Naturalists | 06.18.24
Taran Buie
Nocs Naturalist
Introduce yourself. What are you up to these days? Where are you?
Hello fellow explorers! My name is Taran Buie. I am a 32-year-old husband and father of two young boys. Originally from New York, I now call Los Angeles home. My family and I love seeking adventure daily through hiking, climbing, and exploring.
We’re curious, when did your relationship to the outdoors begin? Could you share some of your earlier experiences?
It wasn't until 8th grade when I had the opportunity to attend Camp
Chingachgook on Lake George that I truly experienced the wonders of the
outdoors. This initial exposure had a profound impact on me.
When I moved out west, I found myself drawn to the vast availability of
outdoor opportunities. Here, I have been able to further cultivate my love
for the outdoors and connect with like-minded individuals who share the
same passion for exploration and adventure.
Tell us more about being a dad…
Becoming a dad has truly shaped who I am and continues to do so. Each day with my kids is a new adventure, and I strive to teach them the importance of unconditional love. It's something I take immense pride in. Of course, there are challenges that come with parenting, but being able to actively participate in their lives brings me so much joy. I feel a strong sense of responsibility to be the best version of myself, as fatherhood constantly reminds me to be the best husband and father I can be. In this way, being a dad is helping me become a better person overall.
The ethos you and your wife seem to breathe into your children is absolutely beautiful and inspiring! What do you think is important for parents to connect on when thinking about children in the outdoors.
Having a partner who shares the same values is crucial when raising children in the outdoors. We love involving the children in the set up, care of equipment, and safety checks to improve their skills and understanding of the outside world. Keana and I love getting the chance to expose our children to new places and experiences. We believe exploration is the key to growth. As a family, we have experienced so many “firsts” together and we can’t wait to add more to our list! As parents, it’s important to be on the same page when it comes to pushing limits and resting.
How are you all spending your time outside of work lately? What are some thoughts and ideas that have been occupying your mind?
Outside of work is where the real fun happens! My partner Keana and I are
always brainstorming ideas for road trips and other exciting adventures.
Our ultimate goal is to visit all 63 US national parks, and we've been
dedicating all of our free time to making it happen. So far, we've checked
out 13 of them!
My head is currently full of thoughts of owning a ranch. Keana and I have
both fallen in love with the idea of living on a ranch and raising our
boys away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This would give us the
opportunity to spend more quality time together and create something
special for future generations.
What are your go-to materials and how do you think about them?
When I head out on an adventure there are a few things I never leave home without! My Nocs, an insulated water bottle, a first aid kit and my camera can always be found in my pack. These essentials help me stay safe and make the most of my adventures.
We’re stoked that Nocs are in your toolkit. In what situations do you find yourself grabbing your Nocs? How are they helping your craft?
I am thrilled to have such high-quality binoculars. I use them in so many different situations! Whether I'm scouting a trail, finding the best route while climbing a rock face, or using them to spot wildlife, my Nocs always come in handy. My son, Atreus, and I love gazing at the stars and mountains from our campsites, as well as using the microscope attachment to study bugs and plants.
Anything on your calendar that you’re looking forward to? We’d love to stay in touch! Where can we find you these upcoming months?
Our upcoming adventures will take us on a roadtrip through Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We are looking forward to spending two weeks camping and exploring the beautiful surroundings. You can follow along with our journey on Instagram @Tronthetrekker and TikTok @tronthetrainer. Hopefully, we will run into you this summer on a trail or at a campsite!
a
Nocs Naturalist?