Sharing photos with monks in Paro, Bhutan

On the tumbleweed plains of southeast Colorado, people don't think about adventures much. Most come from rough stock to start, farmers and ranchers working thin land. Thinking of climbing mountains falls far behind thinking of planting crops.

This is where I was born, just north of where my ancestors had originally settled, though the dust bowl had sent them to town long before I came along. The main thing I remember about my early days is the town library where my library card and books transported me into the world of adventure and exploration.

Today I chase my own adventures, taking time to explore the world, writing stories and taking photographs along the way. My recent work has taken me cycling solo across the Kingdom of Bhutan, trekking to the remote land of the Layap yak herders, riding a classic Royal Enfield across Nepal just after they signed the peace treaty. It all still fascinates me and inspires me to share my experiences with others.

Over the next year, I plan to continue exploring the Himalayan Region, expand my services to cover more development and humanitarian work, revise my guidebooks and search out new opportunities in adventure travel consulting.

Nathan Ward is a member of the Explorers Club, the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association.