glasses smiles in a selfie. Behind them is a large statue of a lumberjack in a red plaid shirt, holding an axe. The text reads: "Minnesota Part One" and "Exploring the Unexpected." Trees, a partly cloudy sky, and hints of Split Rock Lighthouse complete the scene.

Shea's Ultimate American Quest

To Experience and Share every
National Park • National Forest • National Grassland • National Monument • National Park Service Unit.

A person wearing a green cap and glasses smiles in front of a sign that reads "Entering El Malpais National Monument. No Hunting or Collecting." The background features a dry, grassy landscape under a clear blue sky.
Ancient rock painting on a rugged stone surface depicting a red human-like figure with raised arms and two horizontal lines overhead. Nearby are red geometric shapes and faded markings. The surrounding rock is weathered, with patches of moss and small plants at the base.
A small, stone one-room schoolhouse with a wooden roof sits in a barren landscape under a blue sky. An American flag waves on a pole in front. A rusty metal swing set stands nearby, with no swings attached. The terrain is flat and dry, stretching into the distant horizon.
The image shows a tall stone monument with a viewing platform at the top, set against a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a well-maintained grassy area is crossed by a paved path. Three flags are displayed on poles. Trees border the grassy area, leading to distant water.
A man wearing a blue cap and glasses stands smiling in front of the Chippewa National Forest sign. Behind him, the Shingobee Recreation Area unveils its dense forest under a cloudy sky.
A person in a hoodie and plaid pants sits on a chair at South Pike Bay Campground, drinking from a cup, while looking at the calm water of Chippewa National Forest on a clear day.
A metal windmill with vines stands next to a large circular water trough in the open grass field of Sheyenne National Grasslands, under a partly cloudy sky.
50
National Treasures Experienced & Shared
666 Destinations To Go
A historical cannon, olive green in color, with large wooden wheels is displayed indoors against a stone wall background.
A man taking a selfie at the Comanche National Grasslands sign.
A blacksmith wearing a protective face shield and apron works in a rustic stone forge with an anvil, barrels, and various tools surrounding him.
The image shows the exterior of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Park. A brick building with a red roof is in the background. In the foreground, there's a brick sign with the park's name and the National Park Service emblem, set on a grassy area with trees.
A bearded man in a red sleeveless shirt sits at a table with intricate stone animal carvings and crafting tools, surrounded by wooden walls and a nature backdrop in Pipestone National Monument's visitor center.
A vast, shallow part of the Green River reflects a rugged desert landscape under a clear blue sky. The arid terrain features layered mesas and plateaus with reddish and beige hues. Sparse vegetation dots the shoreline, while the water mirrors the cliffs and open sky, creating a tranquil scene.
Visitors stand near a paved path leading to the large natural entrance of Carlsbad Cavern, surrounded by rugged beige rock formations and sparse vegetation. A black metal fence lines the path. The scene is under a cloudy sky, with bare trees and cacti in the foreground.

It’s an EPIC ADVENTURE, and I want you to enjoy it with me! Connect with me on social media, and never miss an experience.

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Where in the World is Shea?

Where's he been? What's he been up to? What's he planning now?!?!?

Clicking on calendar events will reveal my Travel Journal if one exists.
You can also see where I’ve been by clicking on THIS MAP LINK.

Who Is This Guy?

Hi! I’m Shea Oliver, The Hiking CEO. 

In 2003, I launched my first online business. A year later, I told my boss to shove off, walked out the door,  and never looked back.

That moment cascaded together with every other moment in life to set me free to explore life, ponder reality, and grow.

In 2023, I made the ultimate leap to becoming a full-time nomad.

I focus on pursuing my passions of traveling, hiking, exploring, creating, and spending time with people I care about.

I believe life is an adventure. It doesn’t matter if you’re dreaming of travel, wanting to grow, or looking to change your life. I’d like to invite you to join me. We’re gonna have a blast!

Random Travel Journal Entries

Photolog and Diary

 Wanna see where I’ve been on a map? CLICK HERE.

The Mountain Quail Café in Quartzsite, Arizona.
Mountain Quail Café and Quartzsite, Arizona
Stopped in a popular local café to grab a quick breakfast after leaving Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. After nothing but my cooking it was pretty dang good.
Read Journal Entry ➔
The Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church, a red brick structure with a tall steeple, stands amidst green trees on a sunny day with a partly cloudy sky in Tabor, SD.
Saint Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Tabor, SD
In the tiny town of Tabor, SD, stands a magnificent Gothic Revival architectural style church built by Czech immigrants in late 19th century. I love finding unexpected treasures.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A white wolf lies on lush green grass, facing the camera with its mouth slightly open, in a woodland area. Surrounded by trees and rocks, this serene scene echoes the natural beauty celebrated at the International Wolf Center. A portion of another animal is visible in the foreground.
International Wolf Center
One of the things I had to do while I was in Ely, Minnesota, was visit the wolves. These majestic creatures have always captivated me, and it was mesmerizing being so close to them.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A dusty parking area at Wishing Well RV Park showcases an off-road vehicle towing a small teardrop camper. In the background, various RVs and trailers are parked. A large tree stands against a clear blue sky with a few clouds, while power lines and a utility pole are visible to the right.
Wishing Well RV Park
I needed a place to stay near Biosphere 2, where I could refill water containers and take a long, hot shower. I stopped here and got one of the few spots available next to the office.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A black SUV is towing a small teardrop trailer at dusk in a desert landscape, with a bicycle mounted on top like a searchlight aiming forward. Mountains stand silhouetted against the sky, which is a gradient of orange and purple as the sun is coming up.
Coming Up Disappointed in Searchlight
After a decision to start heading toward Washington to visit a friend on the Kitsap Peninsula, I thought I would spend at least a few days here exploring, but decided not to.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A rustic wooden suspension bridge transitions over a flowing river in a dense forest. Tall trees surround the river, and the sky is bright with scattered clouds. The bridge, like a mindful path, features wooden railings and cables casting shadows along the walkway, with mountains faintly visible beyond.
The Path is Set and My Mind is Transitioning
Decisions are made and I won't be turning back. I'm leaving my home and most of my possessions. It's a strange feeling of letting go, but it feels meant to be.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A black Rubicon Jeep is parked on a dirt road, towing a small gray teardrop camper trailer. Nestled within the City of Rocks, this mountainous, wooded area under a blue sky and scattered clouds offers a serene escape. Bushes and rugged terrain frame this peaceful outdoor scene, perfect for climbing enthusiasts.
Climbing in the City of Rocks National Reserve
There's a fantastic little bit of BLM land just outside of the City of Rocks that offers free camping. There is easy access into the city and, of course, into Almo for a beer and a burger.
Read Journal Entry ➔
A small camper trailer hitched to a Jeep is parked in a wooded area, surrounded by the vibrant autumn foliage of the Green Mountain National Forest.
Green Mountain National Forest
After leaving Peekskill, I'm on my way to the Green Mountain National Forest and headed up to watch the leaves change colors and work for a few days.
Read Journal Entry ➔
Dive Into Shea's Latest Entries ➔

Let Me Take You Into The Darkness

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