Trail

Like all ideas, this one has to begin somewhere. The purpose is simply to start moving a thought forward. This will take the form of a blog, with entries shared across a variety of mediums—photographs, short reels, pieces of music, sketches, or written reflections. Stories won’t follow a strict or linear timeline; instead, they will evolve organically.

Bess DeFranco Bess DeFranco

Lake Eppalock

‘To Camp & Kayak’ (Lake Eppalock - May 2024)

Solitude is something I value highly. The opportunity to camp and kayak in such a beautiful place is truly priceless. I’ve fallen into the tradition of spending my birthday doing something like this—seeking a bit of a lonewolf adventure outdoors.

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Bess DeFranco Bess DeFranco

Eskapo Verde

‘Eskapo Verde’ (Oslob, Cebu Philippines - Oct 2025)

Conversations with friends back home felt both familiar and strangely alienating (in a good way)—coarse and grainy, like this photo, yet still beautiful because of the scenic view we were in accompanied by the consumption of good food.

“We often learn more from people who challenge our thinking than from those who simply agree with us.”

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Bess DeFranco Bess DeFranco

Altan

‘Altan’ (The Gobi, Mongolia - Aug 2015)

My Mongolian architectural studies in 2015 were a truly life-changing experience. During that time, I learned a great deal from this remarkable mentor and gained a deeper understanding of Mongolian culture and their unique way of life.

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