When a child goes missing there is little that a parent wouldn’t do to find them. And for William and Betty, this became their reality on a calm April day while visiting Yellowstone National Park. When 7 year old Mary went missing and was later found, they breathed a sigh of relief until they realized that their only son, Dennis, never came back to camp.

Listen now to the story of Dennis Johnson.

The outdoors are a beautiful that can be filled with light and bliss and many different ways to bring yourself closer to those you love and yourself. But they can also be filled with terror and death, imminent and oppressive. Join me as we dig into these stories that inspire you to be just a little bit more careful while you’re in the outdoors. Please rate and subscribe from whatever listening platform you use.

Be sure to join us on Patreon for exclusive content, sneak peaks, and more!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the most up to see photos and relevant episode information.

And don’t forget to send us a Campfire Confessional to tragedywithaview@gmail.com - accepting all stories from the outdoors but especially looking for those that make us laugh to help lighten the heaviness that comes with tragedy.

Sources:

Charleyproject.org; vanished.us; hike734.com; YouTube.com; findagrave.com

In 2008, two young men were anticipated their start, or end, of their high school career. Excited about playing sports and being with their friends, they had endless opportunities open to them. But those dreams and goals would come crashing down when they found themselves buried in ice.

Several rescue teams arrive to dig them out, but as they go, they feel like they will be recovering bodies instead of two living, breathing boy. Do they make it in time?

Find out by listening now!

The outdoors are a beautiful that can be filled with light and bliss and many different ways to bring yourself closer to those you love and yourself. But they can also be filled with terror and death, imminent and oppressive. Join me as we dig into these stories that inspire you to be just a little bit more careful while you’re in the outdoors. Please rate and subscribe from whatever listening platform you use.

Be sure to join us on Patreon for exclusive content, sneak peaks, and more!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the most up to see photos and relevant episode information.

And don’t forget to send us a Campfire Confessional to tragedywithaview@gmail.com - accepting all stories from the outdoors but especially looking for those that make us laugh to help lighten the heaviness that comes with tragedy.

Sources:

seattletimes.com; cbsnews.com; heraldnet.com; bendbulletin.com; oregonlive.com; desert.com; goskagit.com; seattlepi.com; firefighternation.com; fs.usda.gov; wta.org

Robbi Mecus, a New York State Forest Ranger, was a significant figure in the queer climbing community. Before her death in a climbing accident in Alaska in April 2024, she actively fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in the sport.

Robbi co-founded the Adirondack Queer Ice Fest in 2022, an annual event that created a dedicated space for queer and transgender people to connect and enjoy ice climbing. This festival aimed to reduce the isolation often experienced by queer and trans climbers.

As an out transgender woman who came out in her mid-40s while working as a Forest Ranger, Robbi became a visible and inspiring role model. She demonstrated that it was possible to pursue demanding outdoor professions and passions while living authentically. Her visibility helped challenge societal norms and provided an example for others who may not have seen representation in the climbing and outdoor communities.

Mecus also used her public platform as a Forest Ranger to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion. She was involved in organizing pride events and was outspoken about her identity. Her efforts extended to her work within the Department of Environmental Conservation, where she was recognized for advancing diversity and LGBTQ+ belonging.

Through her actions and initiatives, Robbi Mecus had a profound impact on the queer climbing community, creating spaces, fostering inclusivity, and serving as an inspiring figure for many. Her legacy continues to be honored within the climbing and LGBTQ+ communities.

Listen now to hear about Robbi final adventure, and the impact she had on the queer community around her.

The outdoors are a beautiful that can be filled with light and bliss and many different ways to bring yourself closer to those you love and yourself. But they can also be filled with terror and death, imminent and oppressive. Join me as we dig into these stories that inspire you to be just a little bit more careful while you’re in the outdoors. Please rate and subscribe from whatever listening platform you use.

Be sure to join us on Patreon for exclusive content, sneak peaks, and more!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get the most up to see photos and relevant episode information.

And don’t forget to send us a Campfire Confessional to tragedywithaview@gmail.com - accepting all stories from the outdoors but especially looking for those that make us laugh to help lighten the heaviness that comes with tragedy.

Sources:

outsideonline.com; climbing.com; northcountrypublicradio.org; adirondackexplorer.org; adirondackalmanack.com; npr.org; explorersweb.com; woodtv.com; gripped.com; adirondackdailyenterprise.com; Mlive.com; wzzm13.com