Teaghan Skulszki Archives - ��ԹϺ�� Online

Where the Wild Hats Are: The Viral Account Documenting Bozeman’s Top Airport Accessory

tskulszki — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 11:06:24 +0000

These days, nobody seems to dream about becoming a superhero anymore; instead, everybody wants to be a cowboy. Thanks to pop-culture phenomena like the hit TV show Yellowstone and Beyoncé’s latest country album, cowboy culture has hit the mainstream in a big way. For many folks, the trend represents not just the ranching lifestyle but a celebration of freedom from the mundane. The allure of those ideals has some people rethinking their vacations. Over the past few years, we’ve seen more folks saying goodbye to all-inclusive beaches and saying hello to guided hikes and whiskey tastings in the American West. The result is an influx of tourists to places like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Bozeman, Montana. But while plenty of people are packing their boots and bandanas for their Western vacays, we’re impressed most impressed by travelers’ dedication to the crown jewel of the aesthetic: the cowboy hat.

On that note, please meet our new favorite Instagram account: . This is a space committed to capturing the sojourners who are determined to travel in headwear that—while perhaps practical for herding cattle across the prairie—is decidedly impractical for air travel. Such wardrobe choices often leave locals scoffing. “People treat traveling to Bozeman like they’re headed to an amusement park for their own kind of Yellowstone-themed Halloween party,” one anonymous Montanan told ��ԹϺ��. “If you’re gonna pretend to play cowboy in a place where plenty of people still make their living running beef, you’re gonna get a little guff for it.” Hence, the Bozeman Airport Cowboys Instagram account.

We’re not necessarily knocking the trend: it certainly seems nice to escape reality by pretending to be a cowboy while staying at a Hilton Inn with a nice view. And we fully believe that a good Stetson has the power to transport us from the bleak reality of the everyday to a place where we can dare to dream bigger. So consider this an ode to all you Bozeman Airport Cowboys out there. You do you. And in the meantime, we hope you enjoy this snapshot of Bozeman’s daily arrivals.

Introducing the Instagram Famous Cowboy Hats:

Let the wedding bells ring. This cowboy is getting hitched and has the hat to match in matrimony.

Protect the rim of the hat at all costs.

Forget the luggage, we’re carrying on a cowboy hat.

This globetrotter has a hat to match every outfit he packed for his trip.

John Dutton? Is that you?

Today’s cowboy hats come in all shapes and sizes–even hot pink with fur.

Cowboy hats are an accessory for every season. We’ll be sure to see a few hat-and-fur-coat combos at the Big Sky après.

What’s better than a cowboy hat? A cat in a backpack, plus a cowboy hat!

While we’re not sure these patrons understand what it really takes to be a cowboy, they do embody the resilience and drive of what it takes to travel with an accessory as delicate as the cowboy hat.

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Cool Off After Coachella At These 3 Desert Oases

tskulszki — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:30:39 +0000

Coachella’s music, scenery, and summer camp vibe makes it easy to escape from almost every aspect of reality—except, of course, for the desert heat. Around every day at 3:00 PM, it starts to feel like someone is personally taking a hot blow-dryer to your face. By the end of the weekend, most folks are a little sunburnt and totally fried. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to recover: set aside an extra day to relax, unwind, and cool off at one of these serene spots near Palm Springs.

The wave pool at the Palm Springs Surf Club (Photo: Courtesy of Palm Springs Surf Club)

Visit Palm Springs Surf Club

When you think of Palm Springs, a few images come to mind: the tall Moroccan palm trees, the bright painted doors, and the mid-century modern architecture, to name a few. But surfing? Introducing the .

The family-friendly Palm Springs Surf Club stands as a testament to the history and culture of the city. It first started as Oasis Water Park, which was built in 1986 and has since been acquired and rebranded several times, but in 2019, it found its current owners—and a new purpose.

The club’s main attraction is the high-tech wave pool, which allows surfers to pursue an otherworldly dream of surfing in the middle of the desert. The pool is capable of producing 200 types of waves at different sizes and intervals, so it’s easy to find the right surf to match your skill set. Around this time of year, Palm Springs’ temperature can soar up to 100 degrees, but the temperature of the wave pool is in the chilling 60s, making it easy to stay cool no matter the time of day.

The club itself is an experiential affair with slides, a lazy river, and plenty of food and cold drinks, says Massey Pitts, Palm Spring Surf Club’s vice president of marketing. Whether you’re looking to surf all day or just lounge at the cabanas and watch the pros shred, the Palm Springs Surf Club has something for everyone in your party.

Big Bear Lake, at 6,752, sits amid the mountains of the rugged San Bernardino National Forest, Southern California. (Photo: Ron and Patty Thomas/Getty)

Go Boating on Big Bear Lake

You may have heard of Big Bear’s famous , which is only two hours from Los Angeles, but in the summer, its namesake lake is a major draw for Californians looking for a change of scenery. After spending days soaking up the desert heat and dust, a lake escape at Big Bear is a quick adventure away that promises the ultimate relaxing experience.

One of our favorite ways to explore Big Bear Lake in its entirety is by boat. Thanks to the multiple , there are plenty of options for activities to match your adventure style. You can waterski, wakeboard, jet ski, paddle, or fish (the lake is famed for its rainbow trout). Too busy nursing a hangover? Cool off in the water with some good tunes and a cold beverage—the perfect cure, in our book.

SUP or Kayak The Salton Sea

If you’re looking for peace and quiet after the Coachella crowds, head to the town of Bombay Beach on the edge of the Salton Sea. Once a ritzy 1950s Hollywood getaway, it’s now an artist’s enclave and the lowest-elevation community in the U.S. at 223 feet below sea level.

The Salton Sea is massive, covering more than 340 square miles, and its high salt content makes it perfect for serene kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tours. Glide across the glass-like surface of the lake and revel in feeling like you’re on another planet.

Good news for bird watchers: the Salton Sea is also home to the . The refuge has recorded 400 different species and offers an exclusive glimpse into rare vagrant species, birds that stray outside their expected breeding, wintering, or migrating range.

Whether you’re a history buff, looking for a transcendental experience, or a true birder, the Salton Sea is an off-the-beaten-path destination that gives you a special glimpse into �䲹��ڴǰ��Ծ��’s distinctive environment.

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Everything I Pack to Camp at Coachella

tskulszki — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 15:27:26 +0000

If you’ve been alive the past two decades, you’ve probably heard of Coachella. The famous California music festival takes place in the desert haven of Palm Springs (first home of the Cahuilla Native Americans) amid the , Santa Rosa, and Little San Bernardino Mountains. The festival comes at the beginning of every April and runs over two weekends. The catch? Because people flock from around the world to the bask in Coachella’s revelry, the prices of accommodations can soar. The best way to avoid these hurdles but still make the most out of Coachella is to pay homage to the original festival lodgings: tents.

I’ve camped all over the country, but Coachella camping stands as one of my most favorite experiences. It offers a secret portal into the festival amenities and experiences that are inaccessible once inside the venue. In fact, I’ve opted to pitch a tent and camp every time I’ve gone. Want to give it a try? Here’s what you need to know.

Why Camp at Coachella

One of the truly memorable parts of Coachella (and most festivals) is the people you encounter, and there’s no doubt that the close camping quarters is a fast pass to long-lasting friendships. Camping means sharing gear, cooking breakfast with strangers, and sharing midnight mirth with someone you met days ago. That tends to lead to deeper connections.

At my first Coachella, my friendly Canadian neighbors cooked me an egg every day for after I told them I love to take Instagram videos of splitting egg yolks. Several acquaintances from Los Angeles became close friends of mine after we camped near each other and danced under the lights of the silent disco until 4:00 AM. Yes, there is magic at every single festival, but there’s something different about the divine spirit and community that is found under the lights of Coachella’s silent disco.

There’s also the practical element. With your home for the weekend being so close to the venue, you can be more flexible. We often ran back to camp between sets to grab supplies we needed, more , or outfit changes. Having resources so close helped us save on typically expensive festival food. Our morning breakfast routine included huddling around the cooler and rehashing the previous night over coffee. Camping didn’t limit us, it allowed us to personalize our experience to our taste and preferences.

All that said, it’s not always easy. The desert heat is real, and if you’re not used to roughing it, sleeping in a tent might come with a little bit of a learning curve. However, I find that camping turns the festival into a richer and more immersive experience. Plus, it’s only $150—hundreds less than you might spend at a hotel. Give it a try, discover a profound sense of community, and dance all night under the silent disco lights. If you’ve been car camping before, you’re more than capable of camping at Coachella.

Coachella’s Campground

The amenities at the campground are so far and wide that it has a site map separate from that of the venue. At the general store, you can buy that one item you completely forgot about despite swearing not to (i.e., earplugs). There’s also an activity tent where you can play pickleball, have a water balloon fight, or win a VIP upgrade. You can enjoy a meal hosted by Treetop Journey, a farm-to-table outdoor dining experience to break bread and connect with new friends.

The daily schedule at camp always includes plenty of activities. Photo: Teaghan Skulszki

If your legs are tired from the endless dancing, wrap yourself in a cozy hammock and cool off at the camp lounge, where no one will give you a second look if you decide to nod off for a mid-day nap. If you haven’t found a partner through your local run club yet, consider running the Coachella X Electrolit 5K and get some extra miles in.

For a spiritual experience, visit the Desert Sky truss tent, where you can relax with a yoga class or catch a guest speaker. Return to the Desert Sky later at night after the festival ends for a Kafakesuqe silent disco—for me, a non-negotiable experience.

A glimpse into the silent disco you can only access at the Coachella campground. Photo: Teaghan Skulszki

Looking to heal your childlike wonder? Head to the Field of Dreams, where you can have a field day playing dodgeball and other fun games. If you’re a thrifter at heart, enjoy an exclusive shopping experience of vintage Coachella merchandise. And honestly, this still doesn’t even scratch the surface of everything the campground offers—it’s just my personal greatest hits. One more can’t-miss? The Coachella Art Studio.

The Art Studio is a creative summer camp. Last year, I was able to redecorate my cowboy hat with a new fringe and patches at one booth, and unwind by crafting a collage at another. Over the years, I’ve made air fresheners, perfumes, bracelets, earrings, and more.

The Ultimate Coachella Packing List

This festival packing list was gifted to me by a friend years ago. It still guides me today.

Camp Kitchen

Water bottles
Silverware & plates (we did disposable for easier cleanup)
Cups
Paper Towels
Electrolytes
Cooler
Trash bags

Toiletries

Wet wipes
Towels (shower)
Toothbrush/paste
Shampoo/conditioner/body wash
Toilet Paper
Ear plugs
Skincare products
Sunscreen

Camping Gear

Tents
Camping chairs
Air mattress & pump
Plastic storage bin for our food
Speakers
Portable charger
Pillows
Blankets & Bedding
Tapestries, tarps, or sheets to block the sunlight and create shade
Clips to hang up your tapestries, etc.
Pop Up
Folding table
Bluetooth speaker

Other Essentials

Fan
Hats
Wristbands
ID
Credit Cards and cash for shower tokens
Power bank
Eye Mask

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The Best Signs from the National Park Service Protests

tskulszki — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:57:40 +0000

It has been more than two weeks since the Trump administration let go of hundreds of National Park Service (NPS) employees, and the exact impact of the cuts have yet to play out—though experts anticipate everything from longer lines to overflowing trashcans to major safety concerns. Last weekend, the , a group made up of current and former NPS workers, and other public lands enthusiasts held protests across U.S. parks. On Saturday, March 1, 2025, more than 433 different protests occurred in support of national parks.

Here is a roundup of the most creative signs we saw this weekend:

This is just one batch of the many protests that have come to fruition since the layoffs. Last month, climbers and National Park rangers in Yosemite hung an upside down flag on El Capitan, signaling a sign of distress and sounding the alarm for other cities and parks to do the same.

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Has Après Gotten Bigger than Skiing Itself?

tskulszki — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:29:26 +0000

Après is a well-beloved activity of the ski community, but what happens when the traditional after-slope hours spread to social media? Well, a lot of people hitting the slopes, some who aren’t even skiing.

Resorts are being converted to day clubs and fans are doing anything to get there, including hiking through a snowstorm. Earlier this month, a winter storm in , Colorado, created standstill traffic preventing cars from accessing the show, however, it didn’t stop the party goers who walked over six miles to make it to the set. It wasn’t just the foot traffic that was affected: a normal two-hour drive to the mountain took six that evening.

�䲹��ڴǰ��Ծ��’s has gained traction over social media for their weekly après where Los Angeles DJs often perform. Now influencers and music lovers alike are making the trek just to catch a show and not even hit the slopes. Skiers and snowboarders reported waiting in line for over two hours to get to the après party when last year there were no lines at all. This massive line is an effect of scanning IDs to enter the event space, ensuring they aren’t serving minors. These seasoned skiers joked about watching the view from the top level because they couldn’t deal with the new crowd.

This past weekend, one of the most popular DJs, John Summit, held multiple shows in , California, for his “Experts Only” festival. Included: a stage that was placed against a double black diamond hugged with moguls, an advanced request for skiers that led to comical TikToks but serious concerns for ski patrol.

Sometimes these musical acts will set out a surprise set, unknowingly to other guests at the resort, creating unprecedented crowds for the other skiers.

There is no doubt that après is a key component of skiing culture, but with the influx of music events, will the resorts be able to keep up? We’ll check in next season but until then, stay safe on the slopes and at the après.

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Snake Yoga Is Terrifying and Transformative

awise — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 10:04:49 +0000

Growing up in South Florida, a mere 30 minutes from the Everglades, the creatures that go bump in the night never really scared me, especially when it came to snakes. When I discovered snake yoga was offered an hour away from my current home in West Los Angeles, California, I was intrigued. I’ve been practicing yoga for four years and have enjoyed my fair share of vinyasas and sun salutations, but synthesizing my practice with snakes would take it to an entirely different level.

On a cloudy December day, I embarked on an hour-long trek on the 405 to . Studio owner Tess Cao opened the door to a private entrance, and I was greeted by by macrame wall art and the tangy smell of incense.

Tess and her husband, Huy Cao, opened LXR studios in 2019, but it wasn’t until the pandemic that the idea of snake yoga was born. Some people picked up baking bread or running during isolation, but Tess decided to pick up a ball python. She bought her first snake, Howlite, and integrated it into her daily yoga practice.

In June 2024, the Caos launched snake yoga. Today, LXR offers two every week for $160 per class. As it is a private practice, only one to three people are allowed in the class.

I sat on a bench in the welcome area as Tess introduced me to one of her beloved pythons. She demonstrated how to correctly handle one: gently supporting it behind the head, ensuring to keep the belly down, and not touching the snake’s face or neck. I took a turn holding the snake in my arms while sitting on the bench and getting a feel for the support and weight of the animal before meeting the one I’d hold during practice.

Next, I selected a bowl from a row lined up on a table. Each contained a different crystal hidden beneath it that represented which snake I would be paired with. I picked the Larvikite crystal, which was the size of my thumbnail and had a silver-blue shimmer; it represents grounding, tranquility, and transformation.

After the meet-and-greet and selection process, I headed to the practice room. As I rolled out my mat, I took in my surroundings of the studio’s backdrop. There were python cages all stacked on top of each other that formed a wall of snakes. I settled into the jungle-like space, and it was time to begin.

Practice started like any other: cats and cows and deep inhales and exhales. But when it was time for the first Mountain Pose, Tess gently placed Larvikite into my palms. I looked in front of me at the four-foot long, six-pound, bone-white snake as it settled into my hands, grounding itself in the space between my thumb and index finger. It wrapped around both of my arms and slithered up to my chest before descending back down to my hips.

Fear bubbled up in my chest, and my diaphragmatic breathwork turned into nervous tension. From there, my classmates and I moved into Tree Pose, using our snakes as extensions of our branches.

At this point, I was sweating—my forehead was soaked, and I was breathing deeply with anxiety and apprehension. I’m used to practicing in a room heated to 112 degrees Fahrenheit, and this class was closer to 75 degrees. But adding a six-pound weight in the form of a snake mimicked my usual Yoga Sculpt classes. While meditating in a pose, my limbs began to shake from the weighted resistance.

Breathwork, the act of breathing in and out in conjunction with various poses and movements, is a key component of yoga practice. The added python made it difficult for me to breathe, causing me to break into a sweat. I found it hard to focus on my breath while I felt the spine of a snake crawling over my shoulders. Larvikite and I were only one-third of the way through the class and I already felt exhausted. But as I got used to the snake, it became easier to keep up my concentration.

After Tree Pose, I transitioned to a Warrior Pose. I have never felt more like a warrior than with my legs spread wide, in a fighting stance, with a serpent wrapped around my neck. At the precise peak of our Warrior Two, Tess recounted the ancient royals and pharaohs of 50 B.C. who would wear snakes as accessories to display their power and status. At this moment, Larvikite was no longer a focus in my practice but had become a part of it.

The author practicing snake yoga (Photo: Teaghan Skulszki)

Next, came Camel Pose. While I placed my hands on my lower back, opening up my chest to the ceiling, Larvikite explored my posterior. I felt the push of her muscles contracting as she slithered down my spine, giving me a slight massage. Because pythons are cold-blooded and use their environment to regulate their temperature, Larkavite was attracted to my body heat. I felt her forked tongue flick out to take in her surroundings as she slithered from my back to between my arms.

The practice was closing and our cool-down to Supine started. I went to touch my toes and Larvikite stretched with me, both of us grounding ourselves from the practice. We went into a Runner’s Lunge, and I felt at peace focusing on the deep stretch while Larvikite wrapped around my neck. We then transitioned into our final Savasana, Larvikite gave a final slither across my body before Tess came to collect her. By the end of our practice, I missed having a friend attached to me by the hip, arm, or shoulder.

Since I’ve taken the class, I’ve successfully boasted about the experience to every person who will listen. Initially, I expected the practice to be just another trendy yoga class that substitute goats with snakes, but Larvikite helped me find new depths to my breathwork and concentration. I won’t be adopting a ball python anytime soon, but I’d practice yoga every week with a snake if I could. For now, though, I’ll keep working on my cobra pose.

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Teaghan Skulszki Archives - �����ԹϺ��� Online